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Kentucky at South Carolina odds, betting trends, expert picks and prediction

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Breaking down Cats vs. Gamecocks with predictions.

By John Morgan Francis
mascot Jason Marcum - Sea of Blue

The Kentucky Wildcats hit the road this weekend for their first test away from Kroger Field, as they’ll face the South Carolina Gamecocks (2-1) Saturday night in Columbia.

After a sluggish performance last week, Kentucky’s offense will look to bounce back in a big way this week, and it all starts with their play in the trenches. South Carolina’s strength is their front-seven, and they’ll go head-to-head with what some believe is the best offensive line in the Southeastern Conference, at least before last week.

On the defensive side of the ball, Kentucky will need to generate a pass rush to make quarterback Luke Doty uncomfortable in his first start of the 2021 season. After registering six sacks in Week 1 vs. Louisiana Monroe, Kentucky had just one vs. Missouri and none last week vs. Chattanooga.

That’s simply unacceptable for any program wanting to be taken seriously in the SEC.

Odds

According to Pregame.com, Kentucky opened as four-point favorites over South Carolina and have been bet up to five-point favorites as of Friday morning. The over/under opened at 53.5 but has received heavy action on the under, as it’s now down to a total of 48.

ESPN’s Football Power Index is giving Kentucky just a 44% chance of a road victory.

Betting Trends

Kentucky

  • The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kentucky’s last 5 games.
  • Kentucky is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games.
  • Kentucky is 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games against South Carolina.
  • Kentucky is 6-1 SU in their last 7 games against South Carolina.
  • The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Kentucky’s last 5 games on the road.
  • Kentucky is 2-8 SU in their last 10 games when playing on the road against South Carolina.
  • The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kentucky’s last 5 games against an opponent in the Southeastern conference.
  • Kentucky is 15-5 SU in their last 20 games played in September.
  • Kentucky is 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games played in week 4.

South Carolina

  • South Carolina is 3-6 ATS in their last 9 games.
  • South Carolina is 2-7 SU in their last 9 games.
  • The total has gone UNDER in 5 of South Carolina’s last 6 games against Kentucky.
  • The total has gone UNDER in 4 of South Carolina’s last 5 games at home.
  • South Carolina is 8-2 SU in their last 10 games when playing at home against Kentucky.
  • South Carolina is 0-7 SU in their last 7 games against an opponent in the Southeastern conference.
  • The total has gone OVER in 6 of South Carolina’s last 7 games against an opponent in the East Division division.
  • South Carolina is 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games played in September.
  • South Carolina is 3-6 ATS in their last 9 games played on a Saturday.

Expert Picks

Prediction

Kentucky’s Wan’Dale Robinson has proven he’s one of the country’s best deep threats, and that appears to be where South Carolina’s true weakness lies. Head coach Mark Stoops and his staff will have their offensive line ready to protect quarterback Will Levis and allow him time to find Robinson and other targets down the field for chunk plays. Look for the offense to bounce back and carry the Wildcats to a win on the road.

Final Score: Kentucky 33, South Carolina 20

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