South Carolina vs. Kentucky Prediction
- Pick: Kentucky -9 (-110)
My South Carolina-Kentucky best bet is for Kentucky to cover, with the best line currently available at BetMGM, according to our live NCAAF odds page.
Let the conference play begin! We’re heading to the SEC where the South Carolina Gamecocks take on the Kentucky Wildcats in Lexington.
Week 1 brought upon a scare in Columbia, where South Carolina nearly dropped the ball to Old Dominion. Eventually, the Gamecocks merely came away with the 23-19 victory, but it has already raised red flags to the South Carolina faithful.
Kentucky looks a bit different than what we’re used to, and we’ll get to that a little later. However, with somewhat of a new look, the Wildcats started 2024 with a bang, throttling Southern Miss in Week 1 by the score of 31-0.
Where does the betting line lie in this SEC matchup? Read below for my South Carolina vs Kentucky prediction, pick and college football Week 2 odds for Saturday, September 7.
South Carolina vs. Kentucky Odds
| South Carolina Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+8.5 -110 | 41.5 -110o / -110u | +270 |
| Kentucky Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-8.5 -110 | 41.5 -110o / -110u | -340 |
- Point Spread: South Carolina +8.5 (-110) · Kentucky -8.5 (-110)
- Total: Over/Under 41.5 (-110o/-110u)
- Moneyline: South Carolina +270 · Kentucky -340
South Carolina vs. Kentucky Preview
South Carolina Gamecocks Preview: Avoided Disaster in Week 1
With the departure of Spencer Rattler to the NFL, it opens up the door for LaNorris Sellers to run the offense. He left much to be desired when he used his arm but ran the ball well — running for 102 yards and a rushing touchdown. Sellers expressed on Tuesday that he felt “scared and timid,” so his performance on Saturday will be heavily scrutinized.
He wasn’t the only one who pounded the rock in abundance. The Gamecocks ran the ball every chance it got and hardly any receivers created any separation. Arkansas transfer Raheim Sanders rushed 24 times for a total of 92 yards and a visit to the endzone.
I’m not very bullish though on this run game. With how much the Gamecocks ran, they made no real difference – ranking 124th in Success Rate, 121st in PPA, and 98th in explosiveness.
The only receiver who remotely made a difference was Vandrevius Jacobs who hauled in 59 yards on two targets. If that’s the best South Carolina could do against a Sun Belt program, then it’s in massive trouble going forward this season.
There are some positives to take out of South Carolina last week and that’s the defensive line. Kyle Kennard, the transfer out of Georgia Tech had himself a day, with 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble.
Additionally, defensive end Dylan Stewart was named True Freshman of the Week after registering 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and a QB hit. It’s historic numbers for a true freshman, regardless of the opponent; but I have a feeling we’ll be hearing Stewart’s name a whole lot more.
Kentucky Wildcats Preview: Cats Are Running Wild
Earlier I mentioned that Kentucky’s program is looking a little bit different this season. It’s missing Devin Leary, Ray Davis and Tayvion Henderson – who all served important roles last season.
Georgia transfer Brock Vandagriff has taken over as QB1 in Lexington and fared well against Southern Miss, completing 67% of his passes and threw for three touchdowns. I was also encouraged to see the difference he made on the ground, running for 35 yards on five attempts.
Along with him, it looks like Demie Sumo-Karngbaye will get the majority of the carries in the backfield. He did an exceptional job finding holes and creating opportunities for himself, as he averaged 7.4 yards per carry.
Vandagriff had himself a myriad of options to throw to. Returning receivers Dane Key and Barion Brown (who scored twice) figure to serve a massive role in this offense, but the one guy I keep eyeing is North Texas transfer Ja’Mori Maclin.
In his first game in blue and white, Maclin generated two explosive plays – a 46-yard reception, along with a 20-yarder. I was very high on Maclin last year; it just seemed he was lightyears ahead of the competition in Conference USA. For the Mean Green, he averaged over 17 yards per catch, while bringing in 11 touchdowns.
Kentucky’s aerial attack will be significantly better than it was last year. I think the additions of Maclin and Fred Farrier, along with Key can make this trio one of the best receiving corps in the FBS.
Despite it being a shutout, I need to see more from the Wildcats on the defensive side of the ball. They’re ranked 114th in pass defense Success Rate and 97th in Standard Down Metrics. It’s not a great look for a team that has studs like Zion Childress and D’Eryk Jackson to be lollygagging against a lower-tiered program.
How to Bet South Carolina vs. Kentucky
I don’t see a world where South Carolina makes this game close.
While Kentucky has a lot of work to do on the defensive side, facing a quarterback who is still looking to get comfortable will build some confidence. There’s no flow to the Gamecocks’ offense right now, and I see them having a hard time creating opportunities for themselves.
Additionally, South Carolina’s secondary has struggled mightily. Even with interceptions from O'Donnell Fortune and Jaden Kilgore, it ranked 87th in pass play Success Rate and 117th in explosiveness.
A lot of bettors seem to think the same way, as 61% of tickets, and 79% of the money are targeting Kentucky to cover. After last week’s debacle from the Gamecocks, I fully expect the Wildcats to run wild all over Lexington.
Pick: Kentucky -9 (-110)
How to Watch South Carolina vs. Kentucky
| Location: | Kroger Field, Lexington, KY |
| Date: | Saturday, Sept. 7 |
| Kickoff Time: | 3:30 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | ABC |
SC-Kentucky Betting Trends
- 61% of the tickets and 76% of the money are towards Kentucky covering.
- 88% of the tickets and 81% of the money is targeted for the Over.
- 93% of the tickets and 86% of the money is aimed at Kentucky moneyline.
NCAAF Weather: South Carolina vs. Kentucky
