Kentucky has been profitable favorite in season openers

Kentucky football will open the 2024 campaign on Saturday night at Kroger Field facing Will Hall‘s Southern Miss program. The Wildcats will be laying a lot of points in this matchup. Recent history tells us that is not necessarily a bad thing.

For those who like to sprinkle some hard earned money on some college football betting spreads, Kentucky in season openers has been a rewarding principle.

In non-conference home openers, Kentucky has covered four straight as a double-digit favorite at Kroger Field.

• 2019: Kentucky (-11) vs. Toledo | Wildcats 38, Rockets 24
• 2021: Kentucky (-31) vs. ULM | Wildcats 45, Warhawks 10
• 2022: Kentucky (-15) vs. Miami (Ohio) | Wildcats 37, RedHawks 13
• 2023: Kentucky (-25) vs. Ball State | Wildcats 44, Cardinals 14

Kentucky needed a late Ray Davis touchdown scamper to beat the number last season against Ball State, but a cover is a cover. The Wildcats have had a strong run recently riding some big second halves to beat the spread.

Will that growing trend continue this season?

The Wildcats are currently a 27.5 point favorite against Southern Miss with a total of 50.5. That’s a projected final score of 39-11.5. The number is big, but Kentucky is 12-6 against the spread (ATS) as a double-digit favorite since 2019. Southern Miss is just 6-8 ATS as a double-digit underdog under Hall.

Could Kentucky cover another big number again? Recent history says yes.

Want more coverage of the Cats? Join the KSR Club.

KSR has been delivering UK Sports news in the most ridiculous manner for almost two decades. Now, you can get even more coverage of the Cats with KSR+. Now is the perfect time to join our online community. Subscribe now for premium articles, in-depth scouting reports, inside intel, bonus recruiting coverage, and access to KSBoard, our message board featuring thousands of Kentucky fans around the globe. Come join the club.

Take advantage of our KSR+ HOMEGROWN Special to get bonus coverage of the Cats, including football transfer portal rumblings, basketball game threads, in-depth scouting reports, and the latest recruiting intel. Use promo code HOMEGROWN for 50% off the annual price.