Kentucky has been profitable favorite in season openers

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Bama-242218 — (Photo by Dr. Michael Huang | Kentucky Sports Radio)

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.

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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.

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