Kentucky vs. Georgia: National Media Predictions

The national spotlight is focused directly on Kentucky vs. Georgia tomorrow in Athens. All week, we’ve been treated to stories about how Mark Stoops has transformed Kentucky into a winner and glowing praise for the current state of the program. But, is anybody actually picking the No. 11 Cats to upset the No. 1 Dawgs? Not in the national media, at least. Here’s a roundup of predictions.

ESPN Football Power Index: Georgia

CBS Sports’ Tom Fornelli: Georgia

I feel like I’ve seen this story so many times already. Georgia’s defense isn’t fair. It’s the best unit in the country and has strangled opponents to death. Granted, the Bulldogs haven’t run into many explosive offenses, but I’m not sure how much of a difference it would’ve made. Plus, while Kentucky has no reason to feel bad about its 6-0 start or its ranking, it’s not as if the Wildcats have an explosive offense.

Kentucky reminds me of Arkansas in a lot of ways. It’s a physical team that can run the ball and play solid defense, but doesn’t offer much threat in the passing game. A one-dimensional offense isn’t going to have a lot of success against Georgia, and we saw what the Dawgs did to the Hogs a couple of weeks ago. I’m expecting something similar in Athens on Saturday. 

Georgia 34, Kentucky 10 | Georgia -22.5

CBS Sports’ Barrett Sallee: Georgia

It seems crazy to see a battle between two 6-0 teams have a spread as big as this, but there’s a very good reason that Georgia is a 23.5-point favorite over Kentucky in Athens. The Bulldogs are the most complete team in football and the Wildcats are way too inconsistent on offense. As mentioned above, there is going to have to be some sort of drastic change in how their offense operates to even have a chance, but their defense will still have to find a way to shut down the Bulldogs’ rushing attack, even if some sort of offensive renaissance occurs. This will be a 30-point win for Kirby Smart’s squad. Pick: Georgia (-23.5)

CBS Sports Staff

(ATS: Against the Spread; SU: Straight Up)

Bruce Feldman: Georgia to win, Kentucky to cover

What Mark Stoops has done at Kentucky has been amazing. This team has improved a lot over the past few weeks, cutting down the penalties and the turnovers, but this is a scary Georgia front seven. Worse still, Kentucky is pretty banged up on the defensive line.

Georgia 24, Kentucky 10
Pick: Kentucky (+21.5)

Stewart Mandel: Georgia to win and cover

At first glance, that seems like a massive spread for a game between 6-0 teams. But I didn’t think Georgia would cover -18.5 against Arkansas, and the Dawgs won 37-0. Also, as much as I love the Kentucky story, the Wildcats scored 16 points against South Carolina in their lone road game of the season so far.

Georgia 37, Kentucky 14
Pick: Georgia -21.5

USA Today Staff: Georgia

The Sporting News’ Bill Bender: Georgia

The line has dropped almost three points from its open, which is a sign of respect for the Wildcats. Georgia, however, has been uninterrupted in its approach on both sides of the ball. Kentucky will have to go off script earlier than expected because of that Bulldogs’ run defense, and Bennett will continue to make good decisions with the football. The home crowd will be fired up, too. Georgia covers again. 

Final score: Georgia 35, Kentucky 13

247 Sports’ Chris Hummer: Kentucky to cover (+23)

What a spread. I get it. The safest player in CFB this season has been betting the under for whatever team Georgia is playing. And I don’t see Kentucky moving the ball much. But the Wildcats do have among the best o-lines in football and play at a pace (SLOW) that will limit Georgia’s scoring opportunities. Throw in one of the nation’s top defenses (4.61 yards allowed per play) and I think Kentucky keeps this close enough. … Georgia 27, Kentucky 10.

247 Sports’ Brad Crawford: Kentucky to cover (+23)

Let me know reveal a disclaimer before getting into this — bet the under. You’re not going to see a ton of explosive plays here with two squads that play a similar style of football, especially early when the coaching staffs take a quarter or two to feel each other out. Picking against Georgia right now feels like a losing combination, but Kentucky has grit at the line of scrimmages and I believe the Wildcats can protect Will Levis enough to make something happen, once or twice. … Georgia 30, Kentucky 9.

College Football News: Georgia

Bennett has GOT to avoid interceptions. He’s been great so far, and he hit a few big throws in last year’s 14-3 win, but he also gave up two picks. He’s not going to be pressured into making too many big plays. Hand it off, keep the passing game conservative, let the defense do the rest.

Kentucky won’t beat itself – even with a few giveaways – but it won’t have the passing punch needed to pull this off. Georgia has won 11 straight in this and 13 of 14. The streak continues.

Georgia 34, Kentucky 13

Yahoo Sports Staff

Sports Illustrated Staff

Time to shock the world.