Kentucky vs. Georgia: National Media Predictions

The KSR crew shared how we’re feeling about No. 20 Kentucky vs. No. 1 Georgia earlier today. What about the national media? Although some talking heads believe the Cats will cover -14.5, all are going with the defending two-time national champions to ultimately take care of business at home. Shocker.

Here’s a rundown of predictions for Saturday night’s primetime matchup at Sanford Stadium (7:00 PM, ESPN).

Andy Staples: Georgia to win and cover (-14.5)

JD PicKell: Georgia 34, Kentucky 24

Chris “The Bear” Fallica: Georgia -14.5

If you look at Kentucky, their last six trips to Athens, 0, 13, 13, 3, 17, 10 are their point totals. So you’re looking at probably 13 or 14 max for Georgia. At some point you would expect the Bulldogs to start quicker and put 60 solid minutes together but I think it’s a good opportunity to get on a contrarian favorite here. I think Kentucky north of two touchdowns is a popular underdog. I will go the other way and take the points with the defending two-time champs.

Pat Forde, Sports Illustrated

Georgia 24, Kentucky 19. Chalk up another close call for the Bulldogs, who have beaten South Carolina and Auburn by a combined 17 points and trailed in both games for more time than they led. But Brock Bowers, Sanford Stadium noise and enough defensive playmakers (an SEC-leading eight interceptions) keep Georgia unbeaten.

Stewart Mandel, The Athletic

Knowing Kirby Smart, he’s made sure every guy in his locker room knows full well that the voters and the pundits have started losing faith in the Dawgs. That doesn’t mean they’ll come out and destroy a solid Kentucky team. They might not have that in them this year. But I’d expect a much better performance at home than they produced at Auburn.

Georgia 37, Kentucky 20
The pick: Georgia -14.5

Bruce Feldman, The Athletic

I know the Bulldogs have looked shaky at times this season, especially in the first half, but I expect them to play their best game of the season against a Kentucky team that has been really tough to run on. The Wildcats come into Athens after thumping Florida, which means they’re going to get a very dialed in Georgia team.

Georgia 35, Kentucky 17
The pick: Georgia -14.5

Barrett Sallee, CBS Sports

The trend is your friend, and whew buddy the trends in this one favor Kentucky in a big, big way. The Wildcats are 4-0 against the spread in FBS games this season while the Bulldogs are 0-3-1. The trends will continue this week. Davis is an absolute monster at running back and Georgia’s defensive front has been sub-par this season. If Auburn can get a push, Kentucky might reset the line of scrimmage 5 yards into the Bulldogs defensive backfield. Georgia will get the win, but this game screams “rock fight” and has the possibility of a backdoor cover. Pick: Kentucky +14.5

CBS Sports Staff

Against the Spread

Straight Up

Pete Fiutak, College Football News

13 in a row, 24 of the last 26, and with just 21 points allowed over the last four meetings, 62-12-2 all-time. Georgia owns Kentucky, but so does Florida, and the 2023 Wildcats didn’t seem to give a spit about history when it ran wild last week.

Here’s why this year is different – the Kentucky lines are better. They might not have the talent Georgia brings, but they’re far stronger than last year and they’re going to hold up.

It’s going to be another tough battle for Georgia, and it’ll be another moment when everyone screams about it not looking or playing like a No. 1 team, and it’ll be another tight win for a team that seems to know how to get the job done when needed.

Can Devin Leary pull through? He’s been in monster games before back when he was at NC State, and he’ll make this close, but once again, Georgia will escape with a late score making it look a wee bit stronger of a W.

247 Sports’ Brad Crawford

(Georgia -14.5) — To me, Kentucky’s season starts this weekend between the hedges. The Wildcats roughed up a bunch of bad teams in September prior to an impressive win over Florida. This game’s at Sanford Stadium, at night, which makes it that much more difficult. Devin Leary’s not going to be able to hear himself think at the line of scrimmage and you know the Bulldogs will take it personal to not let Ray Davis get going on the ground. I’ll take the under here as well. … Georgia 27, Kentucky 10.

247 Sports’ Chris Hummer

(Kentucky +14.5) — Something must give eventually with Georgia, right? The Bulldogs are 0-4-1 ATS this year. So, either they’re going to keep playing closer than expected games or they’re going to blow somebody out. I just don’t think they’re going to blow somebody out this week. The Bulldogs’ run defense isn’t what it’s been in years past – it ranks 67th nationally in rushing yards allowed per play – and right now Kentucky’s rushing attack is elite ranking eighth nationally. That’s a huge edge for the Wildcats. I’d also expect both teams to try and shorten this game given the pace they play. I still can’t pick against UGA at home, but I do like the Wildcats cover here. … Georgia 24, Kentucky 17.

USA Today Staff

Josh Pate: Georgia to win and cover (-14.5)

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