Kentucky vs. Missouri: National Media Predictions

Both Kentucky and Missouri are coming off rough weeks, losing to No. 1 Georgia and No. 22 LSU, respectively. The Wildcats and the Tigers are both 5-1 and vying for second place in the SEC East. Kentucky has won seven of the last eight in the series, the lone loss being on the road in 2020. Over the years, this game has become a rivalry of sorts for the Tigers, who will be champing at the bit to get a win over the Cats at Kroger Field.

Kentucky is a 2.5-point favorite on FanDuel, with the total set at 50.5 points. As you’ll see, Missouri to cover is a popular choice among the national media. Here’s a rundown of their predictions.

Andy Staples and T-Bob Herbert: Missouri +2.5

ESPN Matchup Predictor

ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg: Missouri +2.5

I was burned by picking against a home favorite last week (UCLA), and Kentucky stormed out to a 23-0 lead over Florida in its last home game. But I’m a Brady Cook believer — he’s one of the nation’s most improved quarterbacks with 1,879 pass yards and 13 touchdowns, and wide receiver Luther Burden III (793 receiving yards) will give UK some trouble. “I would think Kentucky will struggle to keep up with them,” an SEC assistant told me. “They’re pretty good on offense, and Kentucky can’t throw it.”

CBS Sports’ Barrett Sallee: Missouri

The Tigers are slight underdogs on the road, but they will top the Wildcats in a game that will be owned by wide receiver Luther Burden III. Quarterback Brady Cook has developed a connection with his superstar pass-catcher that is almost impossible to interrupt, and they will turn this into a track meet. Will quarterback Devin Leary and the Wildcats be able to keep up? Not this time. This will be the second straight week in which the ‘Cats get burned by a dynamic passing attack. Pick: Missouri +2.5

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CBS Sports Staff

Against the Spread

Straight Up

The Athletic’s Stewart Mandel: Missouri

Kentucky was never going to beat Georgia, but its defense absolutely imploded, allowing Carson Beck to throw for a season-high 389 yards and four touchdowns. That’s not a great sign going up against Brady Cook, Luther Burden and the rest of the Tigers’ explosive offense. Unless running back Ray Davis is planning to go off for 280 yards again.

Missouri 35, Kentucky 28
The pick: Missouri +2.5

USA Today Staff

Sporting News’ Bill Bender: Kentucky

Kentucky has won seven of the last eight meetings, and that includes one-score games each of the last two seasons. The Wildcats must have an answer for Brady Cook and Luther Burden – a connection that has helped the Tigers put up more than 30 points each of the last four weeks. Kentucky will counter with Devin Leary and running back Ray Davis – who will bounce back after a tough night against the Bulldogs. 

Pick: Kentucky wins 34-31 and COVERS the spread. 

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