Kentucky Wildcats at Florida Gators Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 10/19/2024 7:45 PM EST

We have your Kentucky Wildcats at Florida Gators prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Kentucky Wildcats hit the road to face the Florida Gators.

Kentucky Wildcats at Florida Gators Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Kentucky Wildcats +110 (Caesars) / Florida Gators -125 (FanDuel)
Best Spread Odds: -2.5 - Kentucky Wildcats -110 (Caesars) / Florida Gators -110 (Caesars)
Best Total Odds: 42.5 - Under -110 (ESPN BET) / Over -110 (ESPN BET)

Game Info

Date: 10/19/2024
Time: 7:45 PM EST
Location: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (Gainesville, FL)
TV: SEC Network

Kentucky Wildcats at Florida Gators Preview

The Florida Gators are set to host the Kentucky Wildcats in a pivotal SEC matchup at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Both teams are coming off challenging weeks, with Florida narrowly missing an upset against Tennessee in a 23-17 overtime loss. The Gators, now 3-3 on the season, are looking to rebound and capitalize on their home-field advantage. Despite the loss, Florida's defense showed resilience, holding a top-10 team to just 23 points, and their offense, led by quarterback Graham Mertz, demonstrated potential, though Mertz's status is uncertain due to a leg injury sustained in the Tennessee game.

On the other side, the Kentucky Wildcats are also seeking redemption after a disappointing 20-13 home loss to Vanderbilt. The Wildcats, with a 3-3 record, are eager to prove themselves on the road. Kentucky's offense will need to find its rhythm against a Florida defense that has shown improvement, particularly in their ability to contain the run and apply pressure in critical moments.

This matchup is crucial for both teams as they aim to improve their standings in the SEC. Florida's head coach Billy Napier, under scrutiny for his team's performance against ranked opponents, will be looking to secure a much-needed victory to ease the pressure. Meanwhile, Kentucky will be focused on exploiting any weaknesses in Florida's lineup, especially if Mertz is unable to play. The Gators' potential reliance on freshman DJ Lagway could be a factor, as he has shown flashes of brilliance in previous games.

With both teams evenly matched and eager to turn their seasons around, this game promises to be a tightly contested battle. The Gators will look to leverage their home advantage and defensive strengths, while the Wildcats aim to disrupt Florida's offensive flow and capitalize on any opportunities presented. As the SEC Network broadcasts this clash, fans can expect a thrilling encounter under the lights in Gainesville.

Kentucky Wildcats at Florida Gators Pick: Florida Gators Moneyline

The Florida Gators are poised to secure a victory against the Kentucky Wildcats, and several factors support this pick. Despite their recent overtime loss to Tennessee, the Gators demonstrated significant defensive prowess, holding a top-10 team to just 23 points. This defensive resilience will be crucial against a Kentucky team that struggled offensively in their recent 20-13 loss to Vanderbilt. Florida's defense has shown improvement, particularly in containing the run and applying pressure, which could disrupt Kentucky's offensive rhythm.

Moreover, the Gators have the advantage of playing at home in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, where they can leverage the support of their fans. Historically, Florida has performed well against Kentucky, and this matchup presents an opportunity for them to capitalize on their home-field advantage. While there is uncertainty surrounding quarterback Graham Mertz's availability due to a leg injury, the potential for freshman DJ Lagway to step in offers a dynamic option for Florida's offense. Lagway has shown flashes of brilliance in previous games, and his ability to adapt could be a key factor in Florida's success.

Additionally, Florida's head coach Billy Napier is under pressure to deliver a win, especially against a team like Kentucky, which is also seeking redemption. The Gators' recent performance against Tennessee, despite the loss, indicates a team that is capable of competing at a high level. With both teams evenly matched in terms of record, Florida's defensive strengths and home advantage make them the more favorable pick for this matchup. As the Gators aim to improve their SEC standings, a win against Kentucky would not only boost their confidence but also provide a much-needed victory for Napier's tenure.

Kentucky Wildcats at Florida Gators Top Player Prop Picks

Graham Mertz Over 200.5 Passing Yards Passing Yards -110 (FanDuel)

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Graham Mertz's availability due to a leg injury, his performance against Tennessee showcased his ability to lead Florida's offense effectively. Mertz threw for 125 yards and a touchdown before his injury, demonstrating his capability to move the ball against a top-tier defense. If Mertz is cleared to play, he will be eager to exploit a Kentucky defense that has shown vulnerabilities, particularly after their recent loss to Vanderbilt. Mertz's accuracy and decision-making have been pivotal for the Gators, and with the home crowd behind him, he is poised to surpass the 200.5 passing yards mark, especially if Florida's running game struggles against Kentucky's defensive front.

DJ Lagway Over 1.5 Total Touchdowns -110 (Caesars)

With Graham Mertz's status uncertain, DJ Lagway could see significant playing time, and his dynamic playmaking ability makes him a strong candidate to score multiple touchdowns. Lagway has already shown flashes of brilliance this season, including a crucial performance against Tennessee where he forced overtime with a late touchdown pass. His dual-threat capability allows him to be a scoring threat both through the air and on the ground. Against a Kentucky team that has struggled defensively, Lagway's versatility could be the key to Florida's offensive success, making the over on 1.5 total touchdowns an enticing proposition.

Dylan Sampson Under 75.5 Rushing Yards -110 (ESPN BET)

Tennessee's Dylan Sampson has been a force in the backfield, but Florida's defense has shown significant improvement, particularly in their ability to contain the run. In their recent matchup against Tennessee, the Gators' defense held a potent offense to just 23 points, showcasing their ability to apply pressure and disrupt the running game. With Florida playing at home and eager to bounce back from their overtime loss, expect the Gators to focus on limiting Sampson's impact on the ground. Given Florida's defensive resilience and the home-field advantage, Sampson may find it challenging to reach the 75.5 rushing yards mark.