Mississippi State at Kentucky Odds & Pick: Fade the Wildcats Against the Bulldogs (Saturday, Oct. 10)

Mississippi State at Kentucky Odds & Pick: Fade the Wildcats Against the Bulldogs (Saturday, Oct. 10) article feature image
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UK Athletics/Collegiate Images/Getty Images. Pictured: Kelvin Joseph.

  • Mississippi State will head to Lexington on Saturday to take on Kentucky in an SEC showdown at 7:30 p.m. ET.
  • Mike Leach and Company were riding high after a victory over the defending national champions in Week 1 before being bested by a conference bottomfeeder in Week 2.
  • Collin Wilson still sees value on the Bulldogs, though, and he explains why below.

Mississippi State at Kentucky Betting Odds

Mississippi State Odds+3.5 [BET NOW]
Kentucky Odds-3.5 [BET NOW]
Moneyline+140/-167 [BET NOW]
Over/Under57.5 [BET NOW]
TimeSaturday, 7:30 p.m. ET
TVSEC Network

Odds updated Saturday and via BetMGM. Get an INSTANT $500 deposit match at BetMGM today or see more offers and reviews for the best online sportsbooks.


As stated in last week's triumphant call of Arkansas to win outright against Mississippi State, defending the air raid is not rocket science. The goal is to run a 3-3-5, dropping eight into coverage and generating pressure with defensive ends. Kentucky has the 3-3-5 part licked, running primarily out of that formation, along with the 3-4-4 for the 2020 season. The issue with the Wildcat defense has been a lack of execution.

Kentucky has been at the bottom of the FBS ranks in most defensive categories. Ranking 74th in defensive passing success rate isn't a formula for success against a Mike Leach offense. With a rank of 73rd in finishing drives, it seems everyone receives a score in Kentucky territory. The Wildcats have had 10 opponent trips to the red zone, with eight resulting in a touchdown.

Kentucky stayed in the game against Ole Miss because of the rushing game. Running for 408 yards at 7.3 yards per rush is a monstrous day that ended in defeat for the Wildcats. Mississippi State presents a tougher challenge for Kentucky, as the Bulldogs have allowed just four runs over 10 yards this season. If the Kentucky ground attack is negated on offense, this could be a long evening for the Wildcats as Mike Leach attempts to regroup after his first SEC loss.

The Bet: Mississippi State +2.5.

[Bet Mississippi State +2.5 now at BetMGM and get a $500 INSTANT deposit match]

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