Vanderbilt Commodores at Kentucky Wildcats Best Bet – 10/12/2024

Both the Vanderbilt Commodores and Kentucky Wildcats enter Saturday’s college football action off of massive upset wins over SEC opponents. Going into Saturday’s Vanderbilt vs Kentucky clash, the Wildcats are favored by 13.5 points, while the total for the game stands at 46 points. Continue reading for our college football betting picks for this intriguing matchup out of the SEC.

Vanderbilt Looks to Build On Shocking Upset

Last week, the Vanderbilt Commodores pulled off one of the great upsets in the recent history of college football. They beat the number-one ranked Alabama Crimson Tide at home, scoring 40 points against the vaunted Alabama defense to get their first-ever win over a top-ranked opponent. This week, Vanderbilt will be tasked with trying to follow that performance up with a win on the road against a tough Kentucky team.

For Vanderbilt, quarterback Diego Pavia has been incredible all season long. Pavia, who transferred from New Mexico State after last season, has thrown eight touchdown passes without an interception. And his ability to extend plays with his legs has made him a threat at all times for opposing defenses. If he can play well in this contest, the Commodores could come away with a second straight upset win over a conference foe.

Kentucky Well Rested After Post-Upset Bye Week

The Kentucky Wildcats also pulled off a huge upset the last time we saw them. Kentucky shut down the high-powered offense of Ole Miss on the road in a 20-17 victory that moved the Wildcats to 3-2 on the season. The Wildcats had a week off last week, one they will hope leads to a sharp performance out of the gates against Vandy.

It is no secret that defense is the tool that Kentucky prefers to use to win football games. The Wildcats have allowed more than 17 points in just one game so far this season, as their defense has shut down Georgia and Ole Miss already this year. If they can make life tough on Pavia and the Commodores this week, a second straight conference win is likely to follow.

Vanderbilt vs Kentucky Matchup History

Vanderbilt and Kentucky have a rivalry that dates back to 1896. Since then, these teams have played 95 times heading into this weekend’s 96th all-time matchup. In those 95 completed games, Kentucky has the advantage, with a record of 48-43-4. They will look to extend that advantage this weekend in front of their home crowd at Kroger Field.

Vanderbilt vs Kentucky Best Bet

It is very tempting to back Vanderbilt in this game after how well they played against Alabama last week. But we are going to lay the points with the home team in this Vanderbilt vs Kentucky matchup, as we should see a letdown from the Vanderbilt offense after their incredible showing against the Crimson Tide. Expect the Kentucky defense to clamp down on Pavia and the Commodores and to win this game by at least two touchdowns.