Ball State vs. Kentucky Prediction, NCAAF Picks & Odds for Saturday, 9/2
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The Kentucky Wildcats begin the 2023-24 college football season with a home game against the Ball State Cardinals, which is a game they’re certainly expected to win. However, they’ll be looking to do more than just that this season, as they’d love to do more than just be bowl eligible again.
Below, you’ll find our best Ball State vs. Kentucky prediction for Saturday afternoon’s game, which pairs perfectly with a $1,500 BetMGM Sportsbook promo that we’ve also detailed.
BALL STATE VS. KENTUCKY PREDICTION: Over 49.5 points (-110 at BetMGM Sportsbook)
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Ball State Cardinals vs. Kentucky Wildcats Prediction for CFB Week 1
A new era is set to begin under head coach Mark Stoops, as QB Wil Levis is now in the NFL with the Tennessee Titans. Regardless, hopes are still just as high, as Stoops has led Kentucky to seven straight winning seasons.
Not only are the hopes high for the season as a whole, but also for this season-opening matchup. With the Wildcats facing an opponent from an objectively lesser conference in the MAC, they are favorites of nearly four touchdowns. Focusing on such a large spread can be difficult when we haven’t seen a single game from these teams yet this season, so our Ball State vs. Kentucky prediction is focused on the over/under instead.
Ball State vs. Kentucky Picks & CFB Best Bets for Week 1 Featuring Over 49.5
A total of 49.5 points is rather low for college football, especially with Kentucky at home facing a weak Cardinals defense. Not only is Ball State in the MAC, but they’re also coming off a disappointing season. They finished just 5-7 and, therefore were not bowl eligible.
One of the primary reasons for the Cardinals sub-par campaign was their lackluster defense. They allowed 400 yards per game, and that was while facing the likes of Akron and Bowling Green. Now facing an SEC opponent, Ball State fans should be nervous about the offense Kentucky should be able to generate.
Of course, the argument against that is the absence of Levis at the QB position. However, there is no need for Wildcat fans to be concerned. Kentucky will now have former NC State QB Devin Leary under center, who is more than capable of taking over. His injury last season got him off the map a bit, but 2021 was an incredible season for him.
During that year, he led the Wolfpack to a 9-3 record thanks to 3,433 passing yards and 35 passing touchdowns. We expect him to replicate that success, as the WR core of Kentucky has returned. That includes Tayvion Robinson, Barion Brown and Dane Key. Along with a transfer at the RB position in Ray Davis from Vanderbilt, the Kentucky offense should fire on all cylinders.
So, rather than sweating out a victory of nearly four touchdowns, we’ll just focus our Ball State vs. Kentucky prediction on the over 49.5 points (-110 at BetMGM Sportsbook).
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Latest Ball State vs. Kentucky Odds, Betting Lines & Spread for Saturday Powered by BetMGM
We wouldn’t provide you with our Ball State vs. Kentucky prediction and leave you hanging without the latest odds. At BetMGM Sportsbook, our pick on over 49.5 points has -110 odds, so an $11 wager profits $10 as long as there are 50 or more points scored. You can see the odds outlined below:
Point spread:
- Ball State Cardinals +26.5 (-110) vs. Kentucky Wildcats -26.5 (-110)
Money line:
- Ball State Cardinals (+1350) vs. Kentucky Wildcats (-5000)
Total (over/under)
- Over 49.5 (-110) vs. Under 49.5 (-110)
Week 0 College Football Scores
We had our appetizer of college football last weekend with Week 0, and we’ve listed those results for you below:
- San Jose State 28 vs. USC 56
- Navy 3 vs. Notre Dame 42
- UTEP 14 vs. Jacksonville State 17
- Massachusetts 41 vs. New Mexico State 30
- Ohio 13 vs. San Diego State 20
- Florida International 17 vs. Louisiana Tech 22
- Hawai’i 28 vs. Vanderbilt 35
There is still a whole season of scores to analyze ahead, so make sure you’re prepared for them by joining BetMGM today for your $1,500 bonus in time to utilize our Ball State vs. Kentucky prediction.
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