Kentucky Football is a Double-Digit Favorite over Toledo

kentucky-murray-state-preview — Sep 7, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats cheerleaders perform at Cat Walk before the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

In 103 days, it will be Football Time in the Bluegrass. That may seem like a long way away, but it’s close enough for Vegas to share an early spread for the Kentucky football season opener.

We still do not know when exactly the Wildcats will kick off Mark Stoops’ 13th season in Lexington. Time and TV information will be shared by the SEC and ESPN sometime in June. Vegas is two steps ahead of the networks.

According to DraftKings, Kentucky is a 12.5-point favorite over Toledo.

If you’re thinking to yourself, “Isn’t that a little high?” you are not alone. The SP+ power rankings had that number a few points lower at Kentucky -10.5.

Toledo is arguably the most consistent program in the MAC. Jason Candle has led the program since 2016. He has never had a losing season and won 11 games twice, most recently in 2023.

The Rockets won their last football game, defeating Pitt in six overtimes in the GameAboveSports Bowl, which tied Candle with Gary Pinkel as the winningest coach in school history. Last year’s 8-5 record included an SEC stunner. Toledo traveled to Starkville in week three and handed Mississippi State a 41-17 loss.

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Toledo lost star wide receiver Jerjuan Newton, the school’s all-time leader in receiving touchdowns, to the NFL, but they return starting quarterback Tucker Gleason. In his first season as the full-time starter, Gleason completed better than 60% of his passes for 2,808 yards and 24 touchdowns. Gleason is also a serviceable runner. The 6-foot-3, 245-pound quarterback led the team with seven rushing touchdowns.

There is not a ton of enthusiasm surrounding the Kentucky football program this offseason. Toledo’s success will certainly make a few folks feel uneasy about the season opener at Kroger Field. However, Kentucky has actually performed well against inferior foes, beating the last three MAC opponents by a combined score of 120-23. The Cats have not lost to a Group of Five foe since the 2016 home-opener against Southern Miss.

Kentucky Football Win Totals

If you don’t want to handicap Kentucky vs. Toledo, but still want a little action on this year’s football team, the future wagers are open for business. Over at DraftKings, Kentucky has a win total of 5.5 (over +150, under -180). FanDuel has set the line at 4.5 (Over -130, Under +104).

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