Kentucky football is on a three-game win streak at the perfect time, and they're just one win away from securing a bowl game. But that last win will be the toughest test they've faced in a month. After knocking off a toothless Auburn, a disinterested Florida, and an FCS darling Tennessee Tech, the Cats see their first real competition since being throttled 56-34 by Tennessee.
The Cats take the short drive to Nashville to take on the No. 14 Vanderbilt Commodores, who are 8-2 and desperately clinging to their own College Football Playoff hopes. With Diego Pavia back, this is not your grandpa's Vandy. The Commodores are for real, and will be ready to make a statement against the Cats.
FanDuel just dropped the opening odds, and Vegas doesn't see this as much of a contest at the moment.
Kentucky vs. Vanderbilt opening odds (FanDuel)
- Spread: Vanderbilt -9.5 (-122) / Kentucky +9.5 (+100)
- Moneyline: Vanderbilt -400 / Kentucky +310
- Total: 53.5 (Over -105 / Under -115)
That 9.5-point spread is a massive line for a rivalry game. Vanderbilt (8-2, 4-2) still has Tennessee left, but a loss here would officially end any hope they have of making the CFP bracket. They need this win.
Kentucky (5-5, 2-5) is in a different position. The Cats are playing with house money and all the momentum. They just went on the road as 10-point underdogs to Auburn and won, following it up by demolishing the Gators and Golden Eagles. While Vanderbilt's offense is miles better than Auburn's, this Kentucky team has found an identity. They are fun to watch right now, something that you have not been able to say about a Mark Stoops team in 2 or 3 years.
Nothing is as fun as playing spoiler when you can't win it all yourself. Can the Cats ruin Vandy's special season and capture a 9th bowl game in 10 years? We will find out next Saturday at 3:30.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time he enjoys downtime with his family and Premier League soccer. You can find him on X here. Micah 7:7. #UptheAlbion