Kentucky Wildcats vs Ohio Bobcats Picks and Predictions September 21st 2024

Kentucky is the heavy favorite in this week four non-conference matchup, with the point spread set at -19.5. Kick-off is scheduled for 12:45 ET at Kroger Field in Lexington, and SECN will be covering the action. The over/under line is currently at 42.5 points. Ohio enters the game with a 2-1 record, while Kentucky is looking to even their record at 2-2.

Ohio vs. Kentucky Key Information

Ohio is now 2-1 after their 21-6 win over Morgan State. This game did not have any betting lines available.

The Bobcats took control early, leading 14-3 after the first quarter. Morgan State closed the gap to 14-6 at the half, but Ohio added a touchdown in the third quarter and held Morgan State scoreless in the second half.

Quarterback Parker Navarro completed 12 of 15 passes for 162 yards and one touchdown in Ohio’s 21-6 victory. Despite his efficient performance, Navarro also threw three interceptions, resulting in a passer rating of 94.31. Coleman Owen was his top target, catching six passes for 112 yards.

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The Bobcats’ offense totaled 343 yards, with 156 yards coming on the ground. Anthony Tyus III led the rushing attack with 90 yards on 16 carries and added a rushing touchdown.

Ohio’s defense was dominant in their most recent game, holding Morgan State to just 6 points and 211 total yards. The Bobcats’ pass defense was particularly strong, limiting Morgan State to 136 passing yards on 15 completions. Ohio’s secondary also came up with an interception. On the ground, the Bobcats allowed just 75 rushing yards on 33 attempts.

Kentucky is now 1-2 for the season after their narrow 13-12 loss to Georgia. Despite being +22 point underdogs, the Wildcats covered the spread, and the game’s total score of 25 points was lower than the over/under line of 45.5 points.

Georgia led 3-0 after the first quarter, but Kentucky tied the game in the second quarter. The Wildcats and Bulldogs traded field goals in the third quarter, and Kentucky took a 7-3 lead in the fourth. However, Georgia outscored Kentucky 10-6 in the fourth quarter to pull out the win.

In their narrow 13-12 loss to Georgia, Kentucky’s offense put up 284 total yards, with 170 yards coming on the ground. The Wildcats moved the chains 23 times but struggled in the passing game, with Brock Vandagriff completing just 14 of 27 passes for 114 yards. Vandagriff ended the game with a passer rating of 62.89 and did not throw any interceptions.

Demie Sumo-Karngbaye led the ground attack, rushing for 98 yards on 22 carries. Barion Brown was the top receiver, with three receptions for 34 yards.

Kentucky’s defense will be looking to build on their performance against Georgia, where they allowed just 160 passing yards on 15 completions. Overall, the Wildcats gave up 264 total yards and 13 points. Georgia’s ground game was effective, rushing for 104 yards on 29 carries and scoring one rushing touchdown.

Our projections have Kentucky winning their week four matchup against Ohio by a score of 36-13. With the Wildcats being -19.5 point favorites, we expect them to cover the spread.

For the over/under, the line is set at 42.5 points, and with our projected score of 49 points, we recommend taking the over.

Kentucky’s Offense Faces Major Test Against Ohio

After a heartbreaking loss to the top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs, the Kentucky Wildcats must now regroup as they prepare to host the Ohio Bobcats in Lexington on Saturday. With their offense struggling to find a rhythm, Kentucky (1-2) will be looking for answers against an Ohio team that comes into the game with momentum and a stout defense.

Kentucky’s Crushing Loss to Georgia

Kentucky was tantalizingly close to pulling off one of the biggest upsets in program history last weekend against then-No. 1 Georgia. However, the Wildcats fell just short in a 13-12 loss that leaves them with a 1-2 record heading into their next challenge. That defeat followed another disappointing home loss to South Carolina in Week 2, where Kentucky fell 31-6.

The biggest concern for Kentucky has been their sputtering offense, which has failed to score a touchdown in each of the past two games. Head coach Mark Stoops has acknowledged that his team needs to return to the drawing board offensively to address their lack of production.

Quarterback Brock Vandagriff has struggled to generate consistent offense. Through three games, he has completed 29 of 55 passes for 313 yards, with all three of his touchdown passes coming in the season opener against Southern Mississippi. In Kentucky’s last two games, the offense has combined for just 467 total yards, including a season-low 183 yards in the loss to South Carolina.

Stoops is well aware that the Wildcats need to execute better on offense if they hope to turn things around, but he also noted that Ohio’s defense will present a significant challenge.

“Defensively, they are very, very tough,” Stoops said of Ohio. “They play very hard and they mix things up front. They play both four-down and three-down. They make you earn every yard.”

Ohio’s Momentum and Ground Game

Ohio (2-1) comes into the game riding high after back-to-back home victories over South Alabama and Morgan State. The Bobcats’ only loss came in the season opener against Syracuse, where they showed flashes of their potential, particularly in the running game.

The Bobcats have relied heavily on running back Anthony Tyus III, who has been a dominant force on the ground this season. Tyus rushed for 203 yards against Syracuse and has already accumulated 367 yards and four touchdowns through three games. Ohio’s potent rushing attack will be key if they hope to find success against Kentucky’s defense.

However, Ohio head coach Tim Albin knows that running the ball against Kentucky’s defense will be a much tougher task. Albin has been highly complimentary of the Wildcats’ defense, which has shown physicality and discipline even as the offense has struggled.

“They’re big everywhere and physical,” Albin said of Kentucky’s defense. “I don’t see a weakness. We’re going to have huge matchup problems.”

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Brock Vandagriff vs. Ohio’s Defense: Kentucky’s offense has struggled in recent weeks, and quarterback Brock Vandagriff will need to elevate his game against a tough Ohio defense. Vandagriff will need to make better decisions in the passing game and take advantage of any opportunities the Bobcats give him.
2. Anthony Tyus III vs. Kentucky’s Run Defense: Ohio’s Anthony Tyus has been one of the most productive running backs in the country, but Kentucky’s defense has been the strength of the team. The Wildcats will look to contain Tyus and force Ohio to beat them through the air.
3. Kentucky’s Offensive Line: The Wildcats have struggled to establish the run in their last two games, and much of that can be attributed to inconsistent play from the offensive line. Kentucky will need to open up holes for their running backs and give Vandagriff time to make plays in the pocket.
4. Ohio’s Defensive Front vs. Kentucky’s Ground Game: Kentucky will likely look to lean on its rushing attack to take pressure off Vandagriff. However, Ohio’s defense has proven it can be tough up front, and Kentucky’s offensive line will need to win the battle in the trenches if they hope to establish the run.

What’s at Stake

For Kentucky, Saturday’s game is critical as they try to avoid a three-game losing streak. The Wildcats entered the season with high hopes, but back-to-back losses in SEC play have put their season in jeopardy. A win over Ohio would provide much-needed confidence heading into the rest of their schedule, while a loss could spell serious trouble.

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For Ohio, this game represents an opportunity to knock off an SEC opponent and make a statement. The Bobcats have looked impressive in recent weeks, but a win over Kentucky would be their most significant victory of the season and could provide a major boost as they head into the heart of their conference schedule.

Final Thoughts

Kentucky’s offense has been the source of much concern in recent weeks, and they will need to find solutions quickly if they hope to avoid a third straight loss. Vandagriff must play with more consistency, and the offensive line will need to step up to open running lanes and protect their quarterback.

Ohio, meanwhile, will look to continue their strong rushing attack behind Anthony Tyus, but they will face a tough test against a physical Kentucky defense. If the Bobcats can control the clock and establish the run, they have a chance to make things difficult for Kentucky.

Both teams have much at stake, and Saturday’s game will be a pivotal moment for each program’s season. For Kentucky, it’s a chance to get back on track, while for Ohio, it’s an opportunity to pull off an upset and make a statement.