Kentucky vs Louisville Odds: Week 1 College Football Predictions

Two programs with new coaches will hook up in an intra-state/inter-conference match-up as the Louisville Cardinals host the Kentucky Wildcats. Kick-off on ABC TV is set for 3:30pm EST and Kentucky has opened at online sportsbooks as a 3-point favorite in college football predictions for week 1 with an over/under betting total set for 47. Joker Phillips has taken over for the retired Rich Brooks as head coach of Kentucky. Phillips knows the program well as he was the offensive coordinator and head coach in waiting. Kentucky is coming off four consecutive bowl seasons and was 7-6 the past two seasons.

The Wildcats have been most productive in non conference action with a mark of 8-4 against the spread in college football odds since 2007 and they have beaten the Cardinals in 3 consecutive seasons. Phillips will have 5 starters back on offense heading into college football betting odds for week 1 led by sophomore QB Morgan Newton, who split time with senior Mike Hartline last year. Senior RB Derrick Locke returns after gaining 961 yards. The defense returns 6 starters to a unit that allowed 21points per game in 2009. UK is 5-2 ATS in college football predictions as a road favorite.

Charlie Strong takes over at Louisville after serving as defensive coordinator at Florida under Urban Meyer. Strong has quite a rebuilding job at UL as former coach Steve Kragthorpe failed to produce a winning season in 3 years and recruiting suffered. Louisville was 4-8 last year in college football betting picks and had an average score of 18-26. The offense returns 8 starters led by senior QB Adam Froman. While the unit is experienced it has not shown the ability for explosiveness or athleticism. Strong will have an equally challenging time with a defense that has just 4 starters back. The one positive for Louisville will be a much improved attitude as better efforts can be expected.