Kentucky football vs. Louisville betting guide: Spread, over/under and more prop bets

Kentucky football will look to extend its winning streak in the Governor’s Cup rivalry to five games as No. 10 Louisville works to stay in pole position for a New Year’s Six bowl game. For the first time, residents of Kentucky will be able to legally bet on the annual rivalry game.

Here is a closer look at what you need to know about four possible bets you might consider for Saturday’s game in Louisville.

What is the spread for Kentucky football versus Louisville?

Louisville opened as a 4.5-point favorite but had been bet up to an eight-point favorite at multiple sportsbooks by Friday afternoon. The Cardinals have not beaten Kentucky since 2017 but have already clinched a spot in the ACC championship game with a 10-1 record in the first season of the Jeff Brohm era this year. Meanwhile, Kentucky has struggled for much of the last month and has little left to play for other than bragging rights in the rivalry.

What is the over/under for points scored in Kentucky versus Louisville?

The over/under for combined points is set at 50.5. Louisville ranks 27th nationally in points per game (33.2) but Kentucky’s offense has been inconsistent throughout the 2023 season. The Wildcats have scored no more than 24 points in their last six games. They were held to just 14 points last week against a South Carolina defense that ranks 82nd nationally in points allowed per game.

Who will score a touchdown in the Governor’s Cup?

The usual suspects have the lowest odds to score in the rivalry game (running backs Jahwar Jordan and Ray Davis lead their way for their teams), but if you’re looking for a couple of interesting storylines for the matchup this bet could be your route. Louisville tight end Joey Gatewood, a former Kentucky quarterback, is +295 to score at DraftKings. He scored two weeks ago in Louisville’s win over Virginia and recorded a season-high three catches last week against Miami. Kentucky tight end Izayah Cummings, a former Male High School star, is +340 to score at FanDuel. Cummings broke a 23-game streak without a reception last week with three catches at South Carolina. He figures to see an expanded role this week again with tight ends Jordan Dingle and Josh Kattus dealing with injuries.

How many touchdowns will Kentucky score versus Louisville?

Kentucky’s offense has struggled for most of the second half, but if you believe the Wildcats will fare better when stepping out of SEC play you should take note that DraftKings has Kentucky +120 to score more than 2.5 touchdowns. The Wildcats have scored at least three touchdowns in four of the last five games.

This story was originally published November 24, 2023 at 12:43 PM.

Jon Hale

Lexington Herald-Leader

(859) 414-6776

Jon Hale is the University of Kentucky football beat writer for the Lexington Herald-Leader. He joined the Herald-Leader in 2022 but has covered UK athletics for more than 10 years. Hale was named the 2021 Kentucky Sportswriter of the Year. Support my work with a digital subscription