Texas vs Kentucky Prediction, Game Preview, and Betting Lines

Originally posted on College Football News
By Pete Fiutak | Last updated Nov 19, 2024 12:58 PM ET

Focus, focus, focus. Texas will play what might be the Game of the Year - at least when it comes to sorting out the SEC Championship race - in the renewed rivalry date against Texas A&M next week. The season isn’t ruined by a loss, but it would suffer a severe body blow.

Kentucky is having a rough time, It lost its last four SEC games but might have cleansed the palliate last week with a scrimmage against Murray State. On the flip side, the narrative can change over the last two week. Screw up Texas, beat rival Louisville, get bowl eligible.

Texas vs Kentucky: How to Watch and Game Preview

Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Game Time: 3:30 pm ET
How To Watch: ABC
Venue: DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, TX
Teams: Texas (9-1), Kentucky (4-6)
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Why Kentucky Will Win

Kentucky has to bog this game down.

That’s what it does - even if it’s not owning the time of possession battle - but in this, it should be able to keep the score within range. It starts with simply not turning the ball over.

The offense hasn’t been consistent, but it’s been okay. The ground game works if it’s getting to four yards per carry, the run defense has been good enough - the Auburn debacle aside, giving up over 300 yards - and the Texas offense is coming off a spotter performance against Arkansas.

The O can’t force plays, being way-too-conservative won’t be the worst thing as long as the interceptions stop, and …

Why Texas Will Win

Okay, I’m stalling here. Kentucky can’t stop giving the ball away.

It might sound easy - just don’t turn the ball over - but the Cats can’t stop doing it with two or more and 12 overall in the last five games.

And that’s where the Texas defense comes in. The offense doesn’t have to take any chances. It’s okay if this isn’t any sort of a wild shootout - Kentucky games generally stay in the 20s on both sides. Assume the defense that came up with 22 takeaway so far and 13 in the last five games will get at least two, and …

Texas vs Kentucky: Who Will Win?

Kentucky doesn’t have the scoring punch. If it’s going to pull this off it needs it be around 20-17, like it was in the stunning upset over Ole Miss. That was also one of two games when the O didn’t turn the ball over, and that came against one of the nation’s most aggressive defenses.

Texas will give up fewer than 300 yards, it’ll come up with two takeaways, and two first half touchdowns will be enough to get by, even if it doesn’t quite feel like anyone can get comfortable.