An exciting SEC clash is set to take place in Lexington this Saturday as the Ole Miss Rebels head to battle against the Kentucky Wildcats in a Week 2 showdown. What’s that mean for our upcoming #20 Ole Miss vs. Kentucky predictions?

The two teams arrive with contrasting feelings following their opening-week victories: Ole Miss showcased their offensive firepower with a stunning 63-7 victory over Georgia State, while Kentucky faced challenges in securing a 24-16 win against Toledo, revealing significant concerns at the quarterback position.

 

 

 

#20 Ole Miss vs. Kentucky Predictions for College Football Week 2, Saturday, 9/6

Lane Kiffin’s Rebels enter as double-digit favorites on the road, and with a desire for revenge after last year's surprising defeat, they’re determined to make a strong impression in their SEC opener.

The most secure strategy for #20 Ole Miss vs. Kentucky picks is to bet against Kentucky’s offense. After just one week, it’s difficult to envision this Wildcats attack suddenly turning things around against an Ole Miss defense that appears quicker and more aggressive than in previous years.

 

 

 

#20 Ole Miss vs. Kentucky Best Bet: Wildcats TT U20.5 (-130 at BetMGM Sportsbook)

We have to start out any #20 Ole Miss vs. Kentucky predictions by relaying this: Kentucky quarterback Zach Calzada was simply terrible against Toledo. He managed to complete only 10 of 23 passes (43.5%) for 85 yards, without any touchdowns and an interception. Despite a decent ground game from Dante Dowdell, the Wildcats’ offense seemed predictable and ineffective. 

Toledo is a respectable MAC team, but if Kentucky had trouble moving the ball against them, they will face even greater challenges against an SEC front seven that recently limited Georgia State to just 69 passing yards while consistently pressuring the quarterback.

Ole Miss did give up some significant gains on the ground (195 rushing yards allowed), but this actually shifts the matchup further in favor of Ole Miss against Kentucky. Georgia State utilized a dynamic rushing scheme and dual-threat quarterback elements, whereas Kentucky relies on a more conventional downhill running style. 

Ole Miss was disruptive in the trenches, spearheaded by Zxavian Harris, and Kentucky’s offensive line is not equipped to dominate SEC competition as it did with mid-majors a decade ago.

The Wildcats’ passing game is the true downfall here. If Calzada cannot reliably complete passes and stretch the field, Kentucky will struggle to score. Sustaining long drives against Ole Miss’ pass rush will be challenging, and any third-and-long situation feels like a turnover waiting to occur. This was clear against Toledo, where Kentucky punted four times and converted only 3 of 11 on third down.

 

 

 

On the other hand, the Rebels’ offense is likely to compel Kentucky to play catch-up. Austin Simmons threw for 341 yards and three touchdowns in Week 1, demonstrating both arm strength and composure after a rocky start. With playmakers like Kewan Lacy in the backfield and a deep receiving corps led by Harrison Wallace III, Ole Miss is designed to apply pressure on opponents until they falter.

This game script is ideally suited for a bet on Kentucky's team total being Under 20.5. To win this wager, Ole Miss doesn't need to deliver a stellar shutout performance — merely holding Kentucky to around two touchdowns and a field goal will suffice. Considering the Wildcats' struggles against Toledo, expecting them to score three touchdowns or more against an SEC defense that is larger, quicker, and more robust seems overly optimistic.

Supporting evidence reinforces this: Kentucky has not managed to score 21 or more points in five of its last six SEC matchups since 2024. Last season, Ole Miss allowed an average of just 20.2 points per game and looks even more aggressive this year.

With revenge, motivation, and matchup advantages all favoring one side, it’s clear: Kentucky will remain Under 20.5 points. This is the most compelling bet for #20 Ole Miss vs. Kentucky predictions in this SEC showdown.

 

 

 

How To Watch #20 Ole Miss vs. Kentucky College Football Week 2

  • Date: Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025
  • Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
  • Location: Kroger Field — Lexington, KY
  • TV: ABC

 

#20 Ole Miss vs. Kentucky Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines

In light of our #20 Ole Miss vs. Kentucky picks for the matchup, we present the most recent #20 Ole Miss vs. Kentucky odds from BetMGM Sportsbook:

  • Money Line (ML): Rebels -350 | Wildcats +280
  • Spread: Rebels -9.5 (-105) | Wildcats +9.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 50.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

 

 

 

#20 Ole Miss vs. Kentucky Injury Report & Latest News

Ole Miss Injury Report

  • None

Kentucky Injury Report

  • RB Ramon Jefferson (ankle) - Questionable

 

 

 

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