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SEC Football Predictions Week 1: Picking Games Against the Spread

By Nicholas Ian Allen

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Nov 15, 2014; Knoxville, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Patrick Towles (14) during the first half against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

  • Date: Saturday September 5, 2014
  • Time: 7PM Eastern
  • Location: Lexington, KY
  • TV Channel: ESPNU
  • Spread: Kentucky -17.5
  • Over/Under Total: 59.5

Kentucky took a big step forward as a football program last season, and one of the reasons was that the Wildcats dominated inferior opposition for the first time in a long time. In three early season non-conference contests, UK beat UT Martin, Ohio and ULM by an average score of 42-10.

Given the expectation that another solid year of recruiting and development under third-year head coach Mark Stoops should result in an improved 2015 squad, last year’s results are a good sign for this season’s Week 1 matchup against UL Lafayette.

The Ragin’ Cajuns are one of the best programs in the Sun Belt Conference. ULL won eight of their last nine games to finish 9-4 for the fourth straight year and capped off the season with a fourth consecutive New Orleans Bowl victory. Louisiana (as they like to be called) returns six starters on offense and six more on defense. Most importantly, the Cajuns were able to retain head coach Mark Hudspeth for a fifth season. Often called one of the best coaches “you’ve never heard of,” you’ve probably heard of Coach Hud by now.

The Wildcats are a better and more talented team, and should win, but it might be close. Take Louisiana to cover.

Next: Arizona State vs. Texas A&M

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