Kentucky football could continue momentum from 2018 with win over Toledo

Kentucky football had a strong season in 2018 and is looking for a similar start to 2019 against Toledo. Here is everything you need to know.

In 2018, Kentucky impressed the world. The Wildcats finished with a 10-3 record including a Citrus Bowl win over Penn State. The issue though is that a lot of that team has moved on to the NFL, leaving Kentucky with more questions than answers as they prepare for a 2019 season that could go bad really quickly if this team can’t figure out how to fill in the holes that are gaping open for the Wildcats.

On the other side is Toledo, a team that Kentucky has no business losing to. This is an explosive Toledo team, though, and with Kentucky having so many question marks, this one could be more exciting than anyone gives it credit for.

Here is how you can tune into this one:

Date: Saturday, Aug. 31
Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
Location: Lexington, Ky.
Venue: Kroger Field
TV: SEC Network
Live Stream: WatchESPN | Fubo TV

Betting Odds

Odds courtesy of Bovada

Point Spread: Kentucky -11.5
Over/Under: 62

Keys to Victory

Kentucky should win this game, but of course, the keyword is should. This team has quite a few holes to fill, starting with the running back position. Benny Snell was the biggest part of the offense a year ago. The offense struggled to get the passing game going consistently so even with Terry Wilson returning for his junior year, there are still countless questions.

In 2018, the passing game was last in the SEC in yards per completion and was 12th in the league in yards and scoring. Many of the Kentucky wide receivers are gone, too, and that just brings more questions. Simply put, Kentucky has to get the offense going. Yes, it will help that Toledo’s defense isn’t anything special, so they will have the ability to establish their offense and figure things out.

On the defensive side of the ball, seven starters and four of the top five tacklers are gone for the NFL, so Kentucky has a lot to rebuild as well. They will have to establish every aspect of their game and this will be the great game to do just that as the opponent is less than strong.

Prediction

Kentucky and Toledo will fight hard, but it will be Kentucky that comes out victorious. They will be able to establish enough of their offense to put the Toledo defense on skates throughout the game and win by double digits.

Final Score: Toledo 14, Kentucky 24