College football picks: Kentucky vs. Louisville prediction, odds, spread, game preview, more for Governors Cup

The Kentucky Wildcats face the No. 9 Louisville Cardinals in the Governors Cup in Week 13. Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET on Saturday, November 25. The Cardinals have already clinched an ACC Championship spot, and will be hoping for a potential playoff bid if they’re able to win out.

Kentucky (6-5, 3-5 SEC) has lost five of their last six games. Admittedly, the Wildcats went through the wringer in that slate, facing Georgia, Tennessee, Mizzou, and Alabama. However, their most recent loss was against a South Carolina team that sits under .500. Quarterback Devin Leary passed for 171 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in the 17-14 loss. Their defense did a good job of limiting the Gamecocks’ ground game, but ultimately couldn’t turn things around in time.

Louisville (10-1, 7-1 ACC) would be having the perfect season if it weren’t for that one irritant in the loss column for the Cards — the loss to a mediocre Pittsburgh team in the middle of the season. The Cardinals have wins over Notre Dame, Duke, and Miami, but that loss may just have ruined their CFP chances. In their latest win, a 38-31 victory over the Hurricanes, Louisville quarterback Jack Plummer passed for 308 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception. Running back Isaac Guerendo added 93 yards and a score on the ground.

Here’s everything you need to know and a pick for the game.

SP+ Rankings

Kentucky: 33 overall, 52 offense, 34 defense
Louisville: 19 overall, 27 offense, 23 defense

Injury update

Kentucky

TE Jordan Dingle - Questionable (undisclosed)

Louisville

DB Jarvis Brownlee Jr - Questionable (undisclosed)

ATS/Total

Against The Spread in 2023

Kentucky: 5-6 ATS
Louisville: 6-5 ATS

Total in 2023

Kentucky: Over 7-4
Louisville: Over 5-5-1

Odds at DraftKings Sportsbook

Spread: Louisville -7.5
Total: 49.5
Moneyline: Louisville -305, Kentucky +245

Weather

Our Best Bet for Kentucky vs. Louisville

Louisville -7.5

The Cardinals have really been hitting their stride as of late and should be able to pull away by a touchdown or more against Kentucky. Although the Wildcats have been hamstrung by a difficult schedule, the Cardinals have home field advantage and a longshot at the CFP to play for here. The Cardinals are a threat both in the air and on the ground, which will be a major factor in getting past Kentucky’s defense.