Week 3: Kentucky vs Youngstown State 9/17/22 College Football Picks, Predictions, Odds

The Kentucky Wildcats and Youngstown State Penguins clash Saturday in week 3 college football action from Kroger Field.

The Youngstown State Penguins will be hoping to build on their 49-16 win over Dayton last time out. Demeatric Crenshaw threw for 230 yards and 5 touchdowns on 11 of 17 passing while Mitch Davidson’s lone pass went for 18 yards and a score. Jaleel McLaughlin led the Penguins on the ground with 129 rushing yards and a score on 13 carries while Dra Rushton added 70 rushing yards on 10 carries. Max Tomczak had a team-high 92 receiving yards with a touchdown with 3 catches while Bryce Oliver had a team-high 4 catches for 63 yards and a pair of scores. McLaughlin also had a TD grab of his own. On defense, Quincy Lenton and Troy Jakubec each had an interception for the Penguins’ D.

The Kentucky Wildcats will be hoping to build on their big 26-16 road win over Florida last time out. Will Levis has thrown for 505 yards, 4 touchdowns and a pair of interceptions on 60.7% passing while Kavosley Smoke’s rushed for 112 yards this season. Tayvion Robinson and Dane Key each have a team-high 7 catches for 136 receiving yards as well to lead the Wildcats’ group this season. On defense, J.J. Weaver has a team-high 14 total tackles with 6 solo tackles and a sack while Jordan Wright and Keidron Smith each have an interception this season.

Youngstown State is 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall and 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 games in September while the over is 4-0 in their last 4 games following a win. Kentucky is 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 non-conference games and 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 home games while the over is 24-9 in their last 33 non-conference games.

I get the case to be made either way here. It’s odd to say that there could be a look-ahead spot for Youngstown State but they do have FCS power North Dakota State on deck after Kentucky and Kentucky could have a letdown spot looming after a massive road win over a rival in Florida. That being said, I think there’s a lot to like about Youngstown State and while I don’t think they win this game necessarily, losing by three scores against a solid SEC team like Kentucky could be a win in and of itself. I’ll take my chances with the Penguins and the points.