Youngstown State vs Kentucky Picks and Prediction for Saturday September 5 2026

By: Kim Smith Published 09/02/2026, 03:30 AM ET

Youngstown State travels to Lexington to face Kentucky on Saturday, September 5 at Kroger Field. The Penguins already enter at 1-0, while Kentucky makes its season debut. Kentucky opened around -27.5, but the current market has dropped significantly to -23.5 with a high total of 62.5. Get into the action with our free college football picks.

Youngstown State Brings Momentum

Youngstown State already having played is valuable against a Kentucky team beginning a new season with plenty to establish. The Penguins are also receiving more than three touchdowns. They don't need to seriously threaten an upset to cash.

Kentucky Begins a New Era

Kentucky gets the advantages of SEC depth and home field, but the market movement is impossible to ignore. Dropping from -27.5 to -23.5 represents four full points toward Youngstown State. 

Youngstown State vs Kentucky Picks and Prediction

Pick: Youngstown State +23.5

I'm following the value toward Youngstown State +23.5. Kentucky should win, but the Penguins have already played and the market has made a significant adjustment toward the underdog. Something around Kentucky 34, Youngstown State 17 gets us there.

Pick: Under 62.5

The Under 62.5 is the stronger play. That's an aggressive total for a Kentucky team making its debut. Even a 38-17 final lands at only 55.

Final Picks: Youngstown State +23.5 and Under 62.5

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