Alabama vs Kentucky Picks and Prediction for Saturday, September 12, 2026
The No. 13 Alabama Crimson Tide visit the Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday at Kroger Field in Lexington, with the opening kickoff scheduled for 3:30 PM ET and coverage on ABC. Both teams are 1-0 and begin SEC play in this matchup. Alabama opened with a 48-10 win over East Carolina, while Kentucky beat Youngstown State 45-13. Alabama is a 10-point favorite after opening at -10.5, with the total set at 48.5. Get ready for this SEC matchup with our free NCAAF picks.
Alabama Crimson Tide Preview
Alabama generated 487 total offensive yards against East Carolina, with 260 through the air and 227 on the ground. Keelon Russell completed 18 of 30 passes for 256 yards and also led the Crimson Tide with 86 rushing yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. Daniel Hill added 47 yards and two scores, while Ryan Coleman-Williams caught five passes for 130 yards. Alabama scored six offensive touchdowns despite not recording a passing touchdown.
The Crimson Tide allowed only 10 points in the opener. Yhonzae Pierre recorded three tackles, one sack and an interception that he returned 27 yards for a touchdown. Alabama finished with three sacks, while the offense did not throw an interception. That combination helped the Crimson Tide build a 38-point margin before facing a much tougher road assignment against Kentucky.
Injuries: WR N. Rogers and RB A. Dear are questionable with leg injuries.
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Kentucky Wildcats Preview
Kentucky also started with a strong offensive performance, scoring 45 points against Youngstown State. Kenny Minchey completed 18 of 27 passes for 301 yards and four touchdowns without an interception. Jason Patterson led the ground attack with 78 yards on 11 carries, while CJ Baxter rushed for 48 yards and two touchdowns. The Wildcats finished with 506 total yards, including 205 on the ground.
Kentucky allowed 13 points in its opener and recorded two sacks. Jordan Castell, Grant Godfrey, Isaiah McMillian and Elijah Barnes each finished with seven tackles. Ahmad Breaux and Devin Smith recorded the Wildcats' sacks, while the defense also forced a fumble. Kentucky now faces an Alabama offense that showed balance in Week 1, particularly with Russell creating yards both as a passer and runner.
Injuries: RB J. Barnes is questionable with an undisclosed injury. RB T. Mizell is out with an undisclosed injury.
Alabama vs Kentucky Prediction
Both offenses produced more than 480 yards in their openers, but Alabama enters with the stronger defensive result and a quarterback who can create problems in two ways. Russell accounted for 342 passing and rushing yards, while Alabama's ground game produced five touchdowns. Minchey's four-touchdown opener gives Kentucky a dangerous passing attack, especially at home. Alabama, however, has more ways to control this matchup and held East Carolina to 10 points. The Crimson Tide will win their SEC opener and cover the 10-point spread. Final Score Prediction: Alabama Crimson Tide win, 34-20.
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Best Picks
- Alabama Crimson Tide -10
- Over 48.5
