Kentucky didn’t make a move in the AP Poll or the Coaches Poll after the loss to Alabama, but the national rankings picture is a little more nuanced than that. Around the country, the Cats drew a mixed set of reviews.
The most encouraging signal came from CBS Sports’ Chip Patterson, who actually bumped Kentucky up after the 45-17 defeat. The Wildcats climbed three places, landing at No. 37 after starting at No.
- That puts Kentucky ahead of three SEC teams: Auburn at No.
40, Vanderbilt at No. 51, and Arkansas at No. 75.
Alabama checked in at No. 8, while Texas A&M, this Saturday’s opponent, is No. 10.
The story looks different elsewhere. At The Athletic, Vannini dropped Kentucky one spot to No.
- Arkansas sits last in the SEC there at No.
- Kentucky is better positioned in SP+ at No. 52, though that still represents a 13-spot slide from last week.
Given how early it is, Connelly’s tempo- and opponent-adjusted efficiency ranking is still working with a small sample. ESPN’s Football Power Index was also down on Kentucky, sliding the Cats 11 spots to No.
The next few weeks should help clarify what this team really is. Texas A&M is a top-10 opponent and a 13.5-point favorite at home.
South Alabama is outside the top 100 in the rankings. After that, Kentucky’s trip to South Carolina on Oct. 3 looks like the next real test.
The Gamecocks have already rolled past Kent State, 57-0, and Towson, 45-9, but they still have Mississippi State at home this weekend before heading to Alabama the following week.
Here’s how Kentucky’s schedule lines up, along with each opponent’s ESPN FPI ranking:
Sept. 5, Youngstown State - 45-13 W - N/A - Kroger Field - 1:00 p.m. ET (ESPN+)
Sept. 12, Alabama - 45-17 L - #7 - Kroger Field - 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC)
Sept. 19, Texas A&M - #8 - Kyle Field - 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Sept. 26, South Alabama - #102 - Kroger Field - 12:45 p.m. ET (SEC Network)
Oct. 3, South Carolina - #21 - Williams-Brice Stadium - Flex (3:30 p.m. ET or later)
Oct. 10, LSU - #9 - Kroger Field - Night (6-8 p.m. ET start)
Oct. 17, Oklahoma - #11 - Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium - Flex (3:30 p.m. ET or later)
Oct. 24, Vanderbilt - #39 - Kroger Field - Night (6-8 p.m. ET start)
Nov. 7, Tennessee - #10 - Neyland Stadium - Night (6-8 p.m. ET start)
Nov. 14, Florida - #15 - Kroger Field - Night (6-8 p.m. ET start)
Nov. 21, Missouri - #26 - Faurot Field - Night (6-8 p.m. ET start)
Nov. 28, Louisville - #28 - Kroger Field - Early (Noon-1 p.m. ET start)
In Other News...
Kentucky Fans Got A Clear Message On Kenny Minchey After Alabama
Kentucky left Alabama with another reminder of how slim the margin can be against a ranked opponent, falling 45-17 and going scoreless after halftime. Senior quarterback Kenny Minchey had an uneven night in the loss, finishing 18 of 31 for 146 yards with a touchdown, an interception and a lost fumble, but the postgame message from the sideline was the part that mattered most for what comes next.
Will Stein made it clear afterward that Minchey remains the starter, a vote of confidence that matters as Kentucky tries to steady itself in conference play. The turnovers will be part of the conversation, but for now the Wildcats are sticking with the veteran quarterback and betting he can settle things down after a difficult night in Tuscaloosa. [Read more 🡒]
Kentuckys Defensive Collapse Left One Postgame Debate Front And Center
Kentucky looked in position to carry a halftime lead into a much bigger result against Alabama, but the game swung quickly after the break. The Wildcats had built a 17-13 edge by intermission before the second half unraveled, with the defense spending long stretches on the field as the offense struggled to sustain drives.
Afterward, defensive captain Ty Bryant said he was dealing with fatigue on a personal level, but he stopped short of making tired legs the explanation for the units collapse. It left one of the main postgame questions centered on how much the offensive drought fed into the defensive wear down, and how Kentucky sorts out the broader breakdown from here. [Read more 🡒]
Kentuckys Fast Start Vs Alabama Ended In A Brutal Second-Half Collapse
Kentucky came out sharp against No. 12 Alabama and looked for a while like it might be in for one of those statement SEC nights that can reshape a season. The Wildcats were aggressive early and had the kind of start that can put a ranked opponent on its heels, but the game flipped hard once Alabamas defense began squeezing the pocket and forcing Kentucky into mistakes.
The second half turned into a long stretch of frustration for the Wildcats, who managed only three first downs and 62 total yards while Alabama piled on 32 unanswered points. Kentuckys quarterback was harassed throughout the collapse, and the Tides own passing game steadied after a shaky beginning, with Alabama finishing the comeback behind a cleaner rhythm and a touchdown throw that helped close the door. [Read more 🡒]