Not that it makes any difference that SEC list is apparently a "poll" of the ESPN staff. Note the various by-lines accompanying each write up. The actual
ESPN 2016 FPI lists UK at a not too horrible #56. That ranking is the best of the pre-season "mathematical models" that attempt to rank all 128 teams. However, in this list, #56 is last among all SEC teams.
FWIW, in the FPI rankings, the "mathematical edge" of Vandy and SC is offset by the hypothetical 3 point home field advantage suggesting UK will be a slight favorite in these games. Likewise MO gets the points to be a 5 point fav at Columbia. All 3 of these teams are projected as 5-7 teams. In these rankings MSU has separated itself from the other 3 and is projected with a 7-5 finish. Personally, I see little difference in these 4 teams (UK, Vandy, SC and MO) and the Cats get 3 of them in Lexington.
Peace