Kentucky Football ranked No. 23 in updated ESPN Power Rankings

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Can we bask in Saturday night’s win for just a *little* bit longer? I feel like I can speak on behalf of the Big Blue Nation when I say the adrenaline has yet to slow down roughly 12 hours after the victory.

So let’s keep it pumping then, shall we?

After the conclusion of Saturday’s slate of college football games, ESPN updated its college football Power Rankings and our Kentucky Wildcats were included among the top 25. In fact, UK came in ranked No. 23, ahead of the 2-0 Auburn Tigers.

Kentucky is now 2-0 on the season after beating the Missouri Tigers 35-28 on Saturday night at Kroger Field. Will Levis threw for 179 yards and a touchdown while Chris Rodriguez Jr. ran the ball 27 times for 206 yards and three scores. The offense continues to look brand new, although the defense could admittedly use some tightening.

College football Power Rankings after Week 2 – via @ESPN App https://t.co/dTRUukLLc1
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) September 12, 2021

Here’s what ESPN had to say about Kentucky’s performance.

23. Kentucky Wildcats (2-0)
After jumping out to a 14-point lead against Missouri, the Wildcats found themselves in a battle. But, after the teams traded touchdown throughout the final three quarters, the early touchdowns paid dividends as Kentucky outlasted the Tigers, 35-28. Chris Rodriguez Jr. had a career day rushing the football, racking up 206 yards and three scores in the victory. A key matchup with the Florida Gators in three weeks now looms large for Kentucky.
ESPN

Kentucky is one of eight SEC schools to make the updated Power Rankings. Alabama and Georgia are unsurprisingly No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, with Texas A&M (No. 8) and Florida (No. 9) rounding out the top 10. Ole Miss came in at No. 14, Arkansas at No. 19, Kentucky at No. 23, and Auburn at No. 24.

Entering Week 2 as an unranked team in the eyes of the AP Poll, Kentucky had to put on a good showing against Missouri to keep momentum high. The ‘Cat easily beat Lousiana-Monroe in Week 1, 45-10, but needed to prove the same could be done against a conference opponent. Kentucky took care of business and is now reaping the benefits.

While Kentucky still might not make the cut for this week’s AP Top 25 (but make no mistake, they’ll be receiving plenty of votes), the program continues to trend in the right direction. ESPN also updated its College Football Power Index after Saturday’s games, where Kentucky came in at No. 30.

UT-Chattanooga is up next for the ‘Cats this Saturday.