Last week, it was fun to talk about the possibility of the Kentucky Wildcats making the College Football Playoff. This week, it’s a very real conversation. The numbers back it up, too.
Kentucky has the No. 2 strength of record in the country.
Yes, you read that correctly. Number two. And frankly, it’s well earned, as Kentucky has scored wins at Texas A&M, at South Carolina, and at an Oklahoma team that was coming off a victory over then-No. 1 Texas.
Oh, and the Cats also have a home win over then-No. 10 LSU. Even the Wildcats’ non-conference wins look good, as Youngstown State is currently 6-2 and one of the best FCS teams, while South Alabama is 4-2 and coming off a 56-49 win over Arkansas State, the highest-scoring FBS game this season.
In addition, the Cats are ranked No. 12 in the AP Poll, which is one spot ahead of Alabama this week, are No. 26 in the FPI (Football Power Index), and have the No. 2 strength of schedule with the teams they have already played. It’s an impressive résumé, and it’s also going to get better.
The Wildcats still have games with Tennessee, Florida, and Missouri, all teams ranked in this week’s AP Poll. So far, Kentucky is 4-1 in the mighty good SEC this season. In addition, the Cats are 3-0 on the road in the SEC, and they will play Tennessee and Missouri on the road in November.
This is a very real conversation. Kentucky and the College Football Playoff is a dream that’s getting to within striking distance.
But first things first. Gotta beat Vanderbilt this week, or those dreams will fade rather quickly.