Kentucky wrapped up regular season play yesterday with an impressive 52 - 21 win over their in state rivals, the Louisville Cardinals. The Wildcats, lead by Head Coach Mark Stoops, finish the season at 9-3 and 5-3 in SEC play. Kentucky no doubtably struggled in the middle part of the season losing three straight games to Georgia, Mississippi State, and Tennessee. After starting the season 6-0 the Wildcats found themselves ranked 11th in the AP poll but after dropping to 6-3 they eventually dropped out of the top 25.
After the 3 straight wins to finish the season, Kentucky managed to climb their way back into the top 25. They are now ranked 22nd in the Coaches Poll and 25th in the AP Poll.
I know it is a little bit disappointing since the wonderful start to the season and there was a point that Kentucky was looking at potentially playing in a New Years Day 6 bowl. However, I am very pleased with how this team stayed the course and settled in and finished the season strong. We can continue to think about the what if's but a 9 - 3 season is something most Kentucky fans dream about and this is the 2nd one in Mark Stoops' time here.
Kentucky is looking at some pretty good bowl predictions, bowls such as the Citrus Bowl and the Outback bowl. More than likely I believe Kentucky will be in the Citrus Bowl again and likely will face a Big Ten opponent: Wisconsin, Iowa, and Michigan State have all been mentioned. Kentucky faced a Big Ten opponent in their last appearance in the Citrus Bowl in 2019 when they won 27 - 24 over Penn State. Whatever game we're selected for I'm proud of this team and what they've accomplished this year! GO CATS!