Kentucky FB moves to No. 7 in ESPN's updated Power Rankings

With each passing win, the Kentucky football program gains more national respect.

Coming off Saturday’s 31-0 shutout victory over Youngstown State, the Wildcats have been bumped up two spots in ESPN’s updated Power Rankings. Kentucky now sits at No. 7 in the country. Following last weekend’s road win over Florida, UK jumped 10 spots from No. 19 to No. 9.

Here’s what ESPN’s Chris Low had to say bout the ‘Cats:

The Wildcats started slowly, but quarterback Will Levis accounted for three second-half touchdowns to lead Kentucky to its first shutout since 2009, a 31-0 victory over FCS foe Youngstown State. Levis threw for 377 yards and two touchdowns, but he also had two interceptions. Coach Mark Stoops said he wants to see his team play better around Levis and that the Wildcats have to avoid the negative plays on offense. They had 10 penalties for 74 yards and also turned the ball over three times.

Chris Low, ESPN

When the updated Coaches and AP Polls come out later on Sunday, Kentucky could receive a similar bump in the rankings. UK came into the weekend No. 9 in the AP Poll and No. 10 in the Coaches Poll. However, all of the teams ahead of Kentucky in those polls won their respective games aside from Michigan State, which is currently No. 9 in the Coaches Poll but lost to Washington on Saturday.

Looking at ESPN’s updated Football Power Index (FPI) numbers, Kentucky didn’t impress the advanced statistics. The ‘Cats fell from No. 22 to No. 26 despite the shutout win. That being said, Kentucky’s expected season win total did see a minor spike to an average of 8.3.

ESPN Week 3 Power Rankings

1. Georgia
2. Alabama
3. Ohio State
4. Southern California
5. Michigan
6. Oklahoma
7. Kentucky
8. Clemson
9. Arkansas
10. Oklahoma State
11. Tennessee
12. NC State
13. Oregon
14. Utah
15. Penn State
16. Ole Miss
17. Wake Forest
18. Baylor
19. Washington
20. Texas
21. BYU
22. Texas A&M
23. Florida State
24. Pittsburgh
25. Michigan State