Kentucky football up to No. 9 in ESPN Week 2 Power Rankings

Well, well, well. Would you look at that? Kentucky football is receiving the national credit it has very much earned.

Following the Wildcats’ 26-16 victory over the No. 12 Florida Gators on Saturday night, ESPN updated its power rankings on Sunday morning with Week 2 games in the books. The worldwide leader bumped Kentucky all the way up to No. 9, a 10-spot leap from last week. UK also expects to take a significant jump in the national rankings once those are released on Sunday afternoon.

With the loss, Florida fell nine spots from No. 11 to No. 20. Here’s what ESPN had to say about the ‘Cats.

It might not have been the prettiest performance, but the Wildcats toughed out a 26-16 win over Florida to get coach Mark Stoops his 61st career victory, passing Paul “Bear” Bryant as the winningest coach in school history. The defense shut down Anthony Richardson, forcing him to throw two interceptions — including a pick-six — and limiting him to just 4 yards rushing. Kentucky has now won two in a row over the Gators for the first time since 1976 and 1977.

Andrea Adelson, ESPN

Also, ESPN updated its Football Power Index, but we’re going to completely ignore it. For some reason, the advanced numbers have the ‘Cats outside the top 20, coming in at No. 22. Somehow, someway, that is a two-spot drop from last week. Sure!

For those keeping track at home, Kentucky has now fallen two spots in the FPI after both of its wins this season. SURE!!

Both the Associated Press and Coaches Polls will drop this afternoon. Where do we think Kentucky falls once those are announced? Is a top 10 spot in the works?