Big-time bowl projections coming in for Kentucky after wild win over Mizzou

Kentucky will play Georgia in a winner take all game to determine the SEC East next week.

Let that sink in.

The Wildcats needed a miracle rally vs. the Missouri Tigers to get here, while Georgia took care of business by blowing out the Florida Gators. That means Kentucky vs. Georgia will determine who represents the SEC East in the title game in Atlanta on December 1st, likely against the Alabama Crimson Tide, who need to beat the LSU Tigers this week to lock up the SEC West.

Other than Georgia, Kentucky’s schedule is very favorable for the Cats. They will face Tennessee, Middle Tennessee and Louisville, all of which are winnable games. Even if they lose to Georgia, finishing 10-2 should earn them a trip to a New Year’s Six Bowl game.

But while Kentucky is still alive for a spot in the College Football Playoff, no one is picking them to make it that far. To do so, they’d have to win out and probably beat Alabama or LSU in the SEC Championship. Beating LSU seems realistic, but it’s hard to see anyone beating Alabama.

There’s an off chance Kentucky makes it to the playoff with a 11-2 record if they win out and lose to Alabama in Atlanta, but the Wildcats would need a lot of help.

College Football Bowl Projections Week 10

• Sports Illustrated currently has the Wildcat’s projected to face the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Peach Bowl. They have Clemson vs. Notre Dame and Alabama vs. Oklahoma for the playoff.
• SB Nation has Kentucky taking on the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Citrus Bowl. They have Alabama vs. Notre Dame and Clemson vs. Michigan in the four-team playoff.
• CBS Sports has the Wildcats facing Mike Leach and the Washington State Cougars in the Peach Bowl, while the playoff features Alabama vs. Michigan and Clemson vs. Notre Dame.
• 247 Sports has Kentucky vs. the Texas Longhorns in the Peach Bowl with Alabama - Michigan and Clemson - Notre Dame in the playoff.
• Fansided has Kentucky getting a matchup with the Oklahoma Sooners in the Stoops Fiesta Bowl. Their playoff is Alabama vs. Michigan and Clemson vs. Notre Dame.

The College Football playoff rankings on Tuesday will give us a better view of where Kentucky could finish, depending on where the committee ranks them. With Florida and Texas both losing this week, Kentucky will most likely be in the top 10 when they square off against Georgia next week.

Kentucky has been winning as underdogs all season. They’ll be big underdogs once again when they face Georgia. Win or lose, it’s a massive accomplishment to be playing for a chance at the SEC East title. It would be great for UK to play in the SEC Championship game, but an appearance in a New Year’s Six Bowl game would still be meaningful even if they lose to Georgia.