Kentucky still getting quality bowl projections

The Kentucky Wildcats lost their first game of the season Saturday in an overtime heartbreaker to Texas A&M.

Despite the loss, Kentucky still owns wins over 14th-ranked Florida and 24th-ranked Mississippi State, which has the Cats in play for a big-time bowl game

Many websites are projecting the Cats to play on New Year's Day in the Outback Bowl here’s a look at some projections.

Bowl Projections By Website:

Outback Bowl, January 1st: 247

SB Nation, 247 Sports, Orlando Sentinel, CBS Sports

- Projected Opponent: Michigan State Spartans, Indiana Hoosiers

Citrus Bowl, January 1st: CollegeFootballNews.com

- Projected Opponent: Michigan State Spartans

Kentucky’s defense has been one of the best in the nation, they have an elite run game, and have played well in hostile environments.

The loss to Texas A&M stung. The offense struggled, especially Terry Wilson, and the Cats showed they definitely have a kicking problem.

However, there’s no Kentucky team in recent memory that would have been good enough to force overtime in College Station and nearly escape with a win. This Kentucky team is a legitimate contender in the SEC East and have proved they deserve to play on New Year’s Day thus far.

Personal Prediction: Outback Bowl vs. Iowa

I agree with the common projection that Kentucky will be in Tampa Florida for the Outback Bowl. I don’t agree with the opponent.

Michigan State has played mediocre football the last few weeks as they just lost to a sub .500 Northwestern Team at home by double digits. Thus, I don’t see them being good enough to play on New Year’s.

The Iowa Hawkeyes are a team on the rise. They are the first team outside the AP Top 25.

They currently sit at 3-1 with their only loss being to No. 15 Wisconsin. In an extremely weak Big Ten West Iowa seems to finish at around nine wins which would line them up to be the Big Ten’s Outback, bowl participant.

Where do you see Kentucky spending the new year?