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The final 2018 college football power rankings were released and the SEC was heavily represented with 5 of the top 10 teams. After a magical season, the University of Kentucky finished No. 10 overall in the power rankings.
The accomplishment of winning 10 games while playing in the best conference in America has been recognized and rewarded. Mark Stoops has to be happy with such a program-defining finish. This will be impactful moving forward as the Cats continue their quest to become a national power.
The University of Florida finished No. 6 overall, despite having the same record as Kentucky and losing to the Cats at home in September. The Gators did rout the Michigan Wolverines 45-15 in the Peach Bowl, so it’s understandable that they saw a lift from that. But I am sure that the Big Blue Nation will not be totally satisfied with that answer. When you compare the two teams’ seasons, they are very similar with the exception of the head-to-head, which UK won.
It is difficult to gripe about anything when the discussion is being in the top 10 of the college football power rankings. This is a monumental moment for Mark Stoops and the Wildcat football program. The final rankings prove just how tough the SEC is and the depth it takes to compete.
Here is what was said by ESPN senior staff writer Mitch Sherman about Kentucky’s placement.
10. Kentucky (10-3, 5-3 SEC)
A 10-win season and bowl victory over Penn State to cap a season that featured a takedown of Florida as the signature win in a 7-1 start is cause for celebration in Lexington. Benny Snell Jr., a generational player for the Wildcats, ran for 144 yards in his final game and kept the ball away from the rallying Nittany Lions to secure Kentucky’s first win on New Year’s Day since 1952.
In no surprise at all, 15-0 Clemson finishes atop the college football power rankings as the unanimous No. 1. I still can’t comprehend the beat-down they gave Alabama in the National Championship game, so there is no doubt the Tigers earned this and will go down as one of the best teams in recent memory.
It will be interesting to see where the pre-season rankings have Kentucky as it gets closer to the summer. Basketball school?