SEC Power Rankings, Week 8: Kentucky keeps climbing as chaos reshuffles the deck

When there's chaos in the SEC, it devastates some teams but creates opportunity for others. Kentucky has taken full advantage of that opportunity, climbing to No. 12 in the AP Top 25 poll and No. 3 in our SEC Power Rankings.

That may raise some eyebrows, and I certainly understand that. Do I think the Wildcats are really the third-best team in the conference? No, but evidence is mounting in their favor with each passing week.

On Saturday, Kentucky picked up its sixth win of the season with a road win over Oklahoma. That's not exactly a resume-boosting victory, but it is the Wildcats' third road win in conference play. Look around the rest of the league and tell me there's not something to be said for handling business away from home.

What if the combination of Will Stein's offensive scheme and the talent brought in via the transfer portal was enough to transform the Wildcats into a strong SEC team? Kentucky ranks 20th in adjusted EPA per play, and its strength of record ranks second, according to ESPN FPI.

Until the Cats give me reason to drop them, they'll keep climbing amid chaos. With that in mind, here are…

Original source: https://www.cbssports.com/