Home / Sports / Kentucky Ranked? Dinich Sparks Debate Amid AP Poll Snub
Kentucky Ranked? Dinich Sparks Debate Amid AP Poll Snub
7 Oct
Summary
- Kentucky dropped from AP Top 25 despite overtime win.
- ESPN writer Heather Dinich ranked Kentucky 17th, citing strength of record.
- Critics argue Kentucky's road wins lack substance against weaker opponents.
The Kentucky Wildcats have been excluded from the AP Top 25 following an overtime win against the South Carolina Gamecocks. This decision contrasts sharply with ESPN senior writer Heather Dinich's personal ranking, which placed the Wildcats at No. 17. Dinich defended her position by highlighting Kentucky's two road victories over SEC opponents and their No. 5 standing in ESPN's strength of record metric.
Supporters of Dinich's ranking argue that computer metrics and resume points support Kentucky's inclusion in the College Football Playoff committee's discussions. However, critics point out that one of Kentucky's notable road wins was against a then-No. 9 Texas A&M, and the other was against a struggling South Carolina team. Critics have accused Dinich of bias towards the SEC and ESPN, emphasizing that the teams Kentucky beat on the road are not currently ranked.
The debate intensified as the Coaches Poll moved Kentucky to No. 25, marking their first appearance in that poll this season. Kentucky's coach, Will Stein, has previously downplayed the importance of early-season rankings. The Wildcats face a challenging schedule ahead, with upcoming games against highly ranked opponents like LSU, Tennessee, Florida, and Missouri.
