Rise of the Bluegrass Empire: A Kentucky Wildcats Dynasty

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*I just realized a mistake in the chart. Mississippi State's defense was a B+, not a D+.

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Will Levis connects with Dane Key on this 59-yard touchdown pass.

Wildcats Triumph over Bulldogs in a Gritty Battle

LEXINGTON, KY - In a highly contested match-up against the Mississippi State Bulldogs, the Kentucky Wildcats displayed their strength and resilience, clinching a hard-fought victory with a final score of 26-14. The Bulldogs were resilient in their efforts, but the Wildcats maintained their offensive edge, securing another win to bolster their impressive 7-0 season record.

The first quarter set the tone for the Wildcats' performance. Kicker Matt Ruffolo showcased his accuracy, nailing two field goals from 35 and 25 yards, respectively. Quarterback Will Levis was in fine form, connecting with receiver Dane Key for a spectacular 59-yard touchdown, further boosting the Wildcats' early lead.


Kentucky's defense fell asleep in the second quarter, giving life to Mississippi State after falling behind 16-0.

Despite a spirited fightback from the Bulldogs in the second quarter, with quarterback Sawyer Robertson linking up with receivers Rufus Harvey and Lideatrick Griffin for touchdowns, the Wildcats remained in control. Another touchdown pass from Levis, this time to Tayvion Robinson, ensured Kentucky maintained a critical lead going into halftime.

The fourth quarter witnessed a crucial field goal from Ruffolo, providing the Wildcats with a necessary cushion. The Kentucky defense held strong, denying the Bulldogs any further scoring opportunities. Overall, a collective team effort propelled the Wildcats to a well-deserved victory.

Coach Mark Stoops commended his team's determination and ability to execute their game plan effectively. "We knew it was going to be a tough game. The guys held their ground, and we made the plays when it mattered. This shows the character and resilience of this team," remarked Stoops after the game.


[L] Freshman Deone Walker picks up his fourth sack of the season while the o-line has a roundtable discussion. [R] After an embarrassing second quarter, the Kentucky defense turned up the heat in the second half.

On the defensive front, players like Tre'Vonn Rybka and Deone Walker showcased exceptional skills, contributing to the Wildcats' success by making crucial tackles and sacks. The offense, led by Levis and Key, demonstrated their chemistry and finesse, resulting in impressive passing plays that added critical points to the board.

Looking ahead, the Wildcats are set to face another formidable challenge. Next week is a bye week, offering a valuable break and a chance to regroup. Following the break, the team travels to Knoxville to take on #7 Tennessee, who lost to #16 Alabama 45-40. With their unbeaten streak intact, Kentucky aims to continue their winning ways and further solidify their standing in the SEC. The team and their dedicated fan base eagerly await this showdown, eager to witness more electrifying football at Kroger Field.

Mississippi State Bulldogs at Kentucky Wildcats
Oct 15, 2022	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Mississippi State Bulldogs (2-5, 0-3 SEC)	0	14	0	0	14
#6 Kentucky Wildcats (7-0, 4-0 SEC)	16	7	0	3	26

Team Stats Comparison
	MSST	UK
Total Offense	221	373
Rushing Yards	11	145
Passing Yards	210	228
First Downs	6	16
Punt Return Yards	31	40
Kick Return Yards	140	53
Total Yards	392	466
Turnovers	2	0
3rd Down Conversion	2-9 (22%)	8-18 (44%)
4th Down Conversion	0-1 (0%)	0-0
2-Point Conversion	0-0	0-0
Red Zone Trips/Touchdowns/Field Goals	1-1-0 (100%)	4-0-3 (75%)
Penalties	3-33	1-11
Possession Time	9:57	22:03

Scoring Summary
FIRST QUARTER SCORING		MSST	UK
6:25	(UK) FG: M. Ruffolo, 35 Yd FG	0	3
5:16	(UK) FG: M. Ruffolo, 25 Yd FG	0	6
3:39	(UK) TD: D. Key, 59 Yd pass from W. Levis (M. Ruffolo kick)	0	13
1:03	(UK) FG: M. Ruffolo, 35 Yd FG	0	16
SECOND QUARTER SCORING		MSST	UK
7:15	(MSST) TD: R. Harvey, 19 Yd pass from S. Robertson (B. Raybon kick)	7	16
4:14	(MSST) TD: L. Griffin, 64 Yd pass from S. Robertson (B. Raybon kick)	14	16
0:28	(UK) TD: T. Robinson, 23 Yd pass from W. Levis (M. Ruffolo kick)	14	23
FOURTH QUARTER SCORING		MSST	UK
7:33	(UK) FG: M. Ruffolo, 45 Yd FG	14	26

Mississippi State Bulldogs PASSING C/A YDS TD INT Sawyer Robertson 12/28 210 2 0 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD Dillon Johnson 9 27 3.0 0 Sawyer Robertson 3 -21 -7.0 0 Austin Williams 1 5 5.0 0 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD Lideatrick Griffin 4 132 33.0 1 Rufus Harvey 3 38 12.6 1 Jaden Walley 2 11 5.5 0 Austin Williams 1 8 8.0 0 Jo'Quavious Marks 1 16 16.0 0 Rara Thomas 1 5 5.0 0 BLOCKING PANCAKE SACK Laquinston Sharp 0 1 Percy Lewis 0 1 DEFENSE TACK SACK INT TD Jackie Matthews 8 0 0 0 Collin Duncan 8 0 0 0 Jalen Green 8 0 0 0 Tyrus Wheat 8 0 0 0 Nathaniel Watson 7 0 0 0 Jett Johnson 5 0 0 0 Decamerion Richardson 3 0 0 0 Hunter Washington 3 0 0 0 Jo'Quavious Marks 2 0 0 0 Esaias Furdge 2 0 0 0 Emmanuel Forbes 2 0 0 0 Marcus Banks 1 0 0 0 Nathan Pickering 1 0 0 0 Randy Charlton 1 1 0 0 J.P. Purvis 1 0 0 0 KICKING FG XP PTS LONG Ben Raybon 0/0 2/2 2 0 PUNTING NO YDS AVG IN20 Archer Trafford 6 248 41.3 0 KICK RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Lideatrick Griffin 4 100 25.0 0 Rara Thomas 2 40 20.0 0 PUNT RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Austin Williams 1 31 31.0 0

Kentucky Wildcats PASSING C/A YDS TD INT Will Levis 17/29 228 2 0 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD Chris Rodriguez Jr. 35 150 4.2 0 Will Levis 3 -12 -4.0 0 Jutahn McClain 3 7 2.3 0 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD Dane Key 5 107 21.4 1 Jordan Dingle 4 41 10.2 0 Chris Rodriguez Jr. 2 8 4.0 0 Tayvion Robinson 2 29 14.5 1 Brenden Bates 2 27 13.5 0 Barion Brown 1 13 13.0 0 Keaton Upshaw 1 3 3.0 0 BLOCKING PANCAKE SACK Tashawn Manning 0 1 DEFENSE TACK SACK INT TD Keidron Smith 5 0 0 0 Deandre Square 4 0 0 0 Tre'Vonn Rybka 3 2 0 0 Kobi Albert 3 0 0 0 Zion Childress 2 0 0 0 Jordan Wright 2 0 0 0 Maxwell Hairston 2 0 0 0 Tyrell Ajian 2 0 0 0 Jordan Lovett 2 0 0 0 Deryk Jackson 1 0 0 0 J.J. Weaver 1 0 0 0 Alex Afari 1 0 0 0 Demarcus Harris 1 0 0 0 Deone Walker 1 1 0 0 KICKING FG XP PTS LONG Matt Ruffolo 4/4 2/2 14 46 PUNTING NO YDS AVG IN20 Colin Goodfellow 4 168 42.0 2 KICK RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Barion Brown 2 53 26.5 0 PUNT RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Tayvion Robinson 5 40 8.0 0

Will Levis hits Tayvion Robinson for his second touchdown pass of the night.

[jasontoddwhitt]

Around the Nation -- Week 8 Edition

Alabama Edges Past Tennessee in High-Octane Showdown: A 45-40 SEC Thriller

In a clash of SEC titans, #15 Alabama delivered a thrilling performance on the road, outlasting #7 Tennessee with a final score of 45-40. The first half was an offensive showcase, with both teams exchanging blow for blow, resulting in a tight 35-31 lead for Alabama at halftime. However, both defenses found their footing in the second half, making key stops to create a tense atmosphere. Alabama managed to hold a 45-34 lead in the fourth quarter, but Tennessee fought back, with Hendon Hooker connecting with Jabari Small for a four-yard touchdown with just over a minute to play. The two-point conversion attempt fell short, and the Volunteers failed to recover the onside kick, sealing the game for the Crimson Tide. Bryce Young displayed exceptional skill, throwing for 339 yards and four touchdowns, while Jahmyr Gibbs showcased versatility with 76 rushing yards and 190 receiving yards, including two touchdown catches. Alabama's offensive prowess and tenacity secured a crucial win, marking a significant moment in their season.

USC Stuns #5 Utah with Dominant 26-13 Victory on the Road

In a pivotal Pac-12 clash, 13th-ranked USC delivered a decisive 26-13 victory on the road against 5th-ranked Utah. USC's quarterback Caleb Williams exhibited outstanding performance, amassing 264 passing yards and connecting for a crucial touchdown. Running back Austin Jones played a significant role, carrying the ball 17 times for 77 yards and finding the end zone. On the defensive front, USC displayed tenacity, limiting Utah's offense by holding Cameron Rising to 208 yards passing and an interception. This win solidifies USC's standing in the Pac-12 race and sets a strong tone for future matchups.

In a Thrilling Overtime Battle, #4 Miami Escapes Virginia Tech 19-16

In a hard-fought contest, #4 Miami faced a fierce challenge on the road, clashing with Virginia Tech. The game lived up to expectations, remaining tightly contested through regulation. Virginia Tech's kicker, William Ross, showcased his skill with a clutch 45-yard field goal, leveling the score at 13-13 as the fourth quarter clock ran down. Ross again displayed his accuracy as the game headed into overtime, nailing a 42-yard field goal. However, Miami responded with poise and determination. Quarterback Tyler Van **** connected with Brashard Smith on an 11-yard touchdown pass, clinching a nail-biting 19-16 victory for the Hurricanes.

Michigan Stages Remarkable Comeback to Edge Past Penn State 29-26

In a thrilling matchup, #10 Michigan orchestrated a remarkable comeback, overcoming a 20-0 halftime deficit against Penn State to secure a 29-26 victory. Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy led a formidable charge in the third quarter, firing two touchdown passes and igniting the Wolverines' offense. With just under 10 minutes left in the fourth, HB Blake Corum powered through for a crucial three-yard TD run, propelling Michigan to a 21-20 lead. Penn State responded as QB Sean Clifford linked up with WR Mitchell Tinsley for a 10-yard touchdown, but their two-point conversion attempt fell short, leaving the score at 26-21. McCarthy orchestrated a game-winning drive, connecting with Andrel Anthony on a 24-yard pass and clinching the victory with a successful two-point conversion, sealing the final score at 29-26.

TCU Stuns #12 Oklahoma State with Convincing 38-13 Victory, Extending Cowboys' Conference Woes

In a stunning upset, TCU asserted its dominance over #12 Oklahoma State, delivering a 38-13 victory. This marked the second consecutive conference blowout loss for the Cowboys after an impressive 4-0 start to the season. TCU's quarterback, Max Duggan, orchestrated a potent offensive display, throwing for 187 yards and two touchdowns despite an interception. However, it was the ground game that truly shined for the Horned Frogs. Running back Kendre Miller had a stellar performance, amassing 190 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries. On the flip side, the Oklahoma State offense struggled to find its rhythm, with quarterback Spencer Sanders completing just 16 of 41 passes and throwing two interceptions. Despite a solid effort from running back Dominic Richardson, who managed 71 yards and a touchdown, the Cowboys couldn't muster enough to counter TCU's determined onslaught.

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Cat Scratches

Wildcats Reach Historic Heights in College Football Rankings

In a remarkable journey up the college football rankings, the Kentucky Wildcats are etching their names in the annals of Kentucky football history. Before their crucial clash with Mississippi State, the Wildcats stood at an impressive 6th position in the USA Today Coaches Poll. This achievement marked a significant milestone, representing their highest rank since the conclusion of the 1977 season, in which they finished with a stellar 10-1 record.

Unsatisfied with the 6th spot, the Wildcats propelled themselves further after a dominant victory over Mississippi State. They moved up one spot to 5th in the rankings, a peak they had not reached since the third week of the 1964 season. That year, they emerged victorious against football powerhouses like #1 Ole Miss and #7 Auburn.

While the 1964 season ended with a somewhat disappointing 5-5 record, the recent surge in rankings has ignited excitement and optimism among fans. It hints at a promising trajectory for the team and fuels hopes for further historic accomplishments as the season progresses. The Wildcats now find themselves in a prime position to significantly impact the college football landscape, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the remainder of the season.

The highest rank Kentucky has ever achieved was a remarkable #3 after Week 9 during the 1950 season. That year, guided by the legendary coach Bear Bryant, the Wildcats experienced a loss to Tennessee. Still, they rebounded spectacularly, clinching victory against the then-undefeated #1 Oklahoma Sooners in the Sugar Bowl. Adding to this illustrious legacy, in 2004, esteemed statistician Jeff Sagarin, commissioned by the NCAA, retrospectively recognized the 1950 Kentucky Wildcats as National Champions, solidifying their historical significance on the football field.

Coach Stoops Expresses Gratitude for Well-Timed Bye Week, Aids Player Recovery

After a challenging matchup against Mississippi State, Coach Mark Stoops and the Kentucky Wildcats find themselves not only reflecting on a well-earned victory but also the importance of the forthcoming bye week. The break in their regular schedule comes at an opportune moment, allowing for vital recovery and healing for some key players.

During his recent radio appearance, Coach Stoops openly discussed the minor injuries some Wildcats endured during the Mississippi State game. Defensive tackle Justin Rogers, a formidable force in the team, missed the second half due to a knee injury. Fortunately, the diagnosis revealed a bruised knee, reassuring Rogers to return to complete form after the bye week.

Similarly, star running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. faced a brief setback after sustaining a shoulder injury during the game. He took a few plays off for evaluation, and the diagnosis affirmed a bruised shoulder. The bye week is a timely respite, allowing Rodriguez to recuperate and prepare for the much-anticipated clash against Tennessee.

Tight end Jordan Dingle faced a scare when a brutal hit early in the second half forced him into concussion protocol. The bye week will provide a crucial window for Dingle's recovery, ensuring he clears the necessary protocols and rejoins the team at full strength.

With the rivalry game against Tennessee looming, the Wildcats and their coaching staff understand the significance of having critical players in optimal health and form. The bye week presents an invaluable opportunity for the team to regroup, recharge, and fine-tune their strategies for the battle ahead. Coach Stoops and his staff are taking every measure to ensure that the Wildcats are primed and ready for what promises to be a pivotal clash against their rivals in two weeks.

Kentucky Gains Impressive Verbal Commitments for 2023 Class

The Kentucky Wildcats football program has reason to celebrate as they secure three significant verbal commitments for their 2023 recruiting class, bolstering their roster with promising talent.

Jake Kolinchak, a four-star offensive guard from Livingston, TN, is a pivotal addition to the Wildcats' offensive line. Ranked as the #10 guard in his class, Kolinchak garnered attention from prominent football programs, including Ole Miss, Iowa, Mississippi State, North Carolina State, and Wake Forest. His remarkable display at a summer camp, clocking a 5.02 40-yard dash, bench pressing 460 pounds, and squatting an impressive 580 pounds, underscored his prowess as a well-rounded offensive lineman excelling in run and pass blocking.

Adding depth to their defensive lineup, three-star outside linebacker Zach Shaw from Niceville, Florida, brings his talents to the Wildcats. Ranked #95 among outside linebackers in the class, Shaw received offers from notable institutions like USF, UCF, and Vanderbilt. Shaw's athleticism and skill were on full display during a summer camp, where he showcased a lightning-fast 4.66 40-yard dash, complemented by a bench press of 380 pounds and a squat of 630 pounds, highlighting his ability to excel in both running and passing defense.

Jamyhl Harges, a three-star running back from Edgewood, KY, adds another layer of talent to the Wildcats' offensive arsenal. Rated #31 among running backs in his class, Harges was sought after by Indiana and Virginia. During a summer camp, he exhibited his speed, recording a notable 4.68 40-yard dash, and showcased his strength with a bench press of 265 pounds and a squat of 275 pounds.

The Wildcats also hosted several recruits on official visits during their triumphant game against Mississippi State. While these visits did not yield commitments immediately, they provided a platform for prospective recruits to witness the Wildcats' exceptional performance firsthand.

Kentucky's football program continues to make strides in recruiting and securing promising talents for their 2023 class. As these commitments solidify, the Wildcats are optimistic about their positive impact on the team, shaping a bright future for Kentucky football.

Commitments



Official Visits

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Around the Nation -- Week 9 Edition

Syracuse Stuns #2 Clemson in Thrilling Upset

Syracuse's thrilling upset over #2 Clemson is set to send shockwaves through the college football world. The Orange dominated the first half, taking a commanding 24-6 lead into the locker room. Clemson's valiant comeback in the second half ultimately fell short, tarnishing their unbeaten streak. Syracuse's defense proved formidable against the typically potent Clemson offense, securing an impressive victory. Clemson's D.J. Uiagalelei finished with 166 passing yards, one touchdown, and an interception. Running back Will Shipley rushed for 77 yards, while wide receiver Joseph Ngata contributed four receptions for 58 yards and a touchdown. Syracuse's Garrett Shrader threw for 167 yards and a touchdown, Lequint Allen rushed for 65 yards, and Courtney Jackson snagged three receptions for 55 yards. This unforeseen upset is sure to shake up the college football landscape.

Ohio State Dominates Iowa in Convincing Victory

In a showdown between two top-25 teams, #7 Ohio State left no room for doubt as they secured a resounding 37-14 victory over #24 Iowa. The Buckeyes' offense was firing on all cylinders, with quarterback Kyle McCord delivering two touchdowns and 210 yards through the air while running back Miyan Williams rumbled for 128 yards on the ground. Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. hauled in four receptions for 76 yards, contributing to the potent Ohio State attack. Meanwhile, the Iowa Hawkeyes struggled to find their footing, with quarterback Spencer Petras tallying 119 passing yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. Running back Kaleb Johnson managed 66 rushing yards and wide receiver Nico Ragaini caught four passes for 49 yards, including one touchdown.

Washington Extends Undefeated Streak with Victory Over Cal

#15 Washington continued their impressive unbeaten run, improving to 8-0 with a convincing 45-20 win on the road against Cal. Huskies' quarterback Michael Penix Jr. led the charge, tossing five touchdown passes and accumulating 348 yards through the air. He was also productive on the ground with 42 rushing yards. Wide receiver Jalen McMillan was instrumental in the passing game, catching six receptions for 98 yards and scoring twice. On the Cal side, quarterback Jack Plummer threw for 299 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Decarlos Brooks gained 65 rushing yards. Wide receiver Jeremiah Hunter was a standout, recording eight catches for 117 yards and a touchdown. Washington's undefeated season continues to garner attention as they aim to make a strong statement in the Pac-12. Maybe the pollsters will finally jump on board.

Kansas Stuns #8 Baylor with Late Comeback Victory

In a dramatic fourth-quarter turnaround, Kansas rallied from a 13-point deficit to upset #8 Baylor, 24-23, on the road. Baylor appeared in control with a 23-10 lead after a field goal early in the fourth quarter. However, Kansas running back Devin Neal's nine-yard touchdown run with just 2:34 remaining in the game narrowed the gap to 24-20. A critical fumble by Baylor's Qualan Jones handed Kansas a golden opportunity, and Neal capitalized, punching in an eight-yard touchdown with 1:41 left to take the lead. Baylor had one last chance, but quarterback Blake Shapen threw a costly interception, sealing the Jayhawks' stunning victory. Shapen finished with 233 yards, one touchdown, and one interception for Baylor, while Jones rushed for 117 yards and a score. For Kansas, Jalon Daniels passed for 168 yards and an interception, with Devin Neal contributing two crucial rushing touchdowns.

Notre Dame Continues to Struggle Despite Win over UNLV

#21 Notre Dame narrowly escaped defeat against UNLV with a late rally, securing a 30-23 win. The Fighting Irish have been far from dominant this season, barely clinging to a winning record. While they managed to outlast UNLV, questions persist about their lackluster performances week after week. The tradition of Notre Dame is what is keeping them in the rankings. However, many wonder how long they can keep their spot in the rankings with their inconsistent play. With the CFP Rankings due out on Tuesday, many will wonder if the committee will even rank them.

Louisville Survives Pittsburgh Comeback for a Thrilling 41-34 Victory

Louisville claimed a nail-biting 41-34 win over Pittsburgh, bolstering their record to 5-2. The Cardinals stormed to a commanding 34-13 lead by halftime, only to face a resurgent Pittsburgh in the third quarter, as they scored 21 unanswered points to tie the game. Nonetheless, Louisville didn't falter under the pressure and retook the lead with a critical 6-yard touchdown run by Jawhar Jordan, ensuring their victory. Malik Cunningham played a pivotal role, amassing 334 passing yards and four touchdowns, while Pittsburgh's Kedon Slovis threw a critical interception, sealing the win for the Cardinals.

[jasontoddwhitt]

Cat Scratches

Kentucky Eyes New Heights, Head Coach Mark Stoops Highlights Upcoming Challenge

With Kentucky football basking in the glory of its historic high in the latest Coaches Poll, Head Coach Mark Stoops is keenly aware of the arduous journey ahead. As the Wildcats prepare for their next game, a high-stakes showdown in Knoxville against the #12 Tennessee Volunteers, Stoops recognizes the formidable challenge that awaits.

Stoops recently shared his thoughts on the impending matchup, saying, "Our team is embracing the challenge of facing the #1 scoring offense in the nation. Tennessee has been prolific this season, and they've set the bar high. Our players are excited to prove themselves on the national stage and demonstrate that we're a team to be reckoned with."

However, the Wildcats aren't shying away from the fact that oddsmakers have listed them as 5.5-point underdogs against the Vols. Stoops acknowledged the point spread but added, "We've thrived in the underdog role before, and this team is ready to rise to the occasion. The game isn't played on paper or by the odds. We prepare and execute our game plan to give our fans something to cheer about."

Indeed, the matchup against the high-flying Volunteers promises to be a defining moment for the Wildcats. Kentucky's journey to newfound heights in the Coaches Poll could reach even greater summits with a victory in Knoxville, cementing their status as a formidable contender in the race for the College Football Playoffs. The stakes have never been higher, and Wildcats fans everywhere are eagerly anticipating the clash between two SEC powerhouses.

Wildcats Secure Verbal Commitment from 3-Star OG Chris Shelton

The Kentucky Wildcats' impressive run isn't limited to their performance on the field, as they continue to make waves in the recruiting scene. The latest addition to their 2023 class is 3-star offensive guard Chris Shelton, hailing from Lombard, Illinois.

Shelton, rated the #42 guard in the 2023 class, brings his considerable talents to Lexington. The Wildcats faced stiff competition for his commitment, with late offers from Big Ten programs Iowa and Illinois, but in the end, he chose to embrace the blue and white of Kentucky.

This brings the 2023 class to 11 commitments so far, and is currently ranked 16th in the nation by 24/7.

[jasontoddwhitt]

RECE DAVIS: "Good evening, college football fans! It's finally that time of the year. Welcome to our exclusive presentation of the 2022 College Football Playoffs Rankings Reveal."

KIRK HERBSTREIT: "That's right, Rece! And it's not just any night; it's the night we've all been waiting for. The first look at the rankings that will shape the future of the college football playoffs."

RECE: "Absolutely, Kirk! We're about to embark on a thrilling journey through the minds of the CFP Selection Committee, and believe me, college football fans; you're in for a wild ride. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the moment we've all been waiting for. The first College Football Playoffs Rankings of the 2022 season!"



RECE: "And there it is, folks, your top four. Kansas State at the top, followed by Alabama, Georgia, and Kentucky. Kirk, initial thoughts on this top four? It's a wild start to the CFP rankings."

KIRK: "Rece, this is an impressive lineup, to say the least. Kansas State...has been lights-out this season, and their top spot is well-earned. The pollsters are starting to come around on them. But it's Alabama and Georgia in those next two spots, with a one-loss Alabama ahead of undefeated Georgia. That's intriguing. Then we have Kentucky, undefeated and turning heads across the nation. Their incredible journey continues. But here's what strikes me the most – the teams on the bubble, waiting for their shot. We're in for an exciting finish to the season, Rece, no doubt about it."

RECE: "Indeed, Kirk. It's a fascinating start to the rankings, with much more to come. College football fans don't go anywhere. We'll be breaking down this list further in just a moment."



RECE: "And there you have it, folks, the complete Top 25 in the initial College Football Playoff Rankings for the 2022 season. Quite a few surprises and some familiar faces in the mix. Kirk, as we look at these rankings, any teams that stand out to you?"

KIRK: "Rece, we must watch the undefeated squads, Kansas State, Miami, Coastal Carolina, and UAB. They've been exceptional so far. And speaking of surprises, Illinois is making a strong case at #10. They are barely getting votes in both polls, but the committee is awarding a 6-1 Big Ten team. We all know these rankings will evolve, and the competition will only get tougher as the season progresses."

RECE: "Absolutely, Kirk. The playoff committee certainly has some interesting decisions to make down the road. It's going to be a thrilling journey to the end. But remember, it's not about where you start; it's where you finish. That will do it for us tonight. We'll see you this weekend for some college football action."

[jasontoddwhitt]