After impressive victories over Colgate and Louisville, the Kentucky Wildcats have surged to No. 4 in the AP Poll, correcting what many saw as a glaring error from the previous week. Despite remaining undefeated, Kentucky had been ranked fifth last week, trailing Duke, who had only played one game against Incarnate Word and won easily.
It didn’t take long for fans and analysts alike to point out the discrepancy, especially after Kentucky had already beaten Duke 77-72 earlier this season on a neutral court. Many questioned how the Wildcats could fall behind a Blue Devils team with two losses, while Kentucky’s only defeat was a respectable Quad-1 loss to Clemson.
It appears the AP voters have now righted that wrong. Kentucky’s dominant performance, including the thrilling rivalry win over Louisville, likely played a significant role in their rise. With no top teams ahead of them suffering losses, this jump signifies that the voters acknowledged Kentucky’s rightful place in the rankings.
However, there are still lingering concerns. With only two games remaining before the New Year — a game against Ohio State in the CBS Sports Classic and a contest against Brown — some wonder if Kentucky’s lack of games over the holiday break could allow teams like Duke to close the gap, especially as the Blue Devils play three more games during that time.
As 2024 approaches, all eyes will be on Kentucky’s performance and how the rankings continue to evolve. The Wildcats’ journey to the top is far from over, and with the AP voters making the right call this week, Kentucky fans are hopeful for continued respect on the national stage.
