SB Nation's Bill Connelly has done one last update of his S&P+ rankings prior to the start of the season. In the latest update, UK rises 6 spots and is now ranked 46th which is higher than any other preseason ranking I've seen elsewhere. UK is sandwiched between Minnesota (a team many are picking to win the Big 10 West) and Oklahoma State. Interestingly, Connelly's model projects UK's defense (40th) to be better than UK's offense (56th). For perspective, UK's defense finished 2014 ranked 60th, and the offense finished 52nd. I'm skeptical UK's offense will be ranked lower this season, but I would happily welcome a borderline Top 40 defense.
UK Rises Higher In Preseason Rankings; Game Projection UK Versus Louisiana Lafeyette
