The SEC is in a bit of a tizzy for both on and off-field reasons right now— Kiffin's exit has kept things interesting, even with the regular season now concluded. The championship game is now set as well, with Alabama and Georgia set for a rematch in Atlanta.
So how does the conference shake out after this last weekend of games? Let's dive in and take a look at how things panned out after rivalry week has concluded.
Power ranking the SEC after rivalry week: 16 - Kentucky
The bowl dreams for the Kentucky Wildcats died, in one way, all the way back when they attempted to run right up the middle against the Longhorns on 4th and goal in overtime. Get that win, in you're in much better position to finish down a pretty tough stretch— but losing the way they did all but scuttled those hopes.
We saw that play out in their resounding loss to the Louisville Cardinals, dropping the game 41-0. That was enough to finally push the administration at UK over the edge, apparently, as they have now made the decision to dismiss Aggie coaching legend Mark Stoops.
Stoops exits a Kentucky program that desires to do better than what he was offering, but one that, outside of Bear Bryant, has never done better than him in their history. That's not to say they have no chance, but especially entering a crowded coaching carousel this late in the year, they may not end up with their top choice.
UK has had some years where they've been far more than a doormat in this conference, but they are staring down the barrel of returning to said doormat status if they don't get this right. Watch closely to see what kind of name they can bring to the bluegrass here in the next few weeks.