College football AP Top 25: Week 5 winners and losers

BLACKSBURG, VA - SEPTEMBER 22: Quarterback Josh Jackson #17 of the Virginia Tech Hokies hands the ball to running back Steven Peoples #32 in the first half against the Old Dominion Monarchs at S. B. Ballard Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Norfolk, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images) /

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LEXINGTON, KY – SEPTEMBER 22: Josh Allen #41 of the Kentucky Wildcats celebrates during the 28-7 win over the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Commonwealth Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Winner: Kentucky Wildcats (Unranked to No. 17)

Is Kentucky actually for real? The Wildcats are one of the hottest teams in the country after starting conference play 2-0.

Beating Florida on the road for the first time in about two decades was the first step and sealing the deal against Mississippi State at home was what put the Wildcats over the top, in the eyes of AP voters. They finally jumped into the AP Top 25, and they deserve it. The Wildcats arguably have two of the most impressive wins of the young season.

Kentucky had just 71 passing yards against the Bulldogs, but Benny Snell Jr. was the hero, rushing for over 160 yards with four touchdowns and the defense stepped to the plate, holding a strong offense, led by offensive guru Joe Moorhead, to just seven points and 201 total yards.

Is it time to buy stock in the Wildcats? Mark Stoops has the program headed in the right direction, but he has to worry about a tough stretch coming up against South Carolina and Texas A&M, but SEC East contention is not out of the question.

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