Kentucky is 3-0 heading into a Week 4 home showdown against also-undefeated Mississippi State.

The Wildcats have struggled at times against Central Michigan and Murray State, but they also snapped a 31-year losing streak against Florida.

On Monday’s episode of “The Paul Finebaum Show,” SEC Network analyst Greg McElroy said Kentucky’s success feels “legitimate” this season:

“For the first time in a while, Kentucky’s success feels legitimate,” he said. “Even when they had a slow start last week, that’s a game where, in years past — Eastern Kentucky against Kentucky — Eastern Kentucky almost beat them. Murray State’s not a good football team, we know that, but Kentucky has struggled with games like that in the past. It was a slow start and they pulled away in the second half. That’s a sign of maturity, especially after a breakthrough win like they had against Florida the week before.

“I like the way their quarterback’s playing, the interior offensive line is really good, wide receivers are coming along — (Lynn) Bowden might be a real guy — and defensively, they’ve played more consistently than I can ever remember.”

And all that’s without McElroy even mentioning star RB Benny Snell Jr.

Does Kentucky have what it takes to pull off an upset against Mississippi State? Tune in to ESPN, ESPN2 or ESPNU on Saturday night at 7 p.m. Eastern time to find out.