Tennessee’s big 71-52 win over Kentucky on Saturday did more than move the Volunteers past the Wildcats in the Southeastern Conference standings, it helped Rick Barnes squad jump John Calipari’s team in the AP poll, too.
The Volunteers are now ranked No. 5 nationally after improving its record to 26-3 on the season and 14-2 in league play. Tennessee finishes out its home schedule Tuesday night as it is set to host 21-8 Mississippi State in Knoxville.
Kentucky has dropped to No. 6 nationally after dropping to 24-5 overall, 13-3 in league play, but looks to get back on track Tuesday night in Oxford against a 19-10 Ole Miss team.
The only other SEC team ranked in the latest AP poll is LSU, which has climbed all the way up to No. 10 nationally. The Tigers are 24-5 on the season and are tied with Tennessee in the SEC with a 14-2 league mark. LSU next plays Wednesday at Florida.
SEC teams ranked in AP Poll:
#5 Tennessee (up two spots)
#6 Kentucky (down two spots)
#10 LSU (up three spots)
Others receiving votes: #26 Auburn (43 votes), #27 Mississippi State (25 votes)
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
