Despite dropping its first game of the season on Saturday, the Kentucky Wildcats are in good shape for the postseason heading into a bye week.

Kentucky is 5-1 and tied for second in the SEC East. Just one win away from bowl eligibility, the Cats should be favorites in remaining games against Vanderbilt, Louisville and Middle Tennessee State.

But where might the Wildcats go bowling? The experts differ after half a season of play.

Here's a look at where Kentucky may be headed this postseason (projected opponent in parentheses):

Citrus Bowl (Jan. 1 in Orlando)

Erick Smith, USA TODAY Sports (Iowa); College Football News (Wisconsin); Mitch Sherman, ESPN (Wisconsin); Jim Tomlin, Saturday Down South (Michigan)

How it's picked: After the selection of the New Year's Six games is done, the Citrus Bowl gets to pick first from the available SEC teams. That team is pitted against a member of either the ACC or Big Ten conference. Assuming three teams are picked for the New Year's Six, the Wildcats could reach the Citrus Bowl with a fourth-place SEC finish.

How UK fits: These predictions would pit Kentucky against a trio of Big Ten teams that rely more heavily on the run, as Iowa, Wisconsin and Michigan are ranked 60th or lower in the country in passing offense. Meanwhile, Kentucky is 38th in the country in rushing yards allowed a game. Benny Snell and the Wildcats' offense would be the difference.

See also:Drew Brees almost played for Kentucky football before the NFL

Music City Bowl (Dec. 28 in Nashville)

Kerry Miller, Bleacher Report (Minnesota); Kyle Bonagura, ESPN (Virginia Tech)

How it's picked: The Music City Bowl is part of the next tier of games after the College Football Playoff and Citrus Bowl slots are filled. The Music City Bowl is considered even with the other five bowl games in that tier of the SEC bowl tie-ins. The Music City Bowl typically features a representative from the SEC against the ACC or Big Ten. The Wildcats would be in play here with a finish in the top half of the SEC.

How UK fits: Minnesota and Virginia Tech have been underwhelming through six games despite a combined 6-4 record, largely in part due to a lack of quality wins. Minnesota's best win is against Fresno State, while Virginia Tech beat Duke and Florida State, but dropped games to Old Dominion and Notre Dame. Kentucky has been better than both these teams in the first half of the season.

Related:5 reasons Kentucky football should remain optimistic about 2018 season

Belk Bowl (Dec. 29 in Charlotte)

Brett McMurphy, Stadium (North Carolina State); Eric Single, Sports Illustrated (Duke)

How it's picked: The Belk Bowl is another of the six next-tier games. It typically features a representative from the SEC against the ACC. The Wildcats again would be in play here with a finish in the top half of the SEC.

How UK fits: The Wildcats haven't faced as good a passing offense as North Carolina State, which ranks eighth in the country in passing yards a game. Duke's best win through five games is Northwestern. Kentucky would much rather see the Blue Devils.

Read more:Kentucky football's goals are still within reach after Texas A&M loss

Outback Bowl (Jan. 1 in Tampa)

Bill Bender, Sporting News (Wisconsin); Jason Kirk, SB Nation (Michigan State); Jerry Palm, CBS Sports (Michigan State); Brad Crawford, 247 Sports (Michigan State)

How it's picked: The Outback Bowl is another of the six next-tier games. It typically features a representative from the SEC against the Big Ten. The Wildcats again would be in play here with a finish in the top half of the SEC.

How UK fits: The Spartans have been unable to develop a consistent running game — 110th in the country — and are much better at passing the ball — 39th in the country. They win games, however, with defense that's just on the outside of the top 25. Again, Benny Snell and the Kentucky offense would be the difference.

Justin Sayers: 502-582-4252; jsayers@courierjournal.com; Twitter: @_JustinSayers. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: courier-journal.com/justins.