Keys to Victory: Clemson vs. Kentucky

Each week, we review the game’s history, three keys to success, and Swanny’s prediction.

The Match-Up:

Clemson (8-4, 4-4 ACC) vs. Kentucky (7-5, 3-5 ACC)

Clemson will make its record 10th all-time Gator Bowl appearance when the Tigers face the Kentucky Wildcats in the 2023 TaxSlayer Gator Bowl on Friday, Dec. 29. Kickoff at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. is set for noon ET.

The Gator Bowl will be Clemson's 50th bowl appearance in school history. Clemson will become the 12th program in the nation to play at least 50 all-time bowl games. Though Clemson's streak of consecutive 10-win seasons concluded this year at a dozen (the third-longest streak in FBS history), Clemson can still extend a historically profound streak of consecutive nine-win seasons with another victory.

Series History:

• OVERALL: Clemson trails series, 5-8
• HOME: Series is tied, 1-1
• ROAD: Clemson trails series, 2-6
• NEUTRAL: Clemson leads series, 2-1
• LAST MEETING: Dec. 27, 2009 (21-13, W)
• STREAK: Clemson, Won 1

Roster:

We will update Clemson’s roster once it’s released about two hours before kickoff. 

Stat of the Week:

Clemson is attempting to improve to 14-6 against SEC opponents since 2015. A Clemson win would make Kentucky the sixth different SEC opponent defeated by Clemson in that span, joining Alabama, Auburn, LSU, South Carolina, and Texas A&M.

Chasing History:

Clemson is attempting to win a postseason game (conference championship, bowl game and/or national championship game) for a 13th consecutive season. Clemson’s current 12-year streak is the longest streak on record in major college football history.

Memorable Moments: 

1981: Clemson defeated Kentucky, 21-3, during the Tigers' first national championship campaign in 1981 and earned a 24-6 win against the Wildcats a year later. Kentucky stymied the Clemson offense for the first half in 1981 and led 3-0 at halftime. But the Tigers stormed back for 21 second-half points behind touchdowns by Kevin Mack, Homer Jordan and Chuck McSwain. The Tigers ran their record to 4-0 with the win and moved into the top 10 in the polls for the first time since 1959 after the victory.

2009: C.J. Spiller totaled 172 all-purpose yards and a rushing score in his final collegiate game to lead Clemson to a 21-13 win over Kentucky in the Music City Bowl at LP Field in Nashville, Tenn. It was the Tigers’ first bowl win since 2005, ending a three-game bowl losing streak. Spiller earned game MVP honors, as he had 67 rushing yards, three catches for 58 yards, and 47 kickoff-return yards. His touchdown was the 51st of his career to set what was, at the time, a school record.

Key 1: One-Two Punch

Getting a chance to see Antonio Williams and Tyler Brown together on the field has been a dream of Clemson fans all season, and though it did materialize, Williams spent most of the year injured, playing in just four games with 17 receptions for 192 yards and two touchdowns. As for Brown, he led all Tiger wideouts with 519 yards and 51 receptions with four TDs. He needs just four receptions to become the fourth Clemson player since 2010 to record 55 receptions in a freshman season, joining Antonio Williams (56 in 2022), Artavis Scott (76 in 2014), and Sammy Watkins (82 in 2011).

If that duo can get going, I think the Tigers offense can hit a gear we haven’t seen this season. If one of those two gets banged up, it’s back to the struggle bus for Clemson’s passing game.

Key 2: Win the Defensive LOS

If I had my choice, I’d prefer to see if Devin Leary can win a game throwing the football. If the Tigers can win the line of scrimmage and contain Wildcat running back Ray Davis (1,066) the odds that Clemson brings home a Gator Bowl trophy increase significantly. 

The Tigers are tough in the trenches, and even without Ruke Orhorhoro, there is plenty to like about the defensive line coming into this one. Chris Rumph has sent a jolt of energy into the defensive ends, and I expect to see a great performance from the group under his tutelage. 

Key 3: Maturing Cade

Clemson’s offense couldn’t produce a touchdown at South Carolina in the regular season finale, including another lackluster performance from Cade Klubnik as the sophomore went 15-27 for just 100 yards with zero touchdowns and a pick. Not ideal.

At this point, it’s fair to question Klubnik’s top end, but Dabo Swinney has been adamant that being without Cole Turner and Antonio Williams really hamstrung the passing game. I guess time will tell.

I was asked about Klubnik this week, and the best comparison I can give is that he’s like a puppy. There’s a lot to like-- and a lot to be frustrated with. At some point, a pup has to mature, and here’s hoping that Klubnik’s in-game management and situational awareness have taken a step forward as we enter today’s Gator Bowl.

Prediction:

I don’t think this game is high-scoring, as the Tigers haven’t been able to crack through offensively consistently. I think the Tigers-- at full strength-- are the better team, but Clemson’s without several key players including Nate Wiggins and Jermiah Trotter Jr. The good news is that this matchup is an opportunity for the youngsters to make a name for themselves ahead of the 2024 season.

If Clemson’s offense can produce with Williams and Brown at wideout, I think there will be just enough points scored for the Tigers to knock off Kentucky.

Clemson 20, Kentucky 14

Swanny’s Predictions: 

✅ = Correct Prediction