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The Taxslayer Gator Bowl kicks off early on Friday with a matchup between the #22 Clemson Tigers (8-4, 6-6 ATS) and the Kentucky Wildcats (7-5, 6-6 ATS). This was a down year for Clemson, finishing sixth in the ACC. The Tigers final game was a 16-7 win in South Carolina, covering as 7.5-point favorites. Kentucky finished fourth in the SEC East, and concluded the season with a strong road win over #10 Louisville, winning 38-31 as 7.5-point road underdogs. These teams have not met since 2009, when Clemson won in the Music City Bowl. Clemson is currently listed as a four point favorite. Kickoff is scheduled for noon EST, from EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida and can be found on ESPN.
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Clemson had a down year, but was still packed with talent, which is why many of their top defensive players are opting out to prepare for the NFL Draft. Their leading tackler, linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr., will sit out this game after recording 87 tackles and leading the team with 5.5 sacks. Defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro will also skip this game after recording five sacks, and starting corner Nate Wiggins will also sit out after recording two interceptions this season. Starting safety Andrew Makuba and wide receiver Beaux Collins are opting out to enter the transfer portal. The remaining Tigers are set to take on Kentucky with the hopes of ending the season on a high note.
Clemson is led by 6'2 sophomore quarterback Cade Klubnik who will play in this game. He averages 215 passing yards per game with a 19-8 TD-INT ratio. Clemson won their finale against South Carolina, but it was not because of Klubnik, he only threw for 100 yards on 15-27 passing with no touchdowns and an interception. Clemson's strength will be their running game, Phil Mafah ran for 894 yards and nine touchdowns while Will Shipley ran for 798 yards and five touchdowns. Mafah is more of a power back that can run downhill, while Shipley is quicker and is utilized more in the passing game. Their top receiver in terms of yardage will play, as 5'11 freshman Tyler Brown led the team with 519 yards and four touchdowns. Tight end Jake Briningstone has a productive season with 407 yards and five touchdowns.
Clemson finished the season averaging 29.2 points per game on offense, and their defense only allowed 19.9 per game. With all the opt-outs, their top tackler will be linebacker Barrett Carter who had 59 on the year. TJ Parker is a defensive end who had five sacks on the season, and linebacker Wade Woodaz added another four. Safety Khalil Barnes led the team in interceptions w ith three and will play in this game. The Tigers forced 23 turnovers in their 12 games this season.