Phil Mafah puts Clemson ahead with 29-yard TD run one play after Kentucky turnover

The Clemson defense kept putting the Tigers offense in position to score touchdowns in the fourth quarter on Saturday. Finally, Clemson did. Running back Phil Mafah scored on a 29-yard touchdown run with 6:45 remaining in the game to give Clemson its first lead of the contest at 27-21.

Mafah’s run came one play after Clemson forced its third turnover on consecutive drives.

Clemson freshman Khalil Barnes forced a fumble and Tigers linebacker Barrett Carter recovered it.

That set up the 29-yard touchdown run by Phil Mafah, who was untouched on his way to the end zone. You can watch the play below:

This is @PhilMafah1's THIRD (!!!) touchdown of the day 🤯 pic.twitter.com/N8umRwsW5V

— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) December 29, 2023

Mafah had a huge game for Clemson in the 38-35 victory. The junior finished with 11 carries for 71 yards and four touchdowns. His biggest run of the game came in the final seconds. Mafah scored on a 3-yard run with 17 seconds left to give the Tigers the lead for good.

Mafah normally creates a 1-2 punch with Clemson running back Will Shipley. However, Shipley suffered a leg injury on a kickoff return early in the fourth quarter. He was eventually taken to the locker room on a cart. Shipley was seen on the sideline with crutches after the game.

Dabo Swinney on rollercoaster Gator Bowl win over Kentucky: ‘We just made one more play’

It was a back-and-forth game between Clemson and Kentucky all afternoon, before the Tigers eventually came out on top.

After the game, Dabo Swinney praised his team’s performance during an interview with ESPN.

“That’s who we are. That’s who we are, man. Just thankful for the good Lord. These guys haven’t quit,” Swinney said. “You’re sitting there 4-4. They’ve won five in a row. I mean what an unbelievable game. First of all, how about Kentucky… laid it all on the line, and we just made one more play. We made some huge plays. We made some dumb ones, too. But at the end of the day, we found a way. And that’s what these guys have done all year.”

Clemson finished the season 9-4 with the victory, after being at .500 through the first eight games of the season.

The Tigers didn’t accomplish all of their goals this year, but they did have a strong finish.

“We had a decision to make at 4-4, and they decided to continue to believe, to stay together and to keep moving,” Swinney said. “And now here we are on a five-game winning streak. Hats off to these guys, man. The credit goes to these players. They never quit. A lot of adversity today, but this is what we do. This is who we are. We finish.”