INSTANT CLASSIC: Kentucky Falls 38-35 to Clemson in Gator Bowl

The TaxSlayer Gator Bowl lost its mind in the fourth quarter. A slobber-knocker turned into a back and forth roller coaster of emotions. There were seven scores and four lead changes as Clemson struck the final blow to win 38-35.

The Wildcats let an 11-point lead slip away. Three UK turnovers gave Clemson the ball inside the Kentucky 40-yard line on four straight possessions.

Barion Brown made the final turnover that looked like it would cost Kentucky the game. Just after fumbling it back to Clemson, he caught a 60-yard touchdown pass to give the Cats the lead. His third score of the day, he also ran for a score and returned a kickoff for a touchdown.

A long return on the ensuing kickoff immediately put Clemson in scoring territory. Despite a stop on third down, the Tigers attempted a 52-yard field goal. The ball bounced off the crossbar and went in to give the lead back to Clemson.

Just when you thought the Cats were dead, Kentucky had another big play in the tank. On the first offense snap Jordan Dingle was wide open. He screamed 72 yards down the field to setup Ray Davis‘ go-ahead touchdown run.

The Kentucky defense played incredible all night and needed one final stop. Clemson had a 3rd an 18 from midfield, yet it wasn’t enough. Phil Mafah punched in his fourth touchdown with 17 seconds remaining.

The Kentucky defense kept Clemson contained for most of the night while applying pressure on the Tigers’ quarterback. Cade Klubnik was sacked eight times by six different Wildcats, with two coming from JJ Weaver.

Kentucky finishes the 2024 campaign with an 7-6 record. Kentucky is now 12-11 in bowl games with two straight postseason losses.

Big Plays for Kentucky

Clemson struck first. The Tigers got a short field after a long return on the opening kickoff, then quickly got into scoring range thanks to a Kentucky unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Brad White’s defense forced the Tigers to settle for a field goal.

On Kentucky’s second possession Ray Davis made things happen. The school’s single-season touchdown leader made one cut on third and short, then bounced outside for a 43-yard gain. Liam Coen followed up the explosive play with an end-around that Barion Brown took 22 yards to the house.

Momentum Swinging Penalty

The explosive Kentucky offense was diffused in the second quarter. The Cats were on the verge of three straight three-and-outs when they received a gift from Clemson. Facing a third and long, a freshman cornerback made a freshman mistake.

Shelton Lewis tackled Barion Brown as he broke toward the sideline. Defensive pass interference moved the sticks and kept the drive alive. On the following plane Dane Key ran over a cornerback, then sprinted into the red zone for a 58-yard gain. Key caught a 5-yard touchdown one play later to give Kentucky a 14-10 lead.

6 for #6!@DevinLeary1 ➡️ @DaneKey6 puts Kentucky ahead in the second quarter

pic.twitter.com/ILCkNFY37Y

— KSR (@KSRonX) December 29, 2023

Follow @KSRonX, KSR’s official Twitter/X account, for all the latest Kentucky Wildcats news, videos, and content.

Another Big Penalty

Barion Brown was ready to put the dagger in Clemson early. Leading 21-10, he took another end-around down to the Tiger’s 30-yard line. Unfortunately, the explosive play was wiped away by an offensive facemask, moving the ball back to the UK 30-yard line.

It gave Clemson just enough life to crawl back into the game. On the ensuing possession the Tigers went 70 yards on a 14-play drive that finished with a one-yard touchdown run to make it a one-score game.

The change of momentum set the table for a wild ride in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, Kentucky came up short in a loss that will take time for the Big Blue Nation to process.

Got thoughts? Continue the conversation on KSBoard, the KSR Message Board. New members can try 1 month for $1.