Kentucky vs. Clemson: Gator Bowl Numbers You Need to Know

The long wait is almost over. The countdown is shrinking from hours to minutes as Kentucky prepares to battle Clemson on the gridiron at the home of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Before the Cats duel the Tigers in the postseason for the fourth time, here are a few facts, stats and numbers you need to know about the matchup.

2 — Where Clemson ranks in defensive success rate, prior to the multiple opt-outs on the two-deep.

3.33 — Rushing yards per carry allowed by the Kentucky defense, ranking 17th nationally and second in the SEC.

4 — Times Devin Leary has made a trip to a bowl game, but this is his first time actually suiting up in a game. He was injured for two others and UCLA canceled due to COVID the day before the 2021 Holiday Bowl.

5 — Yards per carry by not one, but TWO Clemson running backs. Phil Mafah is gaining 5.32 yards per touch and Will Shipley is logging 5.12 yards per carry. The two tailbacks have combined for 14 touchdowns and 1,692 yards.

6.2 — Yards per passing attempt by Clemson are the fewest in the ACC.

9 — A win today for Clemson would give the program 13-straight 9-win seasons, moving them into a tie for the fourth-longest streak in college football history.

10 — Gator Bowl appearances for Clemson. They’ve been to the Gator Bowl more than any other bowl game.

11 — Kentucky rushing plays of 30+ yards are the third-most in the SEC.

12 — Straight 10-win seasons by Clemson until 2023. They lost four straight games, then finished with four wins in a row to cap off an 8-4 regular season.

14 — Interceptions by the Clemson defense are the second-most in the ACC. Kentucky has picked off 10 passes, led Maxwell Hairston, whose five are the most in the SEC.

12 — Bowl wins by Kentucky in 22 tries. Mark Stoops has won four postseason games and lost three.

16 — Seasons Dabo Swinney has coached at Clemson. He’s just ahead of Mark Stoops’ 11 years at Kentucky, making him the seventh-longest tenured head coach in college football.

20 — Touchdowns by Kentucky running back Ray Davis are the most from scrimmage by an SEC athlete. He broke a single-season UK record for touchdowns and points scored.

21 — Players on the Kentucky football roster have at least one degree.

23 — Passing touchdowns by Devin Leary are the second-most in the SEC, but he is only completing 54% of his passes against SEC competition.

39 — Plays of 20+ yards allowed by the Clemson defense are the fewest in the ACC.

71.4% — Clemson’s offensive red zone conversion percentage is the worst in the ACC.

76.5 — Plays per game by Clemson ranks in the top 10 nationally.

108 — Clemson wins over Power Five opponents since 2013, tied with Alabama for the most in college football.