Connect with us

Football

Kentucky vs Clemson, TaxSlayer Gator Bowl: TV/Streaming Info, Keys to the Game, and Predictions

Published

on

The Kentucky Wildcats will take on the Clemson Tigers in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl.
© Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

The 2023 Kentucky Football season will reach its conclusion Friday against the No. 22 Clemson Tigers in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl.

The last time the Wildcats took the field was in late November against in-state rival and top-10 foe Louisville. Despite trailing by 10 multiple times in the second half, Kentucky was able to rally for the victory thanks to a Ray Davis touchdown with one minute left, then got a pick in the end zone to seal the victory.

A lot has happened since then. Mark Stoops nearly left for the Texas A&M opening. More than a dozen players have transferred out, while a few staff changes occurred, and Kentucky secured a standout high school and transfer portal recruiting class.

Advertisement

Now, Kentucky has a chance to end its season with a second straight victory over a top-25 ACC club after being 6-5 amid what looked to be a lost season.

There’s no question Clemson has had a down year by their standards, including their streak of double-digit victories ending for the first time since 2010.

Even so, Kentucky has an opportunity for a marquee win over a top-25 opponent.

The two programs have met 13 times all-time, with Kentucky holding an 8-5 edge. However, Clemson won the most recent matchup in the 2009 Music City Bowl. That was Dabo Seinney’s first season as the program’s head coach, as well as Rich Brooks’ final season at Kentucky before retiring.

Advertisement

The two programs also played in the 1993 Peach Bowl, which saw Clemson escape with a 14-13 win.

This will also be the third time Kentucky has played in the Gator Bowl, all under Mark Stoops. The Wildcats fell to Georgia Tech in 2016, then beat North Carolina State in the COVID-impacted 2020 campaign.

Here is what to watch for when Kentucky takes on Clemson.

Pace

This year’s edition of the Gator Bowl will feature two vastly different-paced offenses. Kentucky, the slowest team in the country, will look to slow down the second-fastest in the country in Clemson. The contrast is stark with the Tigers averaging more than 20 more plays per game.

Advertisement

That said, more isn’t always better as Clemson ranks toward the bottom of the country in yards per play and middle of the country in yards per game. Then again, Kentucky doesn’t have the most efficient offense either, but could we see a new facet of the offense?

Since the end of the regular season, Mark Stoops and Liam Coen have both talked about wanting to play with a faster pace next season. You have to imagine they’ve been working on that extensively during bowl practices, so perhaps we’ll see a more efficient offense down in Jacksonville.

Opt-Outs/Transfers

With draft decisions and the transfer portal, the first thing to look at anymore when discussing a bowl game is who is and is not going to play.

Clemson has three opt-outs, including two potential first-round picks, and more than a dozen players enter the transfer portal. The worst of these departures are key defensive players in linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr., cornerback Nate Wiggins, and defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro.

Advertisement

As far as Kentucky, they have just two opt-outs, but both are on the offensive line, which lacks depth. Right tackle Jeremy Flax and left guard Kenneth Horsey will be out.

In addition, the Wildcats have had more than a dozen transfers of their own, but only a handful of significance. The biggest is edge defender Keaten Wade, which is an area Kentucky is already thin at.

Kentucky will have a lot of continuity, but Clemson has five straight top-10 recruiting classes, meaning they have more depth and are better prepared to survive opt-outs and transfers.

That said, Kentucky under Mark Stoops has never feared more talent and has often shown more desire in their wins.

Advertisement

Clemson Through the Air or Kentucky on the Ground?

Look at the stats. Clemson is good at defending the pass, but not the run. Kentucky is good at defending the run, but not the pass.

One would think the opposing team will look to take advantage of the other’s weakness.

Going back to the opts-outs, Kentucky will have all their skill position players available, including running back Ray Davis who was a First-Team All-SEC selection. The Clemson defense has struggled specifically against counter and man-blocking run concepts, which are signatures of Kentucky’s run game.

The Tigers will be looking to pass but will be without one of their best-receiving targets in Beaux Collins. Even so, Kentucky’s pass defense has given up an average of 36 points and 275 yards per game against ranked opponents this season.

Advertisement

It doesn’t help that Clemson QB Cade Klubnik is the kind of duel-threat passer who can extend plays with his feet and scramble for big gains or find holes in the defense, something we saw Kentucky get burned by in several games this season.

Brad White’s unit will have to find a way to step up its game to have any hope of winning this game.


Now, here’s how to watch and follow the battle of the Tigers and Wildcats.

Kentucky Wildcats (7-5) vs. Clemson Tigers (8-4)

Advertisement

Football

Grammy Nominated Music Star Has Credit Card Stolen, Thief Buys 15 Hotdogs at Kentucky Football Game

Published

on

A Kentucky football fan stole music artist Noah Kahan's wallet at an airport and purchased 15 overpriced hot dogs.
Piet Levy | Imagn

Not a lot of good things came from Kentucky’s 24-10 loss to Auburn on Saturday, but one fan did get FIFTEEN (yes, 1-5) hot dogs courtesy of Grammy-nominated folk-pop artist Noah Kahan.

To clarify it was not a gift, rather the fan stole Kahan’s wallet at Laguardia Airport in New York City. Of all the places for it to venture to, it was Kroger Field.

“The guy who took my wallet went to a Kentucky football game last night,” Kahan shared on social media. “I just know that Mofo bought 15 overpriced hot dogs.”

Advertisement

Kahan has found comedy in the situation, despite having hundreds of dollars in hot dogs purchased on his dime.

“Come on dawg we gotta be collaborative in our spending!! Check with me first,” Kahan shared.

Kahan headlined Railbird Music Festival in Lexington this past summer. Maybe the next time he is in town, he can get a hot dog of his own.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Football

RECAP: Auburn defeats Kentucky, 24-10

Published

on

The Tigers came into Kroger Field looking for their first SEC win while Kentucky was trying to keep bowl hopes alive after disappointing back-to-back losses to Vanderbilt and Florida. Auburn hadn’t won at Kentucky since their 2015 campaign where they came away with a close 30-27 victory in Lexington.

The Cat Walk crowd was less than usual despite the three-crew fighter jet flyby. Many wondered if fans would show up and show out for the Cats this week and early it looked like it might be a slim crowd, but as game time neared Kroger Field began to take shape and fans flowed in.

First Half Battle

Kentucky opened the game up quickly, Dane Key helped get the Cats started with an impressive 21-yard grab on the left sideline, later kicker Alex Raynor put the ‘Cats up first with a 46-yard field goal, with 11:28 to go in the first quarter.

Advertisement

Next, The ‘Cats’ tough defense forced an Auburn three and out at the Auburn 9-yard line to retake possession. Dane Key wasn’t done just yet, again he made another big grab this time for 34 yards which set up Jason Patterson for a 23-yard run to put Kentucky in scoring position and it was a score this time from freshman Jamarion Wilcox for his first career touchdown run to put the ‘Cats up 10-0 in the first quarter. JQ Hardaway later gave Kentucky the ball back after a pick that put Kentucky into scoring position but was later halted after a holding penalty and forced the ‘Cats to punt.

The second quarter was a little different with Kentucky opening up with a punt that later led to Auburn points with a touchdown from wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith which trimmed the Kentucky lead to just three with 10:56 to go in the half. Later in the quarter, Brock Vandagriff dropped back to throw which led to an Auburn interception from Keyron Crawford on the sideline that gave the Tigers possession at the Auburn 37-yard line and led to 3 points for the Tigers which tied the game at 10 a piece.

Then in a turn of events Auburn star running back Jaquez Hunter broke two runs to put the Tigers in scoring position before the half but Kentucky’s JJ Weaver sacked Payton Thorne which left Auburn with no timeouts and didn’t allow any time for the late field goal which ended the quarter at a 10 to 10 tie.

Second Half Disaster

Auburn’s offense began the half fast and so did running back Jarquez Hunter who found the end zone to give the Tigers a 17 to 10 lead with 7:53 to go in the third quarter. Kentucky’s first possession was a quick three-and-out,

Advertisement

which led to Auburn getting the football and giving it to their guy Jarquez Hunter who ran for 50 yards but Kentucky’s defense prevailed to stop the Tigers which forced a 47-yard field goal miss from kicker Alex McPherson.

It was much the same in the final quarter of play in which Auburn and Hunter went on a 4-minute 45-second scoring drive where Hunter took it to the House for 45 yards with 12:11 to go. The Cats did however get into the red zone but the Tigers’ goal line defense stopped the Cats and forced a Gavin Wimsatt interception after coming to in the game for Brock Vandergriff after a sloppy performance, Kayin Lee was the defender who made the pick to give Auburn the ball back. Then on Auburn’s final drive, it was yet again another long gain from Jarquez Hunter who ran it for 46 yards to later lead to Auburn and Peyton Thorne kneeling it out. The Auburn would later come out of Kroger field victorious and beat the Kentucky Wildcats 24-10.

Jarquez Hunter’s record breaking game

There were many key takeaways from a very disappointing outcome but it was no bigger than running back Jarquez Hunter who rushed for 278 yards and 2 touchdowns, his 278 yards set a new record for most rushing yards by an opposing player against Kentucky inside Kroger Field credit to Corey Price for the record stat, after the game coach Mark Stoops had high praise for Hunter, saying “He’s an NFL back”, Mel Kiper’s latest mock draft doesn’t it have him within the top 10 running backs but that will likely change after his record performance.

Bowl Chances?

Kentucky likely drops themselves out of bowl eligibility standing now at 3-5 on the season and 1-5 in the SEC moving them to 15th in the conference standing only ahead of Mississippi State, Kentucky’s schedule isn’t easy either playing on the road at top 10 Tennessee in Knoxville, a Bye week follows the game before taking on the Murray State Racers at home, the next game is a road trip to Austin where the ‘Cats will play the Texas Longhorns who are high favorites to win the College Football Playoffs, and a season finale against arch rival Louisville on senior day for the ‘Cats. The schedule couldn’t get any tougher and the ‘Cats would have to win 3 of their last 4 games to become bowl-eligible to salvage what has really been a disaster of a season.

Advertisement

Who’s the quarterback going forward?

Kentucky and Mark Stoops have a big decision to make with four games remaining. In the second half, backup Gavin Wimsatt took over for Brock Vandagriff after some sloppy play to try and give the ‘Cats a much-needed boost and keep them in reach. It was, however, much of the same with Wimsatt that many in the fan base are questioning. Wimsatt finished with just 34 yards on 3 of 10 passing while Brock Vandagriff finished with 120 yards on 9 of 17 passing.

Mark Stoops after the game said he “Just wanted to get a good look at Gavin and see if he can help us move the ball.” also said ” I don’t want any headlines on that. Gavin has been playing all year. We had – we planned on putting him in the third series of the game. But we moved the ball very well in the first two. Right? So. If I put him in in the first series of the game, but in hindsight, it would have run out anyway but you’d be asking me why in the world did I take him out when we were moving the ball. You know what I’m saying? I think we judge that and say we are moving the ball pretty well, let’s stick with what is going right. We went three and out and you know, that’s it.” when asked about a potential quarterback battle late in the season. It sure is unknown what’s next for the Kentucky football program but time will tell as the ‘Cats get ready for a tough top 10 Tennessee Volunteers squad that has already defeated Alabama at home 24-17.

Where to watch the Cats versus Vols

The Kentucky versus Tennessee game will be at 7:45 PM on Saturday, November 2nd. The game can be found on the SEC NETWORK as Mark Stoops’ squad looks to get back on track on ole Rocky Top.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Football

Ray Davis and His Journey From Homelessness to the NFL, “When I Was on the Field, All My Worries Disappeared

Published

on

Buffalo Bills rookie running back Ray Davis opens up about his journey from homelessness to the NFL, and his desire to help others.
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Ray Davis has faced more challenges than most on his way to the NFL. Growing up, he experienced homelessness, moving from shelter to shelter with his family. Kentucky Insider wrote about this last season. But rather than let these hardships define him, Davis used them as motivation to chase his dreams of playing football at the highest level.

In a recent interview with Good Morning Football, Davis opened up again about his past and how his experiences shaped him. He explained that during those difficult years, football provided an escape and a sense of purpose. “When I was on the field, all my worries disappeared,” Davis shared.

His college football journey was unique, he started at Temple University, where he impressed with his strong performance as a freshman. Afterward, he transferred to Vanderbilt, where he continued to hone his skills against top competition. Finally, Davis found his way to the University of Kentucky, where he became a standout running back. At every stop, he faced adversity and improved from it.

Advertisement

“I just kind of kept putting my head down and understanding every adversity that came towards me, I got to face it,” Davis said. “There’s no running away. If I ran away, I wouldn’t be here today. I wouldn’t be able to have this voice, this platform, and just this ability to showcase a new world where no matter who tells you you can’t make it, if you live by what you believe in, you will achieve anything that you want to achieve.”

Now in the NFL, Davis hopes to continue sharing his story. He uses his platform to encourage people going through tough times to stay determined. “No matter how tough life gets, don’t give up,” he advises. His journey reminds us that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about perseverance, dedication, and staying true to your dreams.

Davis not only plays for himself but also for all those who face similar challenges. He hopes his journey from homelessness to the NFL can inspire others to believe in themselves, no matter their circumstances. His story is one of resilience and a relentless belief that hard work can change lives.

“For me, it was about, at the day, everybody goes through adversity, everybody faces challenges that, you know, they feel like they can or cannot overcome,” Davis said. “And I understood the position I was in, that if I were to give up, who would be an advocate for kids, who would be a spokesman, who could be a mentor, who could be a role model? I felt that at the age of 12 and at the age of 14, 15, and so on, that I was going to have to be that role model. I was willing to take the lead and to show everybody that there is a way, there is a possibility to achieve the dream that you want. It may not be the most easiest ride, but at the end of the day, there might be a lot of bumps and bruises, but you’ll make it there. You’ll get there.”

Advertisement

Catch the full interview here.

Continue Reading

Trending