In an exhilarating TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, Clemson emerged victorious in a heart-stopping clash against Kentucky. The game, filled with momentum swings and breathtaking plays, kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very last second.
The opening moments set the tone for the contest as Shipley electrified the crowd with a 34-yard kickoff return. Clemson wasted no time capitalizing on the momentum, securing a 3-0 lead with a 39-yard field goal at the 11:16 mark in the first quarter. The Clemson defense flexed its muscles, halting Kentucky’s first drive at the 49-yard line, allowing only a 24-yard advance.
Clemson’s offense faced some resistance in their second possession, starting from the 15-yard line after a punt. A crucial 3rd and 5 conversion to Briningstool extended the drive, but the Tigers were ultimately halted, gaining only 15 yards. A 43-yard punt positioned Kentucky at their 27-yard line.
The Wildcats seized the opportunity, embarking on a 73-yard journey that culminated in a breathtaking 4-play touchdown drive. Two long runs, spanning 43 and 22 yards, propelled Kentucky into a 7-3 lead.
Clemson responded with determination, Clemson orchestrating a 5-play, 59-yard drive resulting in a 1-yard Mafah touchdown. The Tigers surged ahead 10-7 with 10:17 remaining in the second quarter.
The seesaw battle continued as Kentucky swiftly countered with a 75-yard touchdown drive, reclaiming a 14-10 lead by halftime.
Kentucky kicked off the second half with a bang, executing a 102-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, extending their lead to 21-10.
Clemson, however, refused to back down. A 14-play, 70-yard touchdown drive brought them within striking distance at 21-16. Despite a missed 2-point conversion attempt, the Tigers were back in contention.
Everybody just hung in there. And again, it just shows growth. It really does. I can’t say enough about Mafah and how he finished this year. It’s just awesome to watch. He just really has come into his own. His patience as a runner and the combination of him and Ship has been the difference for us down the stretch. They’ve been awesome.
Dabo Swinney
The game’s intensity escalated as Clemson’s defense forced turnovers on three consecutive drives in the fourth quarter. Mafah’s 29-yard rushing touchdown, coupled with a successful 2-point conversion, propelled Clemson ahead 27-21 with 6:45 left.
Coach Swinney talks about our team is a triple-braided cord: offense, defense, and special teams. We all just try to feed off of each other and complement each other. Defense creates the turnover. Offense go out and score a touchdown, kick a field goal. Yeah, special teams in there with the kick.
Barrett Carter
Kentucky swiftly responded with a 75-yard touchdown, featuring a 60-yard pass to Brown. The lead changed hands once again, with Kentucky ahead 28-27.
In a dramatic turn of events, Shipley’s 60-yard kickoff return, getting injured in the process, set the stage for a pivotal moment. Weitz’s 52-yard field goal attempt hit the crossbar and bounced over, giving Clemson a narrow 30-28 lead with 4:20 remaining.
The back-and-forth battle continued as Kentucky orchestrated a 75-yard drive, reclaiming the lead at 35-30 with a 1-yard rushing touchdown.
Clemson, undeterred, staged a remarkable comeback in the final moments. A 12-play, 68-yard drive culminated in Mafah’s 3-yard run, putting Clemson ahead 38-35 with a mere 17 seconds left on the clock. Klubnik’s successful 2-point conversion pass to Sapp sealed the deal.
We kind of knew that tempo was a problem for them coming into it, and I think that we probably gotten to a little bit of faster tempo at times throughout the game because I think they had some struggles with it.
Cade Klubnik
The gamed as Shelton Lewis intercepted the ball, ending Kentucky’s hopes of a comeback. Clemson’s defense showcased resilience, forcing four turnovers in a sensational fourth quarter.
In a thrilling spectacle, Clemson outscored Kentucky 28-14 in the final quarter, witnessing five lead changes. The TaxSlayer Bowl lived up to its billing, leaving fans exhilarated and celebrating Clemson’s resilience and determination in a game for the ages.
