Clemson vs. Kentucky Short Report | Dec 29, 2023
EverBank Stadium
Jacksonville, FL
Dec 29, 2023
Upload a photo of you at this game and we'll create a commemorative ticket of it.
Game Recap
The Clemson Tigers staged a miraculous comeback to defeat the Kentucky Wildcats 38-35 in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl. The Tigers seemed down and out, trailing by 11 points entering the fourth quarter, but Phil Mafah ran for two of his four touchdown runs in the last 15 minutes, the final one coming with just 21 seconds left on the clock. Clemson capitalized on Kentucky's three turnovers in the fourth quarter, including two clutch interceptions that changed the game's tide.
Kentucky’s Barion Brown started the fireworks with a 100-yard kickoff return touchdown at the outset of the second half, propelling the Wildcats to a lead they held till the dying moments. Brown added a 60-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter, but it wasn’t enough. Cade Klubnik’s composed play under immense pressure, including a critical third-and-18 conversion, set the stage for Mafah's heroic final plunge, cementing the game’s wild finish.
Key Plays:
Jonathan Weitz (Clemson Tigers)
Jonathan Weitz kicked a 39-yard field goal on fourth-and-2, putting Clemson on the scoreboard and setting the stage for their comeback.
Barion Brown (Kentucky Wildcats)
Barion Brown electrified the crowd with a 22-yard rushing touchdown on first-and-10, giving Kentucky an early 7-3 lead.
Phil Mafah (Clemson Tigers)
Phil Mafah's 1-yard rushing touchdown punctuated a critical Clemson drive, reclaiming the lead for the Tigers at 10-7.
Devin Leary (Kentucky Wildcats)
Devin Leary threaded a 5-yard touchdown pass to Dane Key, giving Kentucky a 14-10 lead and swinging the momentum back in their favor.
Barion Brown (Kentucky Wildcats)
Barion Brown opened the second half with a stunning 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, extending Kentucky's lead to 21-10 and setting a new Gator Bowl record.
Phil Mafah (Clemson Tigers)
Phil Mafah's second 1-yard touchdown run of the game cut Kentucky's lead to five points, igniting Clemson's fourth-quarter rally.
Jonathan Weitz (Clemson Tigers)
Weitz nailed a 28-yard field goal on fourth-and-goal, bringing Clemson within two points of Kentucky at 21-23.
Phil Mafah (Clemson Tigers)
Mafah burst through Kentucky's defense for a 29-yard touchdown run, giving Clemson a 27-23 lead after a successful two-point conversion.
Devin Leary (Kentucky Wildcats)
Leary connected with Brown on a spectacular 60-yard touchdown pass, briefly reclaiming the lead for Kentucky at 28-27.
Phil Mafah (Clemson Tigers)
Mafah's 3-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful two-point conversion, sealed a dramatic 38-35 victory for Clemson in one of the wildest Gator Bowl finishes ever.
Justin Mascoll (Clemson Tigers)
With 17 seconds left, Mascoll intercepted a pass by Devin Leary, effectively ending Kentucky's final drive and securing the win for Clemson.
Standout Players:
Phil Mafah (Clemson Tigers, RB)
Phil Mafah ran for four touchdowns, including the game-winner with 21 seconds left, showing remarkable poise and playmaking ability in the fourth quarter when Clemson needed it the most.
Devin Leary (Kentucky Wildcats, QB)
Devin Leary passed for 306 yards and two touchdowns, orchestrating the Wildcats' offense effectively and keeping Kentucky competitive until the final play.
Barion Brown (Kentucky Wildcats, WR)
Barion Brown was a game-changer with three touchdowns, including a 100-yard kickoff return and a 60-yard reception, providing critical scores and electrifying the crowd.
Jonathan Weitz (Clemson Tigers, K)
Jonathan Weitz made three vital field goals, highlighted by a 52-yarder that barely cleared the crossbar, constantly keeping Clemson within striking distance.
Jake Briningstool (Clemson Tigers, TE)
Jake Briningstool led Clemson in receiving, recording 91 yards on nine catches, proving crucial in sustaining drives and setting up scores.
Cade Klubnik (Clemson Tigers, QB)
Cade Klubnik showed great composure, completing 8 of 9 passes on the winning drive, including a key 16-yard completion on third-and-18 to set up the final touchdown.
Justin Mascoll (Clemson Tigers, LB)
Mascoll sealed Clemson’s win with a crucial interception with only 17 seconds remaining, halting Kentucky's last-ditch effort to regain the lead.
Ray Davis (Kentucky Wildcats, RB)
Despite a disappointing outcome, Davis played through injury and was a key factor in setting up Kentucky's offensive scores, showing commendable determination and skill.
References:
Clemson Tigers vs. Kentucky Wildcats - Final Score - December 29, 2023 | FOX Sports
Clemson Tigers vs. Kentucky Wildcats Live Score and Stats - December 29, 2023 Gametracker - CBSSports.com
HIGHLIGHTS: Clemson Takes Down Kentucky in Gator Bowl Thriller – Clemson Tigers Official Athletics Site
Kentucky Football falls to Clemson Tigers: Final score, recap, takeaways, and postgame banter - A Sea Of Blue
Kentucky vs. Clemson updates: Live NCAA Football game scores, results for Friday - CBSSports.com
Clemson wins Gator Bowl, live game recap
Kentucky Football vs Clemson Tigers time, TV channel, predictions, online stream, odds - A Sea Of Blue
Team
1
2
3
4
T
Clemson Tigers
3
7
0
28
38
Kentucky Wildcats
7
7
7
14
35
