Clemson Football: TaxSlayer Gator Bowl betting line update

The spread continues to slide away from Clemson as they are just a couple of days out from their bowl matchup with Kentucky.

When it was announced earlier this month that Clemson would be taking on Kentucky in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl (Noon, 12/29 - ESPN), most odds makers had the Tigers as touchdown favorites. But as the month has drawn on, and the game gets closer, transfers and roster announcements have narrowed that spread.

Clemson opened as a 7.0-point favorite over the Wildcats per ESPN, but just a couple of days away from the game, the site now lists Clemson as just a 4.0-point favorite. The Tigers currently sit at -190 on the money line and the game's O/U is currently set at 45.5.

Clemson is in Jacksonville for the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl / Clemson Athletics

The Tigers have had a few opt-outs spring up during that time, namely linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro, but it's the decision of a Kentucky player that's likely moved the line in the Wildcats' favor.

Running back Ray Davis, the SEC's touchdown leader, is going to play in the Gator Bowl, per Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops. That's big news for a Kentucky team that struggled on offense at times this season. 

Davis has been the catalyst for the offense, rushing for 1,066 yards at a 5.6 yards per carry clip. He punched the ball in 12 times on the ground and found the endzone another seven times through the air.

The availability of Davis is big for Kentucky, but Clemson remains the favorite as they are led by a formidable defense. That unit, however, has been susceptible to the run, giving up 116.5 yards per game on the ground.