Halftime Report: No. 22 Clemson trails Kentucky at the break

Big plays cost Clemson in the first half as the Tigers trail Kentucky 14-10 at halftime in Jacksonville.

Broken coverages and missed assignments have cost Clemson so far. After two quarters, the Tigers trail Kentucky 14-10 in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl.

Kentucky's Devin Leary has thrown for 116 yards, but a 58-yard completion has skewed that number. Similarly, Clemson has done a solid job of slowing down Kentucky's run game, but a 43-yard rush from Ray Davis helped set up the Wildcats' first score. Outside of that run, they've managed just 24 yards on the ground.

Clemson will kickoff to start the second half.  / Christian Goeckel

Offensively, Clemson has struggled yet again to find a rhythm. Phil Mafah is averaging over 6 yards per carry but has just 5 carries so far. The Tigers were balanced on offense, throwing the ball 18 times and rushing the ball 18 times, but outside of a few plays, there's been no pop. 

Standout Performance: Clemson's offense has been clunky once again, but Phil Mafah has been a bright spot with 32 yards on just 5 carries and a score. Defensively, Clemson's leaders have shown up. Barrett Carter has a sack and RJ Mickens has been a force, but it's been Wade Woodaz's performance that has popped. Woodaz has done a great job of setting the edge on his side and sniffed out a screen early in the first quarter. He's credited with 2 tackles in the first half. 

How to watch Clemson vs Kentucky

• Who's playing: Clemson (8-4) vs Kentucky (7-5)
• Gameday: Friday, December 29th
• Game time: Noon ET
• TV: ESPN
• Location: EverBank Stadium (Jacksonville, Florida)
• Stream on ESPN with an ESPN or ESPN+ subscription.
• Commentators: Wes Durham, Tim Hasselbeck, and Taylor Tannebaum
• Listen: ClemsonTigers.com

More Clemson News:

• TaxSlayer Gator Bowl betting line update
• Clemson's defense will be among the nation's best in 2024.
• RJ Mickens joins Barrett Carter in return.

Join the community!

If you haven't yet, please subscribe to our YouTube page! We'll be breaking down all things Clemson football. Be sure to follow along with us on Twitter as well!