Kentucky coordinator says Clemson is "built like an SEC program."

Clemson's defense ranked among the country's best this season. Kentucky offensive coordinator Liam Coen sees a resemblance to some teams from his conference.

Take a look at any tape from Clemson this season and you'll quickly find where their bread is buttered. While the offense struggled mightily to find an identity, the defense didn't face that same problem. That unit was led by an elite front that featured both experienced veterans and talented youngsters. 

Kentucky offensive coordinator Liam Coen echoed that sentiment during a press conference ahead of the matchup between the programs in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl (Dec. 29, Noon, ESPN).

Clemson freshman defensive end TJ Parker: 38 tackles (11.0 for loss), 5.0 sacks / Clemson Athletics

“They’re very much built like an SEC program. They’ve got a ton of depth up front,” Coen said. “They’ve got true freshmen who have played and played really well all year. They’re deep, they have a really deep front seven that’s going to be a challenge for us. On the perimeter, they do play a lot of man coverage. They get a five-man rush with their talented front.”

Outside of Ruke Orhorhoro, who has decided to forgo the bowl and prepare for the NFL Draft, the Tigers should be a full strength on the line. All indications are that redshirt senior tackle Tyler Davis will go, as will Xavier Thomas. The sixth-year senior recently accepted an invitation to the East-West Shrine Bowl all-star game.

Of course, Clemson will have the full services of freshmen linemen T.J. Parker and Peter Woods, both of whom played prominent roles in 2023 and dominated games at times.

Clemson will need that unit to step up once again as Kentucky will attack with a powerful rushing attack led by NFL Draft hopeful Ray Davis, who led the SEC in total touchdowns this year with 20.