Live Updates: No. 22 Clemson vs Kentucky in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl

Clemson (8-4, 4-4 ACC) takes on Kentucky (7-3, 3-5 SEC) in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl.

No. 22 Clemson will battle Kentucky today in Jacksonville, looking for their 9th win of the season to cap off what's been a successful second half of the season. The Tigers will have to deal with cold, windy weather and a physical Kentucky squad that should have its full complement of offensive weapons. One team will suffer their first nonconference loss of the season. 

Pregame: Both Will Shipley and Phil Mafah are dressed and look ready to roll in this one. The Tigers are still banged up on the line, but Blake Miller, Harris Sewell, Will Putnam, Collin Sadler, and Tristan Leigh are listed as the starters. 

Will Shipley will play in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl / Christian Goeckel

First Quarter

• Kentucky wins the toss and elects to kick. Will Shipley returns a short kick out to the 39.
• A personal foul moves Clemson to Kentucky's 42.
• Clemson's drive stalls at the 22. 
• Jonathan Weitz hits a 39-yard field goal. 11:16 Clemson 3 - Kentucky 0
• A big run from Ray Davis followed by an explosive play from Barion Brown moves Kentucky to the 45.
• Clemson's defense stiffens and forces a punt three plays later. Clemson takes over at their own 15.
• The Tigers pick up a first down but are forced to punt three plays later.
• Ray Davis busts a 30-yard run on third and 2 to move Kentucky to the 20. Barion Brown takes it the rest of the way one play later for a touchdown. 5:00 Clemson 3 - Kentucky 7
• Cade Klubnik completes a highlight reel pass to Adam Randall but the play is under review. 
• The pass is ruled incomplete. Kentucky takes over at their 25 following the punt.
• Clemson forces a three and out. The Tigers take over at 34.
• Devin Leary finds Dane Key 

Second Quarter

• The punt-fest continues. Clemson can't get anything going and punts the ball away. Kentucky takes over at the 12.
• Kentucky can pick up just 2 yards and punts the ball back to Clemson. Tiger ball at the 41.
• Phil Mafah rips off a big run, moving Clemson to Kentucky's 41.
• Klubnik finds Troy Stellato at the 27.
• Klubnik hits Jake Briningstool on an out route. Tigers at the 1-yard line. 
• Phil Mafah punches it in. 10:17 Clemson 10 - Kentucky 7
• Shelton Lewis is flagged for pass interference on third and 9. Ball at the Kentucky 37.
• Devin Leary finds Dane Key for a 58-yard gain down to the 5.
• Leary finds Key again for a 5-yard score. 7:44 Clemson 10 - Kentucky 14
• Kentucky takes over after another Clemson drive stalls.
• After moving the ball near midfield, Kentucky quarterback Devin Leary is sacked by Barrett Carter back at the 42.

Third Quarter

• Barion Brown takes the opening kickoff 102 yards for a touchdown. Clemson 10 - Kentucky 21
• Clemson moved the ball into Kentucky territory but an intentional grounding call followed by a sack forces the Tigers to punt the ball away.
• Kentucky is flagged for a facemask, negating a huge run. 1st and 25 from UK's 29.
• TJ Parker takes down Davis for a 6-yard loss. 
• Will Shipley converts a huge 4th and 5 and Clemson moves inside of the 30.

Fourth Quarter

• As the fourth starts, Clemson has the ball at Kentucky's 1.
• Phil Mafah punches it in. The 2-pt attempt is no good 14:46 Clemson 16 - Kentucky 21
• Clemson sacks Devin Leary, forcing a fumble. Justin Mascoll recovers the fumble at the 25.
• Klubnik is intercepted in the endzone on the next play.
• Barrett Carter intercepts Devin Leary. Clemson takes over at Kentucky's 37
• Tyler Brown picks up 30 yards in two plays, moving the ball to the 7.
• Weitz hits the field goal. 7:00 Clemson 19 - Kentucky 21
• Khalil Barnes recovers a fumble at the 29.
• Phil Mafah scores on the next play. 6:45 Clemson 27 - Kentucky 21
• Clemson gives up a 60-yard touchdown through the air. 6:12 Clemson 27 - Kentucky 28
• Will Shipley returns the kickoff to the Kentucky 37.
• Weitz doinks in a 52-yard field goal. 4:20 Clemson 30 - Kentucky 28
• Clemson gives up a 72-yard pass down to the 3.
• Davis punches it in. 2:39 Clemson 30 - Kentucky 35
• Clemson has moved the ball to the Kentucky 37 1:00
• Cade Klubnik saves his best for last, guiding Clemson to a score. Phil Mafah punches it in. :17 Clemson 38 - Kentucky 35
• Shelton Lewis picks off Leary to seal the game.

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.

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