Updated roster moves for Kentucky and Clemson ahead of the Gator Bowl

The TaxSlayer Gator Bowl could lack some of its pop when Clemson and Kentucky meet later this month.

Two physical football teams will do battle when Kentucky (7-5) and No. 22 Clemson (8-4) meet in Jacksonville for the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl on December 29th, but those sharp edges could be dulled a little bit with the loss of some important players.

For Kentucky, the Wildcats could be without leading rusher Ray Davis. The former Temple and Vanderbilt running back declared for the NFL Draft after a wonderful season at Kentucky. Davis broke Benny Snell's program record for touchdowns in a single season, punching the ball into the endzone 20 times. He's been the backbone of Kentucky's offensive efforts all season during all of the ups and downs. 

Kentucky running back Ray Davis has declared for the NFL Draft / Jacob Noger - Kentucky Athletics

JuTahn McClain, Kentuck's fourth-leading rusher, is in the Transfer Portal, making Davis' decision that much more important for this one.

As for Clemson, we know the Tigers will be without defensive leader linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and offensive lineman Mitchell Mayes. We're still waiting on the decisions of running backs Will Shipley and Phil Mafah. Neither had seasons that would leave NFL scouts drooling over them, but they're both NFL talents. The Transfer Portal is always a possibility as well. 

Both offenses rely heavily on their running backs, so their availability will be a massive factor in this one.

Full Clemson roster updates

• Sage Ennis - Transfer Portal
• Beaux Collins - Transfer Portal
• David Ojiebe - Transfer Portal
• Andrew Mukuba - Transfer Portal
• Toriano Pride Jr. - Transfer Portal
• Mitchell Mayes - Transfer Portal
• Hunter Helms - Transfer Portal
• Jeremiah Trotter Jr. - NFL Draft
• Nate Wiggins - NFL Draft