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Kentucky Football takes the field

Takeaways: Four second-half turnovers lead the Clemson Tigers past Kentucky in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl

What can we take away from Kentucky's loss to Clemson in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl?

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Kentucky Wildcats
Kentucky Wildcats
Clemson Tigers
Clemson Tigers

Kentucky just lost a heartbreaker to the Clemson Tigers in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl 38-35 in a game where Kentucky led most of the way. 

Clemson rallied late and just continued to score points in the fourth quarter against a gassed Kentucky defense. 

What can we take away from Kentucky's loss to the Clemson Tigers?

You can't turn over the football in the second half

Kentucky quarterback Devin Leary (13) passes near Clemson defensive end Justin Mascoll (7) during the first quarter of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, Friday, December 29, 2023.

Thanks to a kick return touchdown from Barion Brown to start the second half, the Kentucky Wildcats led 21-10 in the early part of the third quarter. What kept the Clemson Tigers in this game was turnovers. Kentucky time and time again gave the football to Clemson in plus territory. Four second-half turnovers are a recipe for disaster, and that is what happened to the Cats. Kentucky lost this game, but it really felt like, with the turnovers, they just handed the game to Clemson. 

Can't give up 28 fourth quarter points

Kentucky Wildcats defensive lineman Deone Walker (0) sacks Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) during the second quarter of an NCAA football matchup in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Friday, Dec. 29, 2023 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

The Kentucky Wildcats gave up 28 fourth-quarter points, which is what let Clemson come from behind and win this game. Now, to be fair to the defense, they did a lot well in this game and were on the field a ton late. Plus, most of Clemson's drives in the fourth quarter started in Kentucky territory. All those things were stacked against this defense, but at the end of the day, you have to find a way to get a stop, and the Cats couldn't do that late in this game. 

Barion Brown is electric

Dec 29, 2023; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Barion Brown (7) runs for a touchdown against the Clemson tigers in the first quarter during the Gator Bowl at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Barion Brown was electric in this game, aside from his fumble, which did hurt a lot in this close loss. Big Blue Nation needs to remember that if it wasn't for Brown and his hat trick this game would have been a lot different. Brown scored via a kickoff return, rushing touchdown, and receiving score in this football game. He proved why he is so valuable to this team, and if he gets the football in his hands, he can score from anywhere on the field. The fumble hurts, but Brown has a lot of good football left in him and will be a high selection in the NFL Draft when he is eligible.

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