Clemson vs. Kentucky: 2023 Gator Bowl game prediction, pick

Predictions for the 2023 Gator Bowl as Clemson and Kentucky square off in the latest installment of College Football Bowl Season

Two schools that had their ups and downs over the course of the 2023 season will look to end things on a high note on Friday as the Gator Bowl game brings us an SEC vs. ACC matchup between No. 22 Clemson and Kentucky.

• Clemson: Started 2-2 and then 4-4 before re-grouping late in the year and winning the final four games to finish at 8-4
• Kentucky: Wildcats started 5-0 and beat Florida but dropped five of the last seven and finished with a statement upset over ranked rival Louisville

Clemson vs. Kentucky prediction, preview

When: Fri., Dec. 29
Time: 12 p.m. Eastern
TV: ESPN network
Stream live: fuboTV (Try for free)

Gator Bowl game odds

Courtesy of SI Sportsbook

Line: Clemson -4
Total: 44.5 points
Moneyline: Clem -195 | UK +165
FPI pick: Clemson 65.9% to win

What to watch for

1. UK vs. Clemson's front. We might see Kentucky back Ray Davis play in the game despite his declaration for the NFL Draft. Davis ran for 1,383 yards and scored 20 touchdowns this season and can put this offense on his back if need be. Clemson's front seven is the team's strength, ranking 26th nationally against the run and allowing 3.75 yards per carry, but is without star 'backer Jeremiah Trotter or inside tackle Ruke Orhorhoro, who opted out. Tyler Davis, Xavier Thomas, and Justin Mascoll remain in that line rotation, though.

2. Shipley/Mafah vs. UK's run stop. Kentucky is similarly good at defending against the run, ranking just ahead of Clemson, surrendering 3.33 yards per touch. Will Shipley and Phil Mafah combined for almost 1,700 yards rushing and 16 touchdowns, and both averaged more than 5 yards per carry on average.

3. Klubnik vs. UK's secondary. Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik has had his highlights and lowlights this season, but he trended up late in the year, hitting over 60 percent of his throws with 6 TDs and 3 INTs during the four-game win streak. He should find some lanes against a Kentucky pass defense that has struggled at times, ranking 87th nationally and allowing almost 240 yards in the air per game on average.

Clemson vs. Kentucky prediction

Kentucky's offense works when Davis can create opportunities on the inside and work in space, but when that momentum isn't there, the unit slows down and its defense doesn't have the stuff to hold its own, ranking 109th in third down conversion pct. 

Clemson has the pieces in the front to thwart the Wildcats' attempt to control the game on the ground and the offense to maintain possession, go on longer drives, and lean on its gifted rushing attack to pull it out.

• Clemson wins 30-20
• Covers the spread
• And hits the over

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