The 2023 bowl season has given us some thrilling college football in the last few weeks. Friday’s Gator Bowl was no different, as Clemson beat Kentucky in a nail-biter 38-35. Both teams put on a show as they broke records and exchanged leads late into the fourth quarter. In the end, it was another strong performance by the Tiger defense that got them the win in Jacksonville.
Defense Wins Bowl Games
Clemson’s defense has been stout all season long. The Tigers’ defense finished the regular season ranked seventh overall in the FBS. In this game, they would continue to show why they are a top-10 defense. Even without first-round draft prospects Jeremiah Trotter Jr and Nate Wiggins, Clemson’s defense made some huge plays. Barrett Carter showed up big time having one of his best individual games of this season. Carter filled every part of the stat sheet finishing with three total tackles, 0.5 sacks, 0.5 tackles for loss, one interception, one fumble recovery, and three pass breakups.
Carter was not the only Tiger defender coming up with takeaways in this game though. Justin Mascoll also got himself an interception and fumble recovery. Xavier Thomas forced the fumble recovered by Mascoll and Khalil Barnes forced the fumble recovered by Carter. Barnes was also Clemson’s leading tackler with seven total on the day. Clemson finished with four takeaways overall, all of which came in the fourth quarter.
Record Breaking Performances
There were a few Gator Bowl records broken in this year’s matchup. It started with the opening second-half kickoff return by Barion Brown. The speedy wide receiver would take the return from inside Kentucky’s end zone, 103 yards for the score. This would break the record for the longest kick return in Gator Bowl history. Brown had himself an impressive game finishing with three receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown. He also had a 22-yard rushing touchdown on the day.
Brown was not the only individual breaking Gator Bowl records though. Phil Mafah set a new record for most touchdowns scored in the bowl game with four. Mafah did this with 11 carries and 71 yards. As a team, Clemson broke the Gator Bowl record for most points scored in a quarter with 28 in the fourth. This was during a thrilling fourth quarter that went back and forth. There were five lead changes, 42 points scored, and five turnovers in the last 15 minutes. Four of those turnovers were by the Wildcat offense.
Outside of the Gator Bowl, this win also moves Clemson up the FBS record books in a couple of categories. This win gave Clemson its 13th straight, nine-win season, which is the fourth most FBS history. It is also the Tigers’ 151st win since 2011, which is the second most behind Alabama with 163.
Looking to the Future
While the start of Clemson’s season saw many woes, the ending leaves much to look forward to in Death Valley. This was Clemson’s 5th straight win to end the season, second straight against an SEC opponent.
There are still some things the program will have to fix in the offseason. One of which is the turnover problem. With Cade Klubnik throwing an interception in this game, the Tigers have had a turnover in all 13 games this season. Klubnik still has time to grow though, and did well otherwise passing for over 200 yards.
He will be one of many young talented players who will be back for Dabo Swinney next season. Along with other players such as Carter, Barnes, Tyler Brown, and more, there is still lots of skill on the Clemson roster. It will also add names like five-star recruit Sammy Brown, who stood on the Tiger sideline after prepping with the team this week. With this combination of momentum and talent, championship expectations should be on the Tigers’ horizon sooner rather than later.
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