Clemson vs Kentucky Odds, Line & Prediction – Gator Bowl 2023

Nov 25, 2023; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) raises his arms as time runs out against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium. Clemson won 16-7. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY SportsClemson faces Kentucky in the 2023 Gator Bowl on Friday, December 29thThe latest Clemson vs Kentucky odds list the Tigers as 4-point favorites in Jacksonville, FloridaRead below for Clemson vs Kentucky prediction and betting line for the Gator Bowl

The Clemson Tigers (8-4) are set to face off against the Kentucky Wildcats (7-4) in the Gator Bowl on Friday, December 29, 2023. The game will be broadcasted on ESPN and is scheduled to start at Noon EST at EverBank Stadium.

The Gator Bowl betting odds favor Clemson by 4 points, with the over/under set at 44.5 points. Both quarterbacks are expected to suit up, but other key opt outs have had a drastic impact on the betting line. 

Let’s offer you our Clemson vs Kentucky prediction as we fully preview Friday’s Gator Bowl.

Clemson vs Kentucky Odds – 2023 Gator Bowl

The Clemson vs Kentucky betting line prices the Tigers as -195 moneyline favorites, giving Dabo Swinney’s team 66% implied win probability.

This bowl game marks Clemson’s 50th and their 10th appearance in the Gator Bowl, where they have a 4-5 record. Kentucky will be making their third appearance in the Gator Bowl and have a 12-10 record in bowl games.

The upcoming match will be the 14th meeting between Clemson and Kentucky. Kentucky leads the series 8-5, but Clemson won their last encounter in the 2009 Music City Bowl.

Gator Bowl Odds as of December 28th, at ESPN Bet. Use our promo code ‘DIME’ to sign up for ESPN BET and unlock a $250 Gator Bowl bonus. 

Tigers Betting Trends

Clemson finished the regular season with an 8-4 record, with their last game being a 16-7 win over South Carolina. The Tigers offense has been balanced, averaging 225.4 passing yards and 180.3 rushing yards per game

Quarterback Cade Klubnik has been a standout player, throwing for 2,580 yards and 19 touchdowns. Despite many quarterbacks electing not to play in their team’s bowl games, Klubnik will be taking the field for Friday’s Gator Bowl.

Clemson will have another big weapon in play Friday in Phil Mafah, who has rushed for 894 yards and nine touchdowns this season. Joining Mafah in the backfield is Will Shipley, who has rushed for 798 yards and five scores.

Clemson’s defense was once again stellar this season, ranked 24th in the nation, allowing just 19.9 points per game. While the team has some defensive opt outs, two important players, linebacker Barrett Carter and safety R.J. Mickens, decided to stay for another season.

In terms of those opt outs, Clemson has several players in the transfer portal, including running back Domonique Thomas, EDGE David Ojiegbe, safety Andrew Mukuba, cornerback Toriano Pride Jr., tight end Sage Ennis, wide receiver Beaux Collins, offensive tackle Mitchell Mayes, and quarterback Hunter Helms.

Wildcats Betting Trends

Kentucky, on the other hand, finished the regular season with a 7-5 record and defeated Louisville 38-31 in their last game. The WIldcats’ offense struggled at times this season, averaging 203.8 passing yards and 130.7 rushing yards per game.

Kentucky’s offense is led by running back Ray Davis, who has rushed for 1,066 yards and 13 touchdowns this season. Davis, who set multiple school records this season, announced his participation in the Gator Bowl despite declaring for the NFL draft.

😎 OFFICIAL! RB Ray Davis @Ray_Davis07 from @UKFootball has accepted his invitation to the 2024 Reese's Senior Bowl! #WeAreUK #BlueGetsIn #BBN #TheDraftStartsInMOBILE™️@JimNagy_SB @PaniniAmerica #RatedRookie pic.twitter.com/YULlAWGmtW

— Reese's Senior Bowl (@seniorbowl) December 28, 2023

Kentucky’s quarterback, Devin Leary, has a history against Clemson from his time at North Carolina State. He’s played against them three times, with one win and two losses. Leary, who threw for 23 TDs and 10 interceptions this year, also will play in Friday’s bowl game.

Defensively, the Wildcats really struggled defending the pass, allowing 238.5 yards per game, including 7.9 yards per completion. Mark Stoops’ team was pretty impressive against the run, however, allowing only 113.9 yards per game on the ground.

Kentucky has several players in the transfer portal, including tight end Jordan Dingle, quarterback Kaiya Sheron, linebacker Martez Thrower, quarterback Destin Wade, wide receiver Shamar Porter, linebacker Keaten Wade, linebacker Luke Fulton, running back JuTahn McClain, wide receiver Izayah Cummings, defensive lineman Jamarius Dinkins, and offensive lineman Grant Bingham.

Clemson vs Kentucky Prediction

Clemson’s balanced attack and strong defense make them the favorites in the Gator Bowl, but Kentucky’s toughness and ability to compete in a tough conference could make this a closer game than the odds suggest.

Even though Klubnik is suiting up, there here are questions about Clemson’s motivation, as they are not in a major bowl game like in previous years. The Wildcats are likely the more determined team, as they aim to defeat a CFB blue blood while closing their season on a high after some tough recent losses.

Opportunity awaits. @taxslayerbowl 🔜 pic.twitter.com/O36RUd3m3z

— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) December 28, 2023

Davis suiting up for the Wildcats is massive, as ACC teams like Miami and North Carolina proved the Tigers can be exploited on the ground. Kentucky’s run defense, meanwhile, has been stellar and the Tigers’ lack of explosive receivers has us optimistic this could be a tightly contested battle.

This line opened with Clemson favored by seven points, but has dropped a full three points down to Clemson -4. We think the Tigers will find a way to win this one, but we like the value on Kentucky against the spread in what should be a lower-scoring Gator Bowl.

Gator Bowl Picks: 

Kentucky +4 (-110)Under 44.5 Points (-110)

 

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