CLEMSON — During his press conference to preview Clemson’s Gator Bowl matchup with Kentucky, head coach Dabo Swinney mentioned how the Wildcats had few opt outs for the Dec. 29 game in Jacksonville, Fla.

There is a reason why Kentucky will be at full strength. It’s because they are playing Clemson, at least that is what UK tight end Brenden Bates thinks.

“I think that’s why everyone is playing in this game because Clemson is a big-time team, big-time name,” Bates said to Kentucky’s official website.

Few teams have had the kind of success Clemson’s had in the last 13 years. The Tigers, ranked No. 22 in the last College Football Playoff Poll, have played for four national championships and won two of them since 2015.

Since 2011, only Alabama has won more games in college football, as Clemson saw its streak of 12 consecutive 10-win seasons end this year.

“I think everyone is really looking forward to it,” Bates said.

Clemson (8-4) is why all-everything running back Ray Davis decided to play in the Gator Bowl. Davis led the SEC with 20 total touchdowns and ranked third in the conference in rushing yards (1,066) and was tied for second in rushing touchdowns (13).

As a receiver, he caught 29 passes for 317 yards and seven scores. His seven scores led UK in receiving touchdowns, while his receptions and yards both ranked fourth on the squad.

Davis already announced his plans to turn professional, but he stunned everyone when he decided he was going to play in the Gator Bowl.

“Ray is a guy who has been extremely successful this year for us,” Kentucky offensive coordinator Liam Coen said. “Dynamic with the ball in his hands. When you score twenty touchdowns and lead the SEC in total touchdowns, that’s a special feat.

“I’ve been really pleased with him making that decision to come (play) when he doesn’t really have to. It gives us another playmaker to get the ball in his hands and go win this football game.”

Davis will have to do it against what Coen calls an SEC defense. The Tigers lead the ACC in total defense (278.7 yards/game) and passing defense heading into bowl season, as well as several other defensive categories.

“They’re very much built like an SEC program. They’ve got a ton of depth up front,” Coen said. “They’ve got true freshmen who have played and played really well all year. They’re deep, they have a really deep front seven that’s going to be a challenge for us. On the perimeter, they play a lot of man coverage. They get a five-man rush with their talented front.”

However, Clemson will be without its top tackler in All-American Jeremiah Trotter, Jr., as well as its top corner in All-ACC corner Nate Wiggins and one of its best defensive linemen in All-ACC tackle Ruke Orhorhoro. Trotter, Orhorhoro and Wiggins all announced they will go ahead and get ready for the 2024 NFL Draft instead of playing in the Gator Bowl.

Clemson (8-4) will also be without safety Andrew Mukuba, who has since transferred to Texas, as well as corners Sheridan Jones and Jeadyn Lukus due to surgeries.

Despite all of those missing pieces to Clemson’s defense, Coen believes the Tigers are still one of the best defenses in the country.

“So, it’s going to be a challenge for us to win, to get open, to make contested catches, to throw the ball into small windows,” he said. “It’s a huge challenge for us to go play Clemson.”

To honor Clemson’s special senior class Dear Old Clemson is selling footballs signed by 7 of Clemson’s Avengers for only $100.  These limited edition footballs are signed by Thomas, Orhorhoro, Davis, Mascoll, Henry, Murphy and Williams.  Get one while supplies last.