CLEMSON — When Clemson faces Kentucky in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl on Dec. 29, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney says the 22nd -ranked Tigers will have their hands full with a veteran offense.
As Swinney explains, the Wildcats have dudes, starting with a veteran offensive line.
“They are very experienced up front. They are a bunch of big dudes that have played a lot of ball and they are built to run it,” he said.
Though UK is built to run the football, it has not done it for the majority of the year. The Wildcats rank 12th in the SEC in terms of yards per game (130.8). However, they still average nearly five yards per carry (4.97), which plays more into what Swinney has been saying.
“That running back is a great player. He leads the SEC in touchdowns. I think he is second in the SEC in receiving (touchdowns), so they get it to him a lot of ways. He is a really good player.”
Ray Davis is Kentucky’s running back. He ranks third in the SEC with 1,066 yards, while his 13 rushing touchdowns are tied for second, and as Swinney said he leads the league in total touchdowns.
UK (7-5) also has receivers Barion Brown, Dane Key and Tayvion Robinson, three solid weapons for former NC State quarterback Devin Leary.
“Leary, we know a lot about him, obviously. We have seen him a bunch,” Swinney said. “He is a very good football player as well and he has taken care of the ball for them this year. He has done a good job with that.”
Leary has thrown for 2,440 yards, while completing 56.3 percent of his passes. He has 23 touchdown passes to 10 interceptions.
“I got a chance to study them, even though I was not studying them, getting ready for the South Carolina game,” Swinney said. “We got a chance to be familiar with them.”
Clemson (8-4) beat the Gamecocks to clinch its spot in the Gator Bowl. The Tigers come into the bowl season having won each of their last four games. Included in those wins were victories over then No. 12 Notre Dame and No. 22 North Carolina.
Kentucky is averaging 28.6 points and 334.6 yards per game.
“It is a good football team. They use a lot of shifts and motions, but again they are built to run it and they will challenge you physically, so you better be ready for that,” Swinney said.
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.
