CLEMSON — Dabo Swinney is not sugarcoating it.
Clemson’s head coach feels the 22nd-ranked Tigers have to be ready both mentally and physically if they want to beat Kentucky in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl on Dec. 29 in Jacksonville, Fla.
“We are down a few guys, but we got what we got, and we are going to be ready,” Swinney said.
Most of the guys missing for Clemson are on the defensive side of the football. Three players—CB Toriano Pride, S Andrew Mukuba and DE David Ojiegbe—entered the transfer portal and have already landed in new homes, while linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr., cornerback Nate Wiggins and defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro have elected not to play in the Gator Bowl and instead will get ready for the 2024 NFL Draft. That is six players, including four starters, on the defense that are no longer on the team.
The Clemson offense will be without four players, but just one is a starter in wide receiver Beaux Collins. He entered the transfer portal and has since signed with Notre Dame. Backup quarterback Hunter Helms, offensive lineman Mitchell Mayes and tight end Sage Ennis also entered the transfer portal and will not be in Jacksonville.
Defensively, the Wildcats (7-5) have one of the better run defenses in the SEC thanks to defensive tackle Deone Walker. UK ranks third in the conference against the run (113.8) and third in yards per carry allowed (3.3).
“Defensively, they got dudes. They got really good linebackers. They are good up front,” Swinney said. “(Walker) is a monster. He is a big, strong man. Their best corner was not going to play and now he is going to play, so they kind of have all hands on-deck over there.”
Kentucky’s best corner is junior Andru Phillips, a 6-foot, 187-pound defensive back from Mauldin, S.C. He has 44 tackles, tackle for loss and four passes broken up.
“This is a team that is committed in all three phases. We have to be ready,” Swinney said.
Clemson and Kentucky are scheduled to kick off from EverBank Stadium at Noon on Dec. 29. The game will be televised on ESPN.
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.
