Clemson brought out the pads for its second on-site bowl practice Monday at Fernandina Beach High School in Fernandina Beach, Fla.
The 22nd-ranked Tigers will play Kentucky on Friday at the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Fla.
“Each day there has been great energy and great attention to detail,” defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin said in a video released by Clemson Athletic Communications. “Today we put the pads on for the first time down here. There was a lot of physicality and just trying to set the right mindset going forward.”
Clemson (8-4) knows it will need to be as physical as possible going against a Wildcats team that is known for their physicality under head coach Mark Stoops. The Tigers also have a target on their back, as many of the Kentucky players admitted they decided to play in the Gator Bowl because they were playing Clemson.
“They are a physical group,” offensive coordinator Garrett Riley said. “These guys play physical at all kinds of levels of their defense. Their defensive line is certainly the strength of their defense, but listen, those guys at linebacker and in the secondary have made a lot of plays throughout the year, so we are going to have our hands full.
“They present a lot of challenges for us up front, but certainly with some of their coverage schemes, as well, they have done a good job in creating a lot of turnovers.”
The Wildcats (7-5) are allowing just 113.9 yards per game on the ground and just 3.3 yards per carry. Both numbers rank third in the SEC.
Goodwin knows the Clemson defense will see a Kentucky team that loves to play smashmouth football. They also like to create issues in pre-snap with bunches and stacks, while motioning in and out of those things with good communication and adjustments.
“We have to be on point with our adjustments and our communication,” Goodwin said. “We have to make sure everyone is one the same page with what we are doing defensively.”
Kentucky running back Ray Davis ranks third in the SEC in rushing yards (1,066), while his 13 rushing touchdowns are tied for second in the league. He also has seven touchdown receptions, and his 20 total touchdowns lead the conference.
Clemson and Kentucky will play at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla., with kickoff set for Noon 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.
