JACKSONVILLE — If Kentucky was playing NC State, North Carolina or Duke in the Gator Bowl on Friday at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla., running back Ray Davis might likely be getting ready for the NFL Draft.

However, the Wildcats are playing perennial power Clemson instead, and that made all the difference in the world to the All-SEC running back.

“When I found out it was Clemson and I knew the opportunity we had to play a really good team, I decided to step up to the plate and want to play,” Davis said Friday at the Gator Bowl Press Conference in Jacksonville, Fla.

Davis is not the first Kentucky player to say he decided to play in the Gator Bowl because of the Tigers. UK tight end Brenden Bates said the same thing.

“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 latest 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 about playing the Tigers.

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.

“I started this chapter on September 2, so I wanted to be able to finish it and be able to go out with the guys,” Davis said. “My decision was based on being able to play with my guys one more time.”

Clemson and Kentucky will kick off at noon on Friday. The game will be televised by 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.