Clemson running back Phil Mafah ran for a career-high and Gator Bowl-record four touchdowns, including three in the fourth quarter to earn game MVP honors, as the 22nd-ranked Tigers overcame an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit for a 38-35 win over the Kentucky Wildcats on Friday at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla.
Mafah scored touchdowns on four of his 11 carries, finishing with 71 yards, and had the game-winning 3-yard touchdown run with 17 seconds remaining.
Mafah’s four rushing touchdowns broke the Clemson bowl record (three by Tracy Johnson vs. Penn State in the 1988 Citrus Bowl) and broke the Gator Bowl record (three set by many players), while the junior became the first Clemson player to rush for four touchdowns in a game since C.J. Spiller against Georgia Tech in the 2009 ACC Championship Game.
Check out TCI’s video of Mafah being presented with the MVP trophy following the win over Kentucky:
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.
