Running back Phil Mafah ran for a TaxSlayer Gator Bowl-record four touchdowns, including three in the fourth quarter to earn game MVP honors, as Clemson came back from an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit for a 38-35 win over Kentucky at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla.
The Tigers (9-4) finished the season on a five-game winning streak and boasting a postseason victory in an FBS-record 13 straight seasons.
There was no shortage of buzz on social media about Clemson’s thrilling Gator Bowl win. Check out some of what they’re saying below:
IT’S A GREAT DAY TO BE A CLEMSON TIGER!#GoTigers || @WellsFargo pic.twitter.com/d20T8yE6JT
— Clemson Athletics (@ClemsonTigers) December 29, 2023
History 🏈🏆
With his 12th career bowl win today, Coach Swinney has just set a new record for the most career bowl wins leading an ACC program! pic.twitter.com/5WOCHqph8y
— Clemson Athletics (@ClemsonTigers) December 29, 2023
This guy went 8/8 on the game winning drive 🐅 pic.twitter.com/DE9JO4tRwk
— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) December 29, 2023
Let’s GOOOOO that’s how you FINISH!! #ALLIN pic.twitter.com/cIYdd8bnev
— Tomarrion “TJ” Parker (@tomarrion) December 29, 2023
Year 1 in the books! That’s how you FINISH!
Thank you to all the fans, y’all are the best in the NATION🐅. pic.twitter.com/TMw4CvtZ9W— Peter Woods (@35Pwoo) December 29, 2023
Can’t believe they thought we’d lose the TaxSlayer bowl when our kicker is literally an accountant
— Brandon Shealy (@brandonshealy44) December 29, 2023
Barrett Carter (@bcsznn) was on a different level today for @ClemsonFB 🤯
🏈 3 Tackles
🏈 3 PBUs
🏈 1 Interception
🏈 1 Fumble Recovery
🏈 .5 SackCan't wait to see Agent Zero back in Death Valley next year! 🐅😎 pic.twitter.com/nlIkmWBlfO
— Clemson Athletics (@ClemsonTigers) December 29, 2023
You know I learned it all from you Capt! 🫡 https://t.co/oqSebVzPjN
— Barrett Carter (@bcsznn) December 29, 2023
1-0 as a Tiger🥹 pic.twitter.com/AjEWr95yY2
— sammy brown 🪐 (@sammybrown_) December 29, 2023
1-0. pic.twitter.com/FCyT1VXvEv
— David Eziomume ✞ (@EziomumeDaee) December 29, 2023
Finish. 🐅 https://t.co/TaBhAKXKfB
— Garrett Riley (@CoachGRiley) December 29, 2023
Mission Accomplished won the closer and was able to send our seniors out as champions. Thank you guys for what you poured into our program and leaving a legacy. #GATORBOWLCHAMPS
— CJ SPILLER (@CJSPILLER) December 29, 2023
NEVER A DOUBT!!! #CLEMSON
— John Simpson (@_JohnSimpson) December 29, 2023
This game 😳
(📸 @ClemsonFB) pic.twitter.com/fLbEaIg8CE
— ESPN (@espn) December 29, 2023
The 2023 @TaxSlayerBowl MVP, @PhilMafah1 🐅 pic.twitter.com/4q5qxgZocY
— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) December 29, 2023
Phil Mafah’s four rushing touchdowns today broke the Clemson bowl record and the Gator Bowl record 🤯
Mafah also 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! pic.twitter.com/DbzUDNIUes
— Clemson Athletics (@ClemsonTigers) December 29, 2023
So appreciative and proud of our Clemson Family painting Jacksonville ORANGE! It matters, in so many ways.
Couldn’t have done it without the homefield advantage!! 52-yarder off the crossbar, 3rd & 18, and Mafah to win it!
The Best Is Yet To Come, always. @ClemsonFB 🐅 pic.twitter.com/f2KcHYihuf
— Graham Neff (@GrahamNeff) December 29, 2023
The play that sealed the victory 🐅 pic.twitter.com/pFm0pJQSDK
— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) December 29, 2023
Clemson is now 14-6 in its last 20 games against teams from the Southeastern Conference.
— Kyle Tucker (@CoachTuck35) December 29, 2023
BOOM. How about those Tigers baby.
— Eric Mac Lain (@EricMacLain) December 29, 2023
What a turnaround for Clemson this season…
• Started 4-4
• Closed season with 5 straight wins
• Clemson now has 13 straight seasons with 9+ wins (4th Longest Streak All-Time)
Clemson will be one of the top teams in the nation next season. pic.twitter.com/jk4aKj5EBY
— College Football Report (@CFBRep) December 29, 2023
Let’s gooooo!!
— Amari Rodgers3️⃣ (@arodgers_3) December 29, 2023
Dabo wasn't ready for the bath 🤣 pic.twitter.com/mWNDkw0Q5O
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 29, 2023
Your 2023 @TaxSlayerBowl Champions, the Clemson Tigers!#ALLIN pic.twitter.com/1HJLfKF0Bf
— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) December 29, 2023
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.
