Kentucky football had an up-and-down 2023 season, but still wound up in a high-level bowl game, playing #22 Clemson in the historic Gator Bowl.
At 7-5, the Wildcats finished 4th in the SEC East, winning a trio of conference games against Vanderbilt, Florida, and Mississippi State. While they didn't earn any marquee SEC wins, the Wildcats did knock off #10 Louisville on the road, taking home the Governor's Cup.
Besides a close 17-14 loss to South Carolina, Kentucky's other 4 losses came against bowl teams. However, their win over Louisville shows the Wildcats can compete with Clemson, a college football powerhouse over the last decade.
Kentucky football will bring its A-team to the game. With many players on other teams choosing to opt out of bowl games, the same cannot be said about the Wildcats. Quarterback Devin Leary, running back Ray Davis, and linebacker Trevin Wallace are all slated to play, giving UK their three most important stars to try and tame the Tigers.
Clemson will be without linebacker Jeremiah Trotter and defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro, who both opted out of the game. That could open up the running game for Davis and possibly give Leary more time to throw against a tough Tigers defensive front.
Ultimately, if the Kentucky football defense comes to play like it is known to do, there should be opportunities for the offense to make a few touchdown drives. Davis has big play ability and UK has talented receivers. Kentucky has also won four of the last five bowl games they've played in. That included a Gator Bowl win over #24 NC State in 2021.
Here’s a look at the TV/streaming information and game time as Kentucky football plays the Clemson Tigers in the 2023 Gator Bowl.
Teams: Kentucky Wildcats (7-5, 3-5) vs. #22 Clemson Tigers (8-4, 4-4)
Location: EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, FL
Time: Noon
TV: ESPN
Stream: Watch ESPN, ESPN+
Radio: UK Sports Radio Network