Clemson Tigers vs Kentucky Wildcats Prediction, Odds and Picks

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Kentucky RB Ray Davis will be suiting up for the Gator Bowl despite recently declaring for the NFL draft, which is massive for the Wildcats in this matchup. The 1,000-yard rusher has 20 TDs this season and is the focal point for the Kentucky offense, which should find success against a depleted Clemson front seven. The Tigers are expected to be without 5 starters on defense including stud LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr. who leads the team in stops forced. Kentucky on the other hand is 11th in rushing explosiveness behind a fully healthy offensive line that ranks top 50 in tackles for loss allowed. 

These were two solid defensive squads throughout the regular season, but the Wildcats showed weakness at times against the pass, ranking 91st in passing efficiency defense. However, I don’t trust Cade Klubnik and the Clemson passing game to keep up with Kentucky’s explosive play potential. Furthermore, there is projected to be 13 mph winds with gusts up to 29 mph and a chance of rain during the game, so I expect Clemson to lean on the one-two punch of RB Phil Mafah and RB Will Shipley. Kentucky can certainly hold its own against the run, limiting opponents to 113.9 rush yards per game (25th in FBS) and recording a solid 6.1 tackles for loss per game (39th in FBS) throughout the regular season. With all things considered, I have faith in Kentucky to keep this one interesting and will be taking them to cover.

Kentucky +5 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable to +4.5.

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Ryan is a die-hard sports fan with a passion for crunching numbers and finding winning picks. He works on the Pickswise social media team and recently began handicapping MLB games. He has years of experience delivering winning picks in both college football and the UFC and is looking to expand his areas of expertise. For Ryan Bunnell media enquiries, please email [email protected].