Devin Leary, the UK quarterback, is finally getting his shot at a bowl game. He will be facing a very familiar opponent on December 29th when Kentucky takes on Clemson in the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville. This will be Kentucky’s eighth consecutive bowl appearance, but the first bowl game for Leary in his college football career. Leary spent his first four seasons at North Carolina State, where he faced off against Clemson on three different occasions. For Leary, this is another chance to go head-to-head with an old rival.
“It’s kind of ironic to see them again,” Leary said about facing Clemson. “They’re a great team. We know it’s going to be a good challenge. It’s up to us to prepare during this time and make sure that we’re ready to take them on.”
Leary has battled Clemson three times during his time at N.C. State. In 2019, he had a rough outing, completing 14 of 29 passes for 166 yards and rushing for 30 yards in a 55-10 loss. In 2021, however, Leary led the Wolfpack to a monumental upset of the ninth-ranked Tigers. He threw for 238 yards and a career-high four touchdowns as N.C. State won 27-21 in double overtime. It was Leary’s 22-yard touchdown pass to Devin Carter in the second overtime that sealed the victory. The following year, N.C. State fell short, losing to fifth-ranked Clemson 30-20, despite Leary’s 245 yards passing and a touchdown.
Leary is well aware that No. 22 Clemson will provide a tough challenge for Kentucky in the Gator Bowl. “It’s going to be a challenge, like it always is,” he said. “They’re a well-coached team. They have a bunch of athletes on all three phases of the ball. We know they’re going to bring it. We’ve got to bring our ‘A’ game as well.”
This bowl game also holds a special meaning for Leary as it will be his last chance to suit up with the Kentucky team that welcomed him this season. “Really excited. I really enjoy everyone in the locker room,” Leary expressed his excitement earlier this fall. “Everyone in the entire locker room created bonds that we’ll cherish for the rest of our lives. Being able to go out there and compete with my brothers one last time is all that I could ask for.”
So, not only is Leary finally getting his shot at a bowl game, but he will also have the opportunity to face a team he has already seen three times during his college career. It’s a showdown that football fans won’t want to miss.
