In a thrilling matchup at the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, Kentucky’s sophomore standout, Barion Brown, delivered an impressive performance by scoring three touchdowns. However, it was No. 22 Clemson who ultimately staged a fourth-quarter comeback to secure a 38-35 victory over Kentucky in Jacksonville.
Brown showcased his versatility throughout the game, contributing touchdowns on a kick return, reception, and rush. He made a significant impact with 226 all-purpose yards for Kentucky.
Kentucky’s quarterback, Devin Leary, had a solid outing, accumulating 306 passing yards while completing 16 of 28 attempts. Leary also threw two touchdowns, but was intercepted twice. Running back Ray Davis added a rushing touchdown on his 63-yard effort from 13 carries.
Defensively, Kentucky’s linebacker Trevin Wallace led the team with an impressive 11 tackles, while Zion Childress and D’Eryk Jackson contributed eight stops each.
The game opened with Clemson gaining possession and quickly advancing into Kentucky territory. However, the Kentucky defense displayed its resilience, forcing Clemson to settle for a field goal. Jonathan Weitz successfully converted the 39-yard attempt, giving the Tigers an initial 3-0 lead in the first quarter.
Kentucky’s first possession resulted in one first down before being forced to punt. Clemson then managed a short drive, only to punt the ball back to Kentucky.
Kentucky wasted no time making an offensive impact. In just four plays, including explosive gains, Davis broke through the line for a 43-yard run, enabling Brown to score a touchdown on the next play. With the successful extra point by Alex Raynor, Kentucky took a 7-3 lead with 5:00 left in the first quarter.
After exchanging punts at the end of the first quarter, Clemson found themselves in UK territory and capitalized with a one-yard touchdown run by Phil Mafah. Clemson secured the lead after Weitz added the extra point, setting the score at 10-7 with 10:17 left in the first half.
Kentucky quickly responded to Clemson’s touchdown. Leary connected with Dane Key for a substantial gain of 58 yards, positioning the Wildcats inside the Clemson 10-yard line. On the following play, Leary found Key in the back of the end zone for a five-yard touchdown. With Raynor’s successful point after, Kentucky regained the lead, now at 14-10 with 7:44 remaining in the first half.
Clemson’s subsequent drive resulted in only one first down before being forced to punt. Kentucky eventually took over and appeared to be stopped until a 27-yard completion from Leary to Brown gave the Wildcats a much-needed first down. Unfortunately, a sack ended the drive, forcing Kentucky to punt with 1:25 left in the half. The half concluded with Kentucky maintaining a narrow 14-10 lead.
The second half began explosively as Brown returned the Clemson kickoff from three yards deep in the end zone for a touchdown. Raynor’s successful PAT increased Kentucky’s lead to 21-10 just 13 seconds into the second half. Brown’s kick return marked his third for a touchdown this season and established a Kentucky career record.
Clemson initially threatened with their drive into UK territory, but the Kentucky defense forced a punt. Kentucky’s subsequent drive earned a few first downs before a penalty hampered progress. Ultimately, Kentucky was forced to punt, and Clemson took over at their own 30.
Clemson penetrated into Kentucky territory once again, reaching the doorstep of the Wildcats’ end zone as the third quarter concluded with Kentucky still holding a 21-10 advantage.
At the start of the fourth quarter, Mafah scored a one-yard touchdown for Clemson. The Tigers attempted a two-point conversion, but Kentucky’s Jordan Lovett broke up the pass, leaving the score at 21-16 in favor of Kentucky with 14:56 remaining.
The game’s first turnover came on Kentucky’s subsequent drive when Leary was under pressure, hit, and fumbled. Clemson’s Justin Mascoll recovered the ball at the UK 25-yard line, putting the Tigers in a prime scoring position. However, Clemson immediately returned the favor as quarterback Cade Klubnik was intercepted after being hit by Kentucky’s Alex Afari in the end zone. Lovett secured the interception, giving the Wildcats possession with 13:51 left.
Kentucky gained a first down on their next possession but was intercepted by Barrett Carter on third and four from their own 38. Clemson took over at the UK 37 with 10:08 remaining.
Clemson managed to reach the UK 10-yard line, but the Wildcats’ defense held strong once again. Weitz closed the drive with a 28-yard field goal, cutting Kentucky’s lead to 21-19 with 7:00 left.
However, on the first play of the ensuing drive, Brown fumbled on a reverse. Carter recovered the loose ball, granting possession to Clemson at the UK 29. The Tigers capitalized immediately, with Mafah scoring a 29-yard touchdown. Clemson successfully converted the two-point attempt, taking a 27-21 lead with 6:45 remaining.
Kentucky responded swiftly as Leary connected with Brown for a 60-yard touchdown on the third play of the next drive. Raynor’s extra point put Kentucky back on top at 28-27 with 6:12 left.
Clemson’s Will Shipley made a powerful return on the ensuing kickoff, gaining 60 yards and positioning the Tigers at the UK 37-yard line. However, Kentucky’s defense prevented Clemson from advancing further and forced a 52-yard field goal attempt, which Weitz just managed to convert. This gave Clemson a 30-28 lead with 4:20 remaining.
On the first play of the next drive, Leary found Jordan Dingle, who exploited an open field down the right sideline for a 72-yard gain to the Clemson three-yard line. Two plays later, Davis secured a touchdown around the right end, and Raynor’s extra point extended Kentucky’s lead to 35-30 with 2:39 left.
Clemson swiftly responded with Mafah scoring from three yards out, followed by a successful two-point conversion. The Tigers regained the lead, now at 38-35 with just 17 seconds remaining.
Despite a final opportunity for Kentucky, Leary was intercepted by Clemson’s Shelton Lewis, sealing the victory for the Tigers.
Looking ahead, Kentucky will open its 2024 season on August 31 against Southern Miss at Kroger Field.
