Clemson Tigers (8-4) vs. Kentucky Wildcats (7-5)
Clemson Tigers vs. Kentucky Wildcats 12/29/23 – As college football season nears its conclusion and bowl games take center stage, the Gator Bowl provides an intriguing matchup between Clemson Tigers and Kentucky Wildcats. Set for Friday, this exciting clash pits two powerful programs against each other with each hoping to cap their year off in style by earning bowl victory. This game showcases some of the top NCAAF bowl free picks, as each team brings its unique strengths and strategies to EverBank Stadium for this clash of titans.
Clemson Tigers, known for their resilience and strategic play, enter this matchup with remarkable momentum. Phil Mafah has been exceptional this year at running back, with 168 rush attempts covering 894 yards with 9 touchdowns at an average of 5.3 yards per rush attempt; breaking through defensive lines effortlessly thanks to his performance. Tyler Brown has also excelled on offense with 51 receptions for 519 receiving yards; this performance significantly increasing Clemson’s offensive strategy.
Kentucky Wildcats success has been driven by key players displaying extraordinary skills throughout the season. Ray Davis was their dynamic running back who amassed 1066 rushing yards in 181 attempts with 13 touchdowns – his longest rush covering 75 yards being proof of his speed and agility. Wide receiver Dane Key played a vital role for Kentucky with 38 receptions totalling 553 receiving yards at an average 14.6 yard reception rate; making him an effective threat to opposing defenses.
Clemson Tigers vs. Kentucky Wildcats 12/29/23 Game Info
| When: | Friday, December 29, 2023 at 12:00 PM ET |
| Where: | EverBank Stadium |
| TV: | ESPN |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Cade Klubnik QB vs. Devin Leary QB
Cade Klubnik has shown advanced accuracy and decision-making for a true freshman. While he has made some mistakes common for young QBs (8 interceptions), his playmaking ability outside the pocket adds an extra dimension to the Clemson offense. His 126.7 passer rating in a leading role shows tremendous potential moving forward.
In his first year at Kentucky, Devin Leary has put up numbers on par with his previous All-ACC seasons at NC State. He has topped 240 passing yards per game with 23 touchdowns compared to 10 picks. Leary’s veteran savvy helps him excel in high-pressure situations. However, he lacks Klubnik’s athleticism and can struggle when forced out of the pocket.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Clemson Tigers -197, Total Odds: 46.5
The betting odds favor the Clemson Tigers, but the close spread indicates a potentially tight contest. The total odds set at 46.5 suggest an expectation of a moderately high-scoring game, reflecting the offensive capabilities of both teams.
Clemson Tigers Betting Trends
The Tigers are 4-1 against the spread (ATS) in their last 5 games, finding ways to beat expectations despite not performing at an elite level. The under has also hit in 6 of Clemson’s last 9 overall. When facing SEC East opponents, the under is 4-1 in their previous 5 clashes. Furthermore, the Tigers are an exceptional 16-1 straight up in their last 17 December games, indicating a high level of performance late in the season.
Kentucky Wildcats Betting Trends
Kentucky has struggled to live up to betting expectations recently, posting a 2-5 ATS record in its last 7 contests. However, the over has hit in 7 of the previous 9 Wildcat outings. While Kentucky is 7-0 straight up against ACC foes in its last 7 attempts, the under is a sharp 7-0 in their last 10 December fixtures when playing as an underdog.
Clemson Tigers vs. Kentucky Wildcats 12/29/23 Betting Picks
The Gator Bowl presents a thrilling contest with both teams bringing their A-game. Clemson, with their solid defense and strategic offensive plays, seems to have a slight edge. However, Kentucky’s explosive offense and ability to perform under pressure cannot be underestimated. In terms of betting, while Clemson appears to be the safer pick, Kentucky’s potential for an upset should not be overlooked.
Considering the strengths and recent performances of both teams, prop bets on individual player performances, especially the quarterbacks and key skill position players, could offer value. The over/under at 46.5 is a tight line, but given both teams’ recent trends, the under might be a tempting pick. However, the potential for a high-scoring game remains, making this a challenging but exciting bet.
Handicapper best expert picks often hinge on nuances and the form of key players. In this matchup, the focus will be on quarterback performance and the ability of each team’s defense to contain the other’s offensive strengths.
Free Pick and Prediction: Clemson Tigers 28, Kentucky Wildcats 24