Clemson coach Dabo Swinney will be without several top players in the Gator Bowl. (Clemson Athletics Photo)
Without quarterback Will Levis and running back Chris Rodriguez who elected not to play in the Music City Bowl to prepare for the NFL draft, Kentucky’s offense was way out of sync in a loss to Iowa to end last season.
However, on paper Kentucky should be in much better shape against Clemson in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Dec. 29th in Jacksonville.
Both quarterback Devin Leary and running back Ray Davis could have opted out of the bowl game. Instead, both want to play one more game with the Cats and that’s a huge plus for the UK offense against a Clemson defense that will be without several star players.
Clemson’s pass defense has been one of the best in the country allowing only 162 yards per game with 13 interceptions. However, cornerback Nate Wiggins — a projected top 15 pick in the 2024 NFL draft — will not play and one of Clemson’s top backup cornerbacks, Toriano Pride, is transferring to Missouri.
Strong safety/nickel back Andrew Makuba has also put his name into the transfer portal after making 45 tackles and breaking up seven passes in the 2023 season.
Linebacker Jeremiah Trotter led the Tigers with 88 tackles, including 15 for loss and 5.5 sacks. He has opted out of the bowl game to prepare for the NFL Draft.
Defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro is projected as a top 50 pick in April’s NFL Draft. He also will miss the bowl game.
Wide receiver Beaux Collins was second on the team with 510 yards and three touchdown catches in 2023. Backup tight end Sage Ennis, backup running back Dominque Thomas and part-time starting offensive lineman Mitchell Mayes also are opting out of the bowl game like Collins is.
4 Responses
What’s the point of getting a bowl bid if nobody is going to play?
What you see on bowl day will not resemble the teams the Ky and Clemsen ended the season with.
It’s the new age of college Athletics. Pay for play!
Free agency, call it what you want.
I hate the opting out of bowl games. Name 1 player that ruined their career playing in a bowl game. I know basketball is not as violent as football, but can you imagine what opting out of NCAA basketball games would do to march madness.
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