Gator
Clemson had their 2nd straight disappointing season. They are missing 5 starters for this one, maybe none bigger than LB Trotter, who led the team in tackles. They are also missing both starting CBs and a starting Safety.
RB Davis had a big year for UK, averaging 5.7 yards/carry and scoring 13 TDs. He should find some room to run against this defense without Trotter. Leary should be able to have some success, too, as Clemson is starting 2 true freshmen at CB. He's no stranger to playing Clemson, as he faced them 3 times in the ACC.
Clemson relies heavily on the ground game, as both Mafah and Shipley had over 150 carries. Neither was much of a stand-out though, as they averaged 5.3 and 5.1 yards/carry, respectively.
They are expecting steady winds around 15-17 mph all game, with gusts in the mid 20s. That puts more emphasis on the run game. UK has been better at stopping the run, allowing 3.33 yards/carry vs. 3.75 for Clemson.
My biggest concern is UK's game plan. Despite a very solid run game, they've thrown the ball more than they've run it this year. And they may be tempted to do the same tomorrow against Clemson's depleted secondary. But if they don't establish the ground game early, I think they're going to be in trouble. And with a Stoops as head coach, it's hard to rely on a good game plan.
Kentucky (ML) 5 to win 8.2.
UK 1H (ML) 2 to win 2.7. Just hoping they're smart enough to hand the ball to Ray Davis a lot.
Clemson had their 2nd straight disappointing season. They are missing 5 starters for this one, maybe none bigger than LB Trotter, who led the team in tackles. They are also missing both starting CBs and a starting Safety.
RB Davis had a big year for UK, averaging 5.7 yards/carry and scoring 13 TDs. He should find some room to run against this defense without Trotter. Leary should be able to have some success, too, as Clemson is starting 2 true freshmen at CB. He's no stranger to playing Clemson, as he faced them 3 times in the ACC.
Clemson relies heavily on the ground game, as both Mafah and Shipley had over 150 carries. Neither was much of a stand-out though, as they averaged 5.3 and 5.1 yards/carry, respectively.
They are expecting steady winds around 15-17 mph all game, with gusts in the mid 20s. That puts more emphasis on the run game. UK has been better at stopping the run, allowing 3.33 yards/carry vs. 3.75 for Clemson.
My biggest concern is UK's game plan. Despite a very solid run game, they've thrown the ball more than they've run it this year. And they may be tempted to do the same tomorrow against Clemson's depleted secondary. But if they don't establish the ground game early, I think they're going to be in trouble. And with a Stoops as head coach, it's hard to rely on a good game plan.
Kentucky (ML) 5 to win 8.2.
UK 1H (ML) 2 to win 2.7. Just hoping they're smart enough to hand the ball to Ray Davis a lot.
