Clemson assistant Nick Eason, who coaches the defensive tackles, is ready to go in the Gator Bowl. Eason was seen on the field pointing at Kentucky players, and apparently held back during the pregame warmups.

These teams don’t otherwise have much of a rivalry component, but emotions are running hot Friday morning in Jacksonville as Kentucky (7-5) will look to cap off another winning season with a bowl win when it faces Clemson (8-4).

It’s been an up and down season for the Wildcats, who are coming off a resounding win over Louisville to close the regular season.

UK started its season 5-0 start before it hit the grind of the SEC and dropped 5 of its last 7 games. Kentucky is playing in its 8th straight bowl game, a school record, and making its third appearance in the Gator Bowl.