Kentucky suffered a heartbreaking 38-35 loss to Clemson in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl on Friday.

During the Wildcats’ post-game conference, Mark Stoops didn’t hold back on the improvement he needs to see with his coaching staff.

“Coaching-wise, there are a lot of things we can do a lot better,” Stoops said.

Kentucky built a 21-10 lead after three quarters, then went back-and-forth with Clemson in the fourth quarter. The Wildcats took a 35-30 advantage on a touchdown run by senior tailback Ray Davis.

The Tigers, however, re-took the lead when junior running back Phil Mafah punched it into the end zone with under 30 seconds remaining. Clemson then capped the game-winning drive on a two-point conversion.

“Very difficult loss. Terrific football game,” Stoops said.

Turnovers hurt Kentucky in the long run, as the team had lost two fumbles and quarterback Denis Leary threw a couple of interceptions.

“The last one is what it is. Another tip (pass). The strip-sack fumble was inexcusable. You’ve got to tuck that,” Stoops said.

Leary was 16-of-28 for 306 yards and two TD passes. Davis ran for 63 yards and a score on 13 carries for Kentucky. Sophomore receiver Barion Brown had four receptions for 98 yards and a TD.

The Wildcats finished up their 2023 season with a 7-6 record.