ESPN’s FPI predicts winner of Gator Bowl between Kentucky and No. 22 Clemson
By Ethan Stone
Published:
Kentucky football faces off against No. 22 Clemson this Friday in Jacksonville at the Gator Bowl. The Wildcats are one of 2 SEC teams in action this Friday, joining Mizzou as they take on the Ohio State Buckeyes.
As with all non-CFP bowl games this season, teams are having to navigate opt-outs. And while Clemson has suffered plenty in that department, Kentucky is in fairly good shape heading into Friday’s matchup.
Mark Stoops will allow players who entered the transfer portal to play in the upcoming game. Also, even though he said he was going to opt out earlier this month, Ray Davis will be playing his final game as a Wildcat Friday against the No. 22 Tigers. Starting QB Devin Leary will also play against Clemson. Other NFL-bound Wildcats such as Andru Phillips and Trevin Wallace are good to go as well.
Clemson is missing a ton on defense for this game, which puts them at a real disadvantage. MLB Jeremiah trotter and standout corner Nate Wiggins will not play after declaring for the NFL Draft. Starting safety Andrew Mukuba will also miss the game after transferring to Texas.
And that’s about half of the notable opt-outs for Clemson. Receiver Beaux Collins and cornerback Toriano Pride will also miss Friday’s contest.
Despite this, ESPN’s FPI is rolling with the Tigers for this one. The metric currently gives Clemson a 66.1% chance of victory over the Wildcats.
The game is set to kick off at Noon this Friday on ESPN and ESPN+.
Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.
