Clemson defeated the Kentucky Wildcats to win the Gator Bowl, reach the nine-win mark, and head into the offseason with momentum. It was a slog for most of three quarters. Entering the fourth quarter, Clemson trailed 21-10. Then things got wild. The teams combined for a Gator Bowl record 42 points and five turnovers in the fourth quarter. Clemson was on the receiving end of four turnovers, which played a huge role in their first double-digit fourth-quarter comeback since trailing 24-14 to Alabama in the 2017 National Championship Game (2016 season).
Clemson won 38-35 thanks to a clutch 52-yard field goal from Jonathan Weitz, several big-time throws from QB Cade Klubnik, and the coaching staff entrusting Phil Mafah with the ball from inside the five-yard line.