No. 22 Clemson needed every play — and almost every second — in their wild, 38-35 comeback victory over Kentucky in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl on Friday at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville.
Fortunately, the Tigers (9-4 overall) ended up with no shortage of playmakers deserving of game balls in what would be their fifth consecutive victory to end the season.
Clemson had to win this one without star linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, Jr. and cornerback Nate Wiggins, who both opted out of the bowl to prepare for the NFL draft. Both were missed as Kentucky notched three plays of longer than 40 yards.
In their absence, though, the Tigers got a big performance from junior linebacker Barrett Carter, who pressured Kentucky quarterback Devin Leary throughout the afternoon. Carter recovered a fumble and also intercepted a Leary pass to go with three pass break-ups.
Late in the first half, with Kentucky in possession of the ball with a chance for a late score, Carter dropped Leary for a sack and an eight-yard loss that would force a Wildcats punt two plays later. Carter finished with three tackles (two solo).
Freshman cornerback Shelton Lewis made the game-clinching interception on Kentucky’s final offensive snap, picking off Leary around midfield. Lewis had three solo tackles on the afternoon.