TaxSlayer Gator Bowl: Clemson vs. Kentucky odds, picks and predictions
The Clemson Tigers (8-4) battle the Kentucky Wildcats (7-5) in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl on Friday. Kick from EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla., is scheduled for noon ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Clemson vs. Kentucky odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.
Clemson ended its season with 4 straight wins after knocking off South Carolina 16-7 to cover as a 7.5-point road favorite. QB Cade Klubnik went 15 of 27 for 100 yards and an INT. WR Tyler Brown had 5 receptions for 40 yards while RB Phil Mafah had 9 carries for 89 yards and RB Will Shipley had 80 yards on 15 carries.
Kentucky beat Louisville 38-31 in its final game of the season and covered as a 7.5-point road underdog. QB Devin Leary went 12 of 22 for 206 yards with 3 TDs and an INT. RB Ray Davis led the team with 4 receptions for 51 yards and 2 TDs and 14 carries for 76 yards and a TD on the ground.
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Clemson vs. Kentucky odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access Paste BN Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 5:46 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Clemson -185 (bet $185 to win $100) | Kentucky +150 (bet $100 to win $150)
- Against the spread (ATS): Clemson -4.5 (-105) | Kentucky +4.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 44.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Clemson vs. Kentucky picks and predictions
Prediction
Kentucky 27, Clemson 24
Moneyline
BET KENTUCKY +150.
Kentucky ended its season with a statement win over a top-10-ranked Louisville and will look to do the same on Friday afternoon. While Clemson ended the season on a high note with a 4-game winning streak, it was not tested. Struggling to move the ball as it did against South Carolina is what will give Kentucky the chance to not only stay in the game but come out with a victory. Expect another big game from Kentucky's Davis.
Against the spread
PASS.
The odds are better on the moneyline for Kentucky.
Over/Under
BET OVER 44.5 (-110).
Kentucky hit the Over in 7 of its last 9 games and has an 8-4 Over record this season. Clemson hit the Over in 3 of its final 6 games, but as it stands, 44.5 would be the 2nd-lowest total Clemson has seen all season. Both teams have the capabilities to find the endzone and will more than likely find themselves trading touchdowns throughout the game allowing the Over to hit.
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