{"id":25330,"date":"2023-12-29T05:38:00","date_gmt":"2023-12-29T10:38:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/?p=25330"},"modified":"2023-12-28T09:21:08","modified_gmt":"2023-12-28T14:21:08","slug":"gator-bowl-free-picks-clemson-vs-kentucky-best-bets-predictions-12-29","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/college-football-bowl-games\/gator-bowl-free-picks-clemson-vs-kentucky-best-bets-predictions-12-29\/","title":{"rendered":"Gator Bowl Best Bets : Clemson vs Kentucky Free Picks, Predictions 12\/29"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Clemson Tigers vs Kentucky Wildcats Best Bets: Gator Bowl Predictions & Analysis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Football content contributor Ron Marmalefsky<\/a> bites off some tasty picks on The Gator Bowl<\/strong> being played on December 29th, between Clemson and Kentucky<\/strong>. What are his takeaways and things to watch when considering betting? Find top free picks and best bets here. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clemson has been steadfastly against using the transfer portal to build its team, pointing instead to their success in building up the roster the traditional way.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Welcome to 2023, and the Tigers seem to have fallen behind other presumed playoff caliber teams.  Kentucky has achieved goal number one<\/strong>.  They are a fixture now in the bowl season.  Unfortunately, they still seem far removed from doing any real damage in the SEC.  This is not one of the more exciting matchups on the bowl slate. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find free college football best bets<\/a> and bowl game coverage<\/a> this postseason. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Gator Bowl Predictions and Best Bets: Clemson Analysis <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Clemson banked on Cade Klubnik being the answer at QB.  His 2023 numbers were adequate at 63%, with a modest (for the Tigers) 19-8 ratio.  He performed about as expected based on the defenses he faced.  In this case, he faces a Wildcat defense that allowed 67% vs. the pass.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have him projected to complete a high number of passes in this spot.  He\u2019ll be down one impact WR, but he can target a quality TE and at least one other WR.  Clemson ran 4.6 per carry, which is a bit down from my expectations.  Both RB\u2019s are good, and should be healthy<\/strong>.  The offense should be expected to be better in this spot.  The defense is always one of the best in the NCAA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clemson’s Defense Should Be Enough<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Surprisingly, their run defense (3.2 per carry average past three seasons) slumped to 3.95 per carry, although the unit only allowed 121.5 yards per game (corrected for sacks using my formula).  As we\u2019ll see below, this unit will be tested.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After slumping the past two seasons, the pass defense regained its roar, allowing just 52.5%<\/strong>.  Only Miami topped 60% (Wake was exactly 60%).  Stop Kentucky\u2019s rush attack and good things will happen.  Clemson will be without some key starters, as their top two sackers, two of their top three tacklers, and one stout CB will not play.  This will have at least some effect on their stop ability.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kicking was at times an adventure but there was modest improvement down the stretch (11-17).  Defensive sacks were down to 30 (41 and 41 previous two seasons).  They allowed 20 sacks.  The kick return defense was bad, and it may be critical that kicks become touchbacks, as Kentucky has the edge in this matchup.  In a slight surprise, Clemson was able to have a more than stout time of possession edge (+6:20). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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