Yes, the Tigers are missing several key pieces, including a good portion of their defensive backfield, but their opponent won't pose enough of a challenge to pull off the upset or cover.

Clemson's defense is sound, well-coached, and coming into this game with plenty of momentum. This season, the Tigers were a top-ten team in stop rate, excelling against both the run (7th in Rushing Success Rate Allowed) and the pass (4th in Success Rate and 3rd in PPA). Clemson ranked 21st in opponent third-down conversion percentage and eighth nationally in Havoc. Even without a few key contributors, the Tigers will be tough for the Wildcats to figure out. UK ranked 98th in Success Rate and 79th in PPA through the air and relied far too much on RB Ray Davis. Even with his 5.7 YPC average, the Cats were just 82nd in success rate on the ground...

Kentucky crumbled after starting 5-0, losing seven of its final eight games. Clemson, on the other hand, won its final four games. Bet on the Tigers to ride their momentum with a Gator Bowl win and cover.