The 2023 Gator Bowl will kick off on Friday at noon Eastern, with the Kentucky Wildcats taking on the Clemson Tigers in Jacksonville, Florida. At best betting sites, the Tigers are at [metabet_core_dynamic_odds market=”spread-away” query=”556902″ site_id=”legalsportsreport”] on the point spread, while the Wildcats are [metabet_core_dynamic_odds market=”moneyLine-home” query=”556902″ site_id=”legalsportsreport”] on the moneyline.
Thus far, 11 Tigers have indicated they will be absent from this game, including linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr., safety Andrew Mukuba, and cornerback Nate Wiggins. For the Wildcats, twins Keaten and Destin Wade have transferred to Colorado. Quarterback Devin Leary is headed to the NFL along with running back Ray Davis and cornerback Andru Phillips. However, all three will play.
Kentucky finished the year with a record of 7-5, while Clemson was 8-4.
Gator Bowl odds
Point spread
- Clemson [metabet_core_dynamic_odds market=”spread-away” query=”556902″ site_id=”legalsportsreport”] vs. Kentucky [metabet_core_dynamic_odds market=”spread-home” query=”556902″ site_id=”legalsportsreport”]
Moneyline odds
- Clemson [metabet_core_dynamic_odds market=”moneyLine-away” query=”556902″ site_id=”legalsportsreport”] vs. Kentucky [metabet_core_dynamic_odds market=”moneyLine-home” query=”556902″ site_id=”legalsportsreport”]
Over/under line
- Clemson vs. Kentucky [metabet_core_dynamic_odds market=”overUnder” query=”556902″ site_id=”legalsportsreport”]
Gator Bowl props: Kentucky vs. Clemson
Note that player props for college sports are not available in all markets. Check out the state-by-state rules here.
[metabet_core_side_odds_table query=”ncaaf/tyler_brown” hide_search=”no” hide_consensus=”yes” providers=”draftkings, fanduel, mgm, pointsbet, bet_365″ hide_location=”yes” league=”ncaaf” site_id=”legalsportsreport” rows=”10″]
Gator Bowl betting preview
- Date: Friday, Dec. 29
- Time: 12 p.m. ET
- Broadcast: ESPN
- Clemson spread: [metabet_core_dynamic_odds market=”spread-away” query=”556902″ site_id=”legalsportsreport”]
- Kentucky spread: [metabet_core_dynamic_odds market=”spread-home” query=”556902″ site_id=”legalsportsreport”]
- Clemson moneyline: [metabet_core_dynamic_odds market=”moneyLine-away” query=”556902″ site_id=”legalsportsreport”]
- Kentucky moneyline: [metabet_core_dynamic_odds market=”moneyLine-home” query=”556902″ site_id=”legalsportsreport”]
- Total: over/under [metabet_core_dynamic_odds market=”overUnder” query=”556902″ site_id=”legalsportsreport”]
The Tigers have had a long history of success but managed just eight wins this season. QB Cade Klubnik will take the field here but will be without wide receiver Beaux Collins. Clemson ended the year with a four-game winning streak.
Despite heading to the NFL, Leary will play here. This season, he had 2,444 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
Clemson has allowed 16 points per game over its last three, while Kentucky has allowed 32.3 in that same span. Leary will take on a Clemson pass defense that allowed 171.4 yards per game this season.
Gator Bowl history
The first Gator Bowl occurred on Jan. 1, 1946, with Wake Forest defeating South Carolina. Over the years, there have been many incidents surrounding the game, including a hotel fire and Woody Hayes going ballistic.
Below are the five most recent Gator Bowl outcomes:
| Date | Matchup |
| Dec. 30, 2022 | Notre Dame (45) vs. South Carolina (38) |
| Dec. 31, 2021 | Wake Forest (38) vs. Rutgers (10) |
| Jan. 2, 2021 | Kentucky (23) vs. NC State (21) |
| Jan. 2, 2020 | Tennessee (23) vs. Indiana (22) |
| Dec. 31, 2018 | Texas A&M (52) vs. NC State (13) |
