Rapid Reaction: Clemson surges for 25 points in the second half to win TaxSlayer Gator Bowl
It seemed for three quarters that the Clemson team that dropped games to Duke and Miami had shown up in Jacksonville. The Tigers had scored just 10 points and were showing little sign of life. But a 28-point fourth quarter gave the Tigers a 38-35 win over Kentucky in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl.
Kentucky self-imploded. The Wildcats turned the ball over on three straight possessions to start the fourth quarter and Clemson went from trailing 21-10 to leading 27-21 with just over six minutes to play. Then it was Kentucky's turn.
Phil Mafah's four touchdowns earned him the Gator Bowl MVP.
Clemson's defense, which had been stout and opportunistic suddenly got shredded. Kentucky went 75 yards on just three plays on two consecutive drives, retaking the lead 35-30 with just over two minutes to go. That's when Cade Klubnik decided to show up.
Klubnik was a perfect 8-8 for 71 yards on the drive, twice converting for first downs after setbacks (intentional grounding and a sack). Phil Mafah punched into the endzone from three yards out for his fourth touchdown of the game. Then Klubnik converted a crucial two-point conversion to push Clemson's lead to three. His emotions coming off the field were palpable after that heroic drive.
Cade Klubnik celebrates Clemson's game-winning touchdown.
Shelton Lewis sealed the game with an interception and the celebration was on in Jacksonville. Clemson won its fifth game in a row to finish the season at 9-4.
Crucial moments:
Jonathan Weitz was big in this one, hitting both of his field goals, but it'll be his second one that lives in Clemson lore forever. Trailing 28-27 in the fourth, Weitz trotted out to attempt a 52-yard field goal. It was a windy and cold day in Jacksonville. Fortunately for Weitz, he had the wind at his back and he needed every bit of the gust. He hit the ball well and it was clearly right down the middle but it started to falter at the end. The ball hit square in the middle of the crossbar and bounced up. Whether it was the wind or the collective gasps of the Clemson crowd, something pushed the ball over the crossbar and through for a massive field goal.
Will Shipley's 60-yard return to set up that field goal can't be forgotten. We'll update with news around his injury.
Phil Mafah was once again the workhorse for the Tigers, punching the ball in four times for Clemson. Whether he'll return to Clemson next year remains to be seen, but he's shown that he can be the No. 1 guy anywhere in the country.
