I am on Kentucky here and it's not just because I am a big supporter of the SEC, because Clemson definitely has the superior talent here. It's more because Rich Brooks the Kentucky coach. Even at the age of 68 he continues to prove that he's one of the better coaches. Kentucky won their last three bowl games and I think they will win this game as an underdog which is why I give you the money line bonus.
Kentucky is 9-2-1 ATS in their last 12 non-conference games proving that the SEC is superior and a team like Kentucky who does not get much love in conference play is one of the better teams in college football. Getting points here I feel confident. Randall Cobb is the best player on the field yes that is a bold statement considering CJ Spiller is on the field, but Cobb is the MVP here and I think he will get it done for Kentucky against a Clemson run defense that has been very suspect all year long ranked #69 in the nation against the run. Kentucky's offensive line is one of the bigger lines Clemson will see all year long as they average more than 300lbs up front. Derrick Locke the HB will also cut through Clemson's defense as well. Kentucky played a poor run defensive Auburn, and that team statistically is very similar to Clemson except Auburn has a better offense and Kentucky marched into Auburn and won 21-14 for the first time since 1966. Brooks also had Kentucky beat Georgia at Georgia for the first time since 1977 so this Kentucky team is one of the better teams they have had in some time.
Clemson on the other hand does not play in bowl games well actually they lost in 2006 as favorites to this Kentucky team by 6 points. Clemson is 1-6 ATS in their last 7 vs. SEC and actually played South Carolina a team Kentucky lost by just 2 points on the road while Clemson got crushed on the road 17-34 and were -128 yards while Kentucky was -1 yard. Clemson is 0-4 in their last 4 bowl games ATS and 0-5 in their last 5 bowl games as a favorite. CJ Spiller will light it up again here, but in the end it won't matter as Kentucky's defense is better than many give credit.
