Mafah Runs for 4 TDs, Clemson Rallies to Beat Kentucky 38–35 in a Wild Gator Bowl

Phil Mafah (7) of the Clemson Tigers hurdles Zion Childress (11) of the Kentucky Wildcats during the first half of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Fla., on Dec. 29, 2023. James Gilbert/Getty Images

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.—Clemson finished the Gator Bowl on Friday just like it did the season: with a flourish.

Phil Mafah ran for four touchdowns, including a 3-yarder with 17 seconds to play, and the Tigers rallied to beat Kentucky 38–35 in one of the wildest Gator Bowls to date and ended the year with a five-game winning streak.