Clemson has struggled in recent SEC matchups

From 2015-20, you could make the case that Clemson had the best program in college football. After recording four consecutive double-digit win seasons from 2011-14, the Tigers took off like a rocket ship under head coach Dabo Swinney. Quarterback star power had much to do with this run. During that six-year period, the Tigers had either Deshaun Watson or Trevor Lawrence under center. What followed was two national championships, two runner-up finishes, six ACC titles, six College Football Playoff berths, and a 79-7 overall record.

The Tigers were at the top of the mountain and quite often beat SEC teams on big stages. Clemson owned head coach Will Muschamp and South Carolina in their in-state rivalry. Clemson knocked off Alabama in both national title wins. However, a 17-point loss to LSU as a 5-point dog in the 2019 national title started an unfortunate run for this juggernaut program.

In their last six games against SEC competition, Clemson is 2-4 outright and against the spread. The Tigers have been a betting favorite in five of those games.

• 2019: Clemson (+5) vs. LSU | Bayou Bengals 42, Swinney’s Tigers 25
• 2021: Clemson (-3) vs. Georgia | Bulldogs 10, Tigers 7
• 2021: Clemson (-11) at South Carolina | Tigers 30, Gamecocks 7
• 2022: Clemson (-14) vs. South Carolina | Gamecocks 31, Tigers 30
• 2022: Clemson (-6) vs. Tennessee | Vols 31, Tigers 14
• 2023: Clemson (-7.5) at South Carolina | Tigers 16, Gamecocks 7

There have been some struggles out of conference for Swinney. Outside of two road wins over South Carolina teams hovering around .500, the Tigers have had issues against SEC competition. In last year’s Orange Bowl, Tennessee was dealing with a ton of opt-outs and were still able to run away from Clemson.

Kentucky has thrived against ACC teams out of conference. Since 2018, the Wildcats are 7-0 outright against ACC foes with a 6-1 against the spread record. The Wildcats have won three times as an underdog during this non-conference hot streak.

• 2019: Kentucky (+2) vs. Virginia Tech | Cats 37, Hokies 30
• 2021: Kentucky (+3) at Louisville | Cats 52, Cards 21
• 2023: Kentucky (+7.5) at Louisville | Cats 38, Cards 31

Will these trends hold true in the Gator Bowl on Dec. 29? The Wildcats could be a live dog in Jacksonville.