Clemson Tigers vs. Kentucky Wildcats: 2023 Week 1 Recap

Quick answer

Clemson Tigers defeated Kentucky Wildcats 38–35 in Week 1, 2023. Final score: Clemson Tigers 38, Kentucky Wildcats 35.

Game summary

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	Final
Clemson Tigers	3	6	0	24	38
Kentucky Wildcats	6	6	6	12	35

Stars of the game

Top passers, rushers, and receivers from cfbfastR play-by-play.

Passing

• Devin Leary (Kentucky) — 301.0 yds · 2 TD · +0.02 EPA/play +0.71 EPA
• Cade Klubnik (Clemson) — 233.0 yds · -0.14 EPA/play -6.77 EPA

Rushing

• Ray Davis (Kentucky) — 63.0 yds · 1 TD -0.03 EPA
• Phil Mafah (Clemson) — 68.0 yds · 4 TD +0.68 EPA
• Will Shipley (Clemson) — 29.0 yds -0.07 EPA

Receiving

• Jake Briningstool (Clemson) — 9 rec · 91.0 yds +0.83 EPA
• Barion Brown (Kentucky) — 4 rec · 98.0 yds +0.49 EPA
• Adam Randall (Clemson) — 5 rec · 46.0 yds -0.10 EPA

Quarterback report card

Attempts, efficiency, and EPA.

Player	Team	Att	Cmp%	Yds	TD	EPA/play	Total EPA
Devin Leary	Kentucky	30	53.3%	301	2	+0.02	+0.71
Cade Klubnik	Clemson	50	60.0%	233	0	-0.14	-6.77

Team EPA comparison

Stat	Clemson	Kentucky
Plays	80	51
EPA / play	-0.003	-0.060
Total EPA	-0.26	-3.07
Success rate	43.8%	35.3%
Pass EPA / play	-0.135	+0.024
Rush EPA / play	+0.217	-0.180
Yards	382	403

Drive chart

Key possessions and results.

Qtr	Offense	Plays	Yards	EPA	Result
Q1	Clemson	6	39	-0.15	Field goal
Q1	Kentucky	5	24	-1.51	Punt
Q1	Clemson	6	15	-1.86	Punt
Q1	Kentucky	4	73	+5.92	Rush TD
Q1	Clemson	6	11	-2.53	Punt
Q1	Kentucky	3	-1	-3.29	Punt
Q1	Clemson	3	6	-2.56	Punt
Q2	Kentucky	3	2	-2.40	Punt
Q2	Clemson	5	64	+5.20	Rush TD
Q2	Kentucky	4	64	+3.60	Pass TD
Q2	Clemson	5	13	-1.51	Punt
Q2	Kentucky	6	22	-0.30	Punt
Q2	Clemson	5	17	-0.42	Punt
Q2	Kentucky	1	-1	-0.55	Touchdown
Q3	Clemson	6	25	-1.76	Punt
Q3	Kentucky	8	43	+0.86	Punt

Biggest EPA swings

1. Q3 · Kentucky Wildcats · Kickoff (+5.9 EPA)
2. Q4 · Clemson Tigers · Cade Klubnik pass intercepted (-5.44 EPA)
3. Q4 · Kentucky Wildcats · Devin Leary pass to Barion Brown for a touchdown (60 yards) (+5.22 EPA)
4. Q4 · Kentucky Wildcats · Devin Leary pass to Jordan Dingle for 72 yards (1st & 10) (+4.99 EPA)
5. Q4 · Kentucky Wildcats · Fumble (-4.96 EPA)
6. Q4 · Kentucky Wildcats · Devin Leary pass intercepted (-4.95 EPA)
7. Q4 · Kentucky Wildcats · Fumble (-4.3 EPA)
8. Q3 · Clemson Tigers · Cade Klubnik pass to Olsen Patt-Henry for 28 yards (2nd & 14) (+3.76 EPA)

Key takeaways

• Clemson Tigers controlled the final (38–35) in Week 1.
• Passing edge: Devin Leary (Kentucky) — 301.0 yds, 2 TD.
• EPA edge: Clemson at -0.003 EPA/play.
• Full EPA, scoring map, and play-by-play live in CFB Analytics Box & Scores.

Frequently asked questions

What was the final score of Clemson Tigers vs Kentucky Wildcats?

Clemson Tigers 38, Kentucky Wildcats 35 in Week 1 of the 2023 college football season.

Who won Clemson Tigers vs Kentucky Wildcats?

Clemson Tigers won with a final score of 38–35.

Where can I find the Clemson Tigers vs Kentucky Wildcats box score?

See EPA, scoring timeline, and full play-by-play on FantasyHQ CFB Analytics: /cfb-analytics?game=401551766.

Who led Clemson Tigers vs Kentucky Wildcats in passing?

Devin Leary (Kentucky) led passers with 301.0 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Full analytics box score

Explore every snap, drive chart, and the interactive scoring map for Clemson Tigers at Kentucky Wildcats in FantasyHQ CFB Analytics Box & Scores.