by Paul Grossinger
(Baltimore )
2009 Music City Bowl
Kentucky v Clemson
Prediction: Clemson over Kentucky 37-10
Kentucky is back in the Music City Bowl for the 3rd time in 4 years. In fact, they beat Clemson in the same bowl 28 - 20 in 2006. And UK beat Florida State 35 - 28 in 2007. We'd like to say they will make it 3 straight wins in Nashville, but afraid not.
The Wildcats (7-5) were decent enough to earn a bowl this season; though nothing spectacular. Consecutive losses, including a 41-7 drubbing by Florida, were to be expected.
But losses to Mississippi State (31-24) and Tennessee (30-24 OT) are red flags. Both lost to South Carolina but Clemson (8-5), has the more talented squad and made it all the way to the ACC Championship Game before losing a heartbreaker to Georgia Tech. Also, Clemson has a true superstar in running back CJ Spiller. He's a game-changer.
Despite its negative momentum (lost final 2 games), Clemson has the better team and should handle the Wildcats without too much of a problem.
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If you'd like to read other SEC Bowl Previews, check out 2009 - 2010 SEC Bowl Predictions.