College Football Poll, 2006 Music City Bowl Recap

Kentucky Ends Bowl Victory Drought
by Mike Mitchell
12/29/06 4:36 pm est

Kentucky, an 11-point Vegas underdog, defeated Clemson 28-20 for its first bowl win since 1984. The Congrove Computer Rankings favored Clemson by 18.79 points.

The victory was just the second in eight tries for all SEC teams in this young bowl game. It was the first bowl appearance for the Wildcats since losing to Syracuse in this game in 1999. Additionally, the 28 points are the most Kentucky has ever scored in a bowl game.

The Tigers shot themselves in the foot with 3 fumbles, 1 interception, 1 missed field goal, 1 blocked field goal and 1 missed extra point.

It was only after Kentucky opened up a 28-6 lead in the fourth quarter that Clemson was able to score its second touchdown - a 17-yard pass on 4th down. The Tigers added another 17-yard TD pass with 44 seconds left and converted the 2-point conversion. But it was too little, too late as the Wildcats recovered the ensuing onside kick to secure the win.

Kentucky quarterback Andre' Woodson threw 3 touchdown passes to three different receivers as the Wildcats finished the season 8-5 by winning five of their last six games.

Clemson went 1-4 in its last five games and also finished the season 8-5.