A strong defensive performance was enough to earn Kentucky football its third consecutive bowl victory with a 23-21 win over NC State in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl.
Despite featuring a new play-caller following the firing of offensive coordinator Eddie Gran in December, Kentucky struggled to find any offensive balance with 281 rushing yards and 99 passing yards like it had for much of the season, but the defense intercepted three passes and held No. 22 NC State to just seven points in the first 55 minutes of game play.
The Wildcats were able to overcome 10 penalties for 103 yards and several self-inflicted mistakes that prevented Kentucky from putting the game out of reach early.