JACKSONVILLE. FL- When Clemson needed it most, Phil Mafah and the Tigers' running game got it done.
While Mafah only carried the ball twice on the 12-play, 68-yard game winning drive that clinched a 38-35 Clemson win over Kentucky in the Gator Bowl, they were two huge carries.
The first came on a critical 4th and 2 from the Kentucky 34. Mafah picked up five huge yards to keep the drive alive. Then, consecutive completions by Cade Klubnik to Antonio Williams and Jake Briningstool set the Tigers up with 1st and goal from the three, with just 21 seconds remaining. Next came what was arguably Mafah's toughest run of the day, as he plowed into the end zone from three yards out, getting some extra push from his offensive line.
It was the final score of a fourth quarter that saw five different lead changes and the two teams combining to score 42 points.
"I feel like that was the craziest fourth quarter I ever played in," Mafah said. "Just so much emotion, especially in the fourth quarter."
The junior running back, along with the rest of the offense, refused to give in. Each time the Wildcats battled back with some quick strikes of their own, the Tigers would answer.
"Just had to keep fighting and didn't know what the outcome would be at that point, but you just had to keep fighting and believing and trusting your teammates to get the job done and get the win," Mafah said. "So extremely proud of my teammates for being able to accomplish this feat."
Mafah finished the afternoon with 71 rushing yards and averaged 6.5 yards per carry. He also set a Gator Bowl record with four rushing TDs, resulting in being named the game's MVP. And when he felt like he was starting to get a little tired, he fed off the fans that made the trek to Jacksonville.
"Oh, yeah, it was crazy. I was so tired, but you could feel the energy, feel everyone just watching," Mafah said. That's when it's game time when you have to win the game, it's all on the line. That's when you lock in and focus. Definitely you could feel the tenacity of the crowd in there."
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