A common complaint around college football is the number of opt-outs that occur when bowl games roll around, but the Gator Bowl has provided us with a reminder in the form of a Clemson Tigers running back Will Shipley injury as to why that happens.
With Clemson down 28-27 to the Kentucky Wildcats, Shipley, wearing No. 1, returned the kick-off starting at the three-yard line. His speed was displayed as he took to the left sideline, blazing past defenders. Then, as he crossed the Kentucky 40-yard line, he was pushed from behind, resulting in him somersaulting.
However, at the end of the play, you can briefly see his legs possibly getting caught in the turf. He was carted off the field after this play.
THE FLOODGATES HAVE OPENED pic.twitter.com/88aKOcnYzi
— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthew_CFB) December 29, 2023
Will Shipley on crutches hugging his teammates after their win in the @taxslayerbowl @All_Clemson pic.twitter.com/D4YrdWGIMV
— Zach Lentz (@Zach_AllClemson) December 29, 2023
Clemson ended with a massive 38-35 win, and Shipley was seen hugging teammates on crutches.
Shipley has been with the Tigers since 2021. He's had 515 carries for 2,722 yards and 31 touchdowns in his college football career. In the receiving game, he's amassed 82 receptions for 575 yards and two touchdowns in three seasons.
After three seasons, Shipley is NFL Draft-eligible but hasn't provided any insight into his decision to stay at Clemson for 2024 or enter the draft. But some NFL mock draft sites have him rated a top-1o running back if he were to enter this year.
Shipley had 29 receptions for 222 yards and two scores this season. He had 156 carries this season for 811 yards and five touchdowns on the ground. His production dipped massively from 2022, when he had 211 carries for 1,171 yards and 15 rushing touchdowns.
In the Gator Bowl, he had 11 carries for 29 yards and added two catches for nine yards before getting injured. He also had two kick returns for 94 yards.
The Tigers finished the year 8-4 and will look for better results in 2024.
