Clemson Coach Had To Be Separated From Kentucky Staffer As Fight Nearly Breaks Out During Heated Confrontation Before Bowl Game (VIDEO)

Tensions were high.

The 2023 Gator Bowl is headlined by an ACC vs. SEC showdown as No. 22 Clemson battles with Kentucky.

That battle started early as a heated confrontation went down before the game even kicked off. Things are getting a little heated between Kentucky and Clemson during pregame warmups as Tigers defensive tackle coach Nick Eason and a Kentucky staff member had to be separated prior to kickoff, according to David Hood.

Some of that incident could be seen on film which also reportedly included Kentucky and Clemson players getting into it.

Clemson DT coach Nick Eason and a Kentucky staffer have to be separated by officials during warmups. A Clemson player also not happy, and it looks like maybe Kentucky was encroaching on Clemson's side

— David Hood (@MDavidHood) December 29, 2023

Here’s some added video context to #Clemson coach Nick Eason having some words in what looks to be a heated exchange.

Some pregame emotions early. https://t.co/khP357rsaf pic.twitter.com/dTunHIylJb

— Grayson Mann (@gray_mann21) December 29, 2023

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Clemson DT coach Nick Eason getting into it with Kentucky and had to be held back near midfield prior to the Gator Bowl. pic.twitter.com/1CXuxc8u54

— Justin Robertson (@j_probertson) December 29, 2023

Jon Hale added additional context on what went down:

“Officials trying to prevent a skirmish here in early warmups at the Gator Bowl. Barion Brown, Maxwell Hairston among UK players exchanging words with Clemson players at midfield. Vince Marrow also trying to diffuse the situation,” Jon Hale posted.

Officials trying to prevent a skirmish here in early warmups at the Gator Bowl. Barion Brown, Maxwell Hairston among UK players exchanging words with Clemson players at midfield. Vince Marrow also trying to diffuse the situation.

— Jon Hale (@JonHale_HL) December 29, 2023

Clemson and Kentucky are facing off for the first time since 2009 when the Tigers won the Music City Bowl. This postseason tilt should serve as a punctuation mark for a pair of programs trying to end rollercoaster seasons on a high note.

Both programs entered the season with high expectations but the Tigers ended with an 8-4 record while the Wildcats were 7-5.

Kentucky and Clemson don’t play very often right now, but that could change if the Tigers end up in the SEC somewhere down the line. With all of the movement these days, it is not too far-fetched to state it will happen in the future.