24 North Carolina State 23-21 on Saturday in a chippy TaxSlayer Gator Bowl. “John was definitely looking down on us; Coach Schlarman definitely inspired us all,” said Rose, who was named Kentucky's bowl game MVP. “Those are four really good run defenders against a really good rushing offense,” NC State coach Dave Doeren said. Kentucky: The Wildcats won their third bowl game in as many seasons for the second time in school history. UP NEXTNorth Carolina State: Opens the 2021 season at home against USF on Sept. 2.