The 2006 Music City Bowl featured the Clemson Tigers and the Kentucky Wildcats. Clemson entered the game with a record of 8–4 after having been ranked in the AP poll for most weeks of the season, as high as No. 10;^[4] Kentucky was 7–5 and unranked. Clemson was favored by 10 points.^[5] Sponsored by Gaylord Hotels and Bridgestone, it was officially named the Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl presented by Bridgestone.

Micah Johnson scored on a 1-yard touchdown run to give Kentucky a 7–0 lead over Clemson. Clemson quarterback Will Proctor then fired a 32-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Durrell Barry, but the extra point missed, and Kentucky still led 7–6. Kentucky quarterback André Woodson found wide receiver DeMoreo Ford for a 70-yard touchdown pass with 2:14 left in the half to take a 14–6 lead.

In the third quarter, Woodson found Dicky Lyons, Jr. for a 24-yard touchdown pass and a 21–6 lead. In the fourth quarter, Woodson threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to Jacob Tamme for a 28–6 lead. Will Proctor threw a 17-yard touchdown pass with 7:25 left, to get within 28–12. The 2-point conversion attempt failed. With 44 seconds left, Will Proctor threw a 17-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Aaron Kelly. The 2-point conversion attempt to Michael Palmer was good, and Clemson trailed 28–20. The onside kick was recovered by Kentucky, who ran out the clock.