Spiller shines in finale as Tigers win Music City Bowl
By Bud L. Ellis
It wasn’t the stage he wanted to grace for the final act of his college career, but C.J. Spiller made do in Nashville on Sunday night.
The Clemson senior standout scored a touchdown and finished with 172 all-purpose yards to lead the Tigers past Kentucky 21-13 in the Music City Bowl in Nashville. It marked the first bowl victory for Clemson since the 2005 Champs Sports Bowl, and provided a fitting end for Spiller’s brilliant collegiate career.
Spiller, who scored four touchdowns in Clemson’s narrow loss to Georgia Tech in the ACC championship game, scored the 51st touchdown of his career with 10:14 to go, giving the Tigers a 21-13 advantage. He rushed for 68 yards and added 57 yards receiving, earning MVP honors for the game (to go along with earning the MVP nod for the ACC title contest).
Spiller’s touchdown came after Kavell Conner forced a fumble, which Jarvis Jenkins recovered at the Kentucky 19 to set up the score. Spiller became the first ACC player to rush for 1,000 yards rushing and 500 yards receiving.
Clemson sealed the victory by running out the final 5:27 of the game. The Tigers outgained the Wildcats 321-277.
—30—
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at 9:35 pm by bud
Tags: C.J. Spiller, Champs Sports Bowl, Clemson, Georgia Tech, Jarvis Jenkins, Kavell Conner, Kentucky, Music City Bowl
