Clemson eclipses disappointing Buffs

ORLANDO, Fla. – James Davis ran for 150 yards and a touchdown, Charlie Whitehurst scrambled for a score and No. 23 Clemson beat Colorado 19-10 in the Champs Sports Bowl on Tuesday, handing the Buffaloes their fourth consecutive loss.

Davis’ 6-yard TD run with 1:38 remaining sealed a fourth straight victory for Clemson (8-4) and capped a disappointing season for Colorado (7-6).

The Buffs made it close, though, something they didn’t do in their previous two games – losses to Nebraska and Texas by a combined score of 100-6.

Backup quarterback Brian White replaced starter James Cox midway through the fourth quarter and led Colorado on a 69-yard scoring drive that made it 13-10.

His 2-yard TD pass to Quinn Sypniewski ended a streak of 14 quarters without a touchdown and gave the Buffs a chance.

White rolled right on third down, then threw left to Sypniewski, who was wide open in the end zone.

But Davis and Whitehurst answered, moving the Tigers 61 yards in 4:07 to put the game away.

Davis and Whitehurst made big plays all game.

Davis ran 28 times and eclipsed 100 yards for the fourth time this season – a school record for a freshman.

He also was named the game’s most valuable player.

Whitehurst, a senior expected to be a first-day selection in next year’s NFL draft, was equally efficient and effective. He was 19 of 27 for 196 yards and an interception. He showed no signs of shoulder problems after having arthroscopic surgery early this month to relieve pain that had bothered him since September.

He didn’t get much help from leading receiver Chansi Stuckey, who entered the game with 62 catches for 761 yards and four touchdowns. Stuckey sustained a concussion in the first half and did not return. He ran twice – both passes behind the line of scrimmage – for nine yards.