Spiller, Clemson take Music City

C.J. Spiller scored a touchdown and had 172 all-purpose yards in his final college game, leading Clemson to a 21-13 victory Sunday night over Kentucky in the Music City Bowl at Nashville, Tenn.

The Tigers (9-5) hadn’t won a bowl since the 2005 Champs Sports Bowl.

Kentucky (7-6) was trying to make program history by winning a fourth straight bowl game.

Spiller, the Atlantic Coast Conference player of the year, scored his 51st career touchdown – a Clemson record – on an 8-yard run with 10:14 left in the fourth quarter to make it 21-13.

Spiller scored three plays after Clemson linebacker Kavell Conner stripped Gene McCaskill after a short catch and Jarvis Jenkins recovered the ball at the Kentucky 19 for the game’s only turnover.

Kentucky tried to answer.

Punter Ryan Tydlacka ran for 9 yards on fourth-and-3, then coach Rich Brooks used his last timeout with 5:38 left before going for it again on fourth-and-8 at the Clemson 32. The Cats couldn’t convert. Freshman quarterback Morgan Newton scrambled only to be tackled by Ricky Sapp a yard short.

Spiller helped the Tigers run out the clock and start the celebration. He finished with 68 yards on 15 carries and 57 yards on three catches to earn game MVP honors.

Associated Press

Today’s game

Independence Bowl

Texas A&M (6-6) vs. Georgia (7-5)

Story line: Traditionally these powers play defense. Not this season. The Aggies have been bowl-impaired since the start of the Big 12, going 1-7.

Players to watch: Texas A&M defensive end Von Miller, Georgia quarterback Joe Cox

Best player gift: Sony gift suite

Kansas City Star