NASHVILLE, Tenn. — C.J. Spiller scored a touchdown and had 172 all-purpose yards in his final college game, leading Clemson to a 21-13 victory over Kentucky on Sunday night in the Music City Bowl.
The Tigers (9-5) hadn’t won a bowl since the 2005 Champs Sports Bowl, when they beat Colorado 19-10.
Kentucky (7-6) was trying to make program history by winning a fourth straight bowl game. The Wildcats certainly had the home-field advantage, with blue-clad fans filling nearly two-thirds of the lower bowl at LP Field.
After the game, Kentucky coach Rich Brooks said he told the team he’s probably not returning next season. The 68-year-old Brooks said he’s “80 percent” sure he’s not coming back. Last January, Kentucky announced that offensive coordinator Joker Phillips will take over as head coach when Brooks steps down.
Spiller, the Atlantic Coast Conference player of the year, scored his 51st career TD — 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 McCas- kill 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 a fourth-and-3 play, then Brooks used his last timeout with 5:38 left before going for it again on fourth-and-8 at the Clemson 32. The Wildcats 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.
