greenville.com news: Clemson in Gator Bowl

Greenville business & community directory

go to...

OR, click here for site map

greenville.com community news
Clemson Tigers Begin Preparations for January 1st Gator Bowl.

The Clemson Tigers (9-2) returned to campus following the Thanksgiving holiday, and began their preparations for their January 1st Gator Bowl appearance in Jacksonville, Florida. Clemson's opponent has yet to be selected, but it appears it will be a Big East Conference team. Depending on how the BCS rankings work out, it may either be the University of Miami or Virginia Tech University.

The Clemson Tigers, under second-year head coach Tommy Bowden, finished their regular season with a dramatic 16-14 victory over their intrastate rival, the University of South Carolina. The Tigers were trailing in that contest 14-13 when Aaron Hunt kicked a 25-yard field goal with three seconds remaining to give Clemson the victory.

Five Clemson Tigers have been nominated for national awards. Keith Adams, Clemson's All-American linebacker, is one of three finalists nominated for the Dick Butkus Award. The Dick Butkus Award is presented to the nation's top linebacker. The Butkus Award will be presented on December 8, in Orlando, Florida.

The Football News has also named Adams All-American. Adams was named a first-team linebacker on The Football News All-American Team. This is the second consecutive year that Adams has been named an All-American by The Football News.

Robert Carswell is listed among the 12 finalists for the Thorpe Award. The Thorpe Award is presented to the top defensive back in the nation.

Woodrow Dantzler, Clemson's Heisman Trophy candidate, is also one of eight semifinalists for the Davey O'Brien Award. The O'Brien Award is given to the nation's top quarterback. Dantzler, a junior, has completed 108 of 184 passes for 1,506 yards and 10 touchdowns. He has also rushed for 867 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Rod Gardner, Clemson's star wide receiver, has been named one of 10 semifinalists for the Biletnikoff Award. The Biletnikoff Award is presented to the nation's top receiver.

And, finally, Kyle Young, Clemson's offensive center, was named to The Football News All-American team. Young was named a second team All-American as an offensive lineman.

The Gator Bowl kick-off time is 12:30 p.m. on Monday, January 1, 2000, at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. The Gator Bowl is a just reward for the Tiger's outstanding 2000 football season.