Some Memorable Clemson Individual Performances In Bowl Games

Dec. 23, 1999

Clemson will compete in its 23rd bowl in school history on December 30 in Atlanta when the Tigers face Mississippi State in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. Below are some memorable individual performances by Clemson players in bowl games over the years.

1940 COTTON BOWL Charlie Timmons rushed for 115 of Clemson’s 204 yards and scored the game’s only touchdown. It is still the fourth highest rushing performance in Clemson history in a bowl game. Clemson ended its first bowl game in school history with a 6-3 win over Boston College.

1991 HALL OF FAME BOWL DeChane Cameron was named game MVP as he connected on 14-19 passes for 141 yards and two scores as the Tigers rolled over Illinois 30-0. Cameron’s performance set a record for completion percentage in the Hall of Fame Bowl.

1988 CITRUS BOWL Dorian Mariable won defensive MVP honors. The sophomore had five tackles, a tackle-for-loss, and a 46-yard interception return from the Clemson endzone that broke the spirit of the Nittany Lions in Clemson’s 35-10 win. The Clemson defense forced three turnovers and held Penn State to 111 yards rushing.

1951 ORANGE BOWL Second-team defensive guard Sterling Smith made one of the most famous defensive plays in Clemson history when he tackled Miami’s Frank Smith in the endzone for a safety. Clemson’s Smith gave the Tigers a 15-14 lead with just a few minutes left in the game. Don Wade ended the last Miami threat with an interception, his second of the game, and Clemson ran out the clock for the 15-14 win.

1949 GATOR BOWL Bobby Gage was named the game’s MVP thanks to his outstanding quarterbacking and 137 yards in total offense. It was the culmination of a brilliant four-year career for Gage, who was an All-American that season. Clemson defeated Missouri 24-23 in the game to finish the season 11-0.

Check clemsontigers.com in the days ahead for more reviews of Clemson’s top bowl performances over the years.