

Clemson (7-5) 
vs.
Nebraska (8-4)
Date: Jan. 1
Time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: Jacksonville, Fla.
Television: CBS
Payout: $2.5 million
Last result: Texas Tech 31, Virginia 28
2008 results: Clemson; Nebraska
2008 statistics: Clemson; Nebraska
Tickets: Buy tickets here
Coaches: Dabo Swinney (Clemson); Bo Pelini (Nebraska)
Bowl history/last appearance: Clemson 15-15 (lost 23-20 to Auburn in OT in '07 Chick-fil-A); Nebraska 22-22 (lost 17-14 to Auburn in '07 Cotton)
Series: Clemson 1-0 (22-15 in '82 Orange)
What Clemson must do to win: The much maligned Tigers offensive line needs to do what it did in the 31-14 victory over South Carolina in the regular-season finale that locked up the permanent gig for Coach Dabo Swinney. Coming together versus a stout Gamecock defense, Clemson’s offensive front led the way for 184 rushing yards. If that maturation process continues during the bowl practices, the Tigers have a great shot at taking advantage of a Cornhuskers defense that’s allowing 361.5 yards and 29.2 points per game.
What Nebraska must do to win: The Cornhuskers, who are 105th in the country in turnover margin, need to take better care of the football and not give the Tigers any extra opportunities. Nebraska needs to keep feeding the ball to sophomore RB Roy Helu Jr., who rushed for 510 yards in the last four games of the regular season, averaging 7.3 yards per carry. If he’s able to provide that sort of offensive balance, Huskers QB Joe Ganz will have a much easier time navigating against Clemson’s pass defense, which is allowing only 167.3 yards per game through the air (No. 10 in the nation).
Who the NFL is watching: Clemson RBs James Davis and C.J. Spiller have been on the radar forever.
Opening point spread: Nebraska by 1 (55)
Prediction: Clemson 21, Nebraska 17
MVP: Clemson RB James Davis
Live vote: Who will win?
CFT: Syracuse confirmed that former quarterbacks Donovan McNabb and Don McPherson will have their respective jerseys raised to the Carrier Dome roof this year.
CFT: Senior receiver Wilson Van Hooser is transferring from Tulane to help care for his ailing mother.
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