Music City Bowl 2009 Score Won by Clemson Defense

The Music City Bowl 2009 score wasn't that high between Clemson and Kentucky. The key factor in the Music City Bowl 2009 score stood to be Clemson's C.J. Spiller, but he took a while to get going. However, the record setting running back finally played a part in the end, getting the winning touchdown for the Tigers. This helped make the Music City Bowl 2009 score 21-13, in favor of Clemson, as they capped off a successful season - albeit one that could have been better.

Clemson and Kentucky met in the Music City Bowl for the second time, after the Wildcats beat the Tigers in the 2006 edition. Since then, Kentucky had won three straight bowls, while Clemson had lost three straight. For the 2009 version, the Wildcats played in what may have been coach Rich Brooks' last game, while the Tigers tried to recover from a heartbreaking ACC title game loss.

Clemson's C.J. Spiller seemed to have a slow recovery from that game. Spiller had lit up scoreboards all year, but only had 68 rushing yards last night. Most of the Tigers and Wildcats weapons were shut down, as the defense surprisingly took over.

Yet eventually, the Music City Bowl 2009 score had one defense still standing. Clemson got a key turnover with a forced fumble in the fourth, putting them at the Wildcats' 19. Spiller then finally got going with a touchdown run, making the score 21-13 Clemson. Kentucky tried to rally back by converting a fake punt, but were later stuffed short on a fourth down.

The Music City Bowl 2009 score gave the ACC their first win of the bowl season, after losses by North Carolina and Boston College yesterday. The SEC's first bowl of the year ended in a loss, though Georgia gets to even their record tonight in the Independence Bowl against Texas A&M.

The Clemson Tigers ended the year 9-5, and made a few marked improvements. Often, the Tigers start strong and then tank at the end, but they stayed consistent, made national headlines behind Spiller, and won a bowl game this time. Yet they came all too close to going to the BCS, which may be the lasting memory of this season - and prime motivation for 2010.

Kentucky may have to start over, as the Music City Bowl 2009 score may be the last one for coach Rich Brooks. The Wildcats were largely doormats until Brooks came, yet he said he was "80% sure" he would step down soon.

Like Clemson, Kentucky has become a consistent winner, but has been stalled in their quest for the next level. For now, they must settle for the Music City Bowl, and hope that 2009 was another stepping stone towards greatness.

Sources

The Tennessean- "Clemson beats Kentucky 21-13 in Music City Bowl"

Team Speed Kills- "A Real Retirement: Rich Brooks' Final Game - Clemson 21, Kentucky 13"

ESPN- "2009-10 bowl schedule"