Nebraska to Play Clemson in the January 1, 2009 Konica Minolta Gator Bowl

Nebraska to Play Clemson in the January 1, 2009 Konica Minolta Gator Bowl

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Dec. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Brian Goin, Chairman of the Gator Bowl Association and Vice President of Championship Management for the PGA Tour, announced today that the University of Nebraska will play Clemson University in the January 1, 2009 Konica Minolta Gator Bowl.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081207/CLSU001LOGO )

The Nebraska Cornhuskers, the Big 12 Conference representative, finished their regular season on a 3 game winning streak and with an overall record of 8-4. This match-up will mark their first appearance in the Gator Bowl Classic.

The Clemson Tigers, the Atlantic Coast Conference representative, has a 7-5 record entering the Konica Minolta Gator Bowl and has won four of its last five games. This will be Clemson's ninth appearance in the Konica Minolta Gator Bowl, more than any other school, but its first appearance since the January 1, 2001 contest when the Tigers lost to Virginia Tech, 41-20. Clemson has a 4-4 overall record in the Konica Minolta Gator Bowl.

"Nebraska and Clemson are truly among the greatest of football traditions in the nation. The Cornhuskers and Tigers have had exciting seasons and we are looking forward to a truly great Bowl match up in Jacksonville on New Year's Day," said Chairman Brian Goin.

"Playing Nebraska is very special for all Clemson fans because of the 1982 Orange Bowl. Nebraska is one of the great college football programs and it will be a special day in Jacksonville when we face them on January 1. Coach Pelini has done an outstanding job with the Cornhuskers and has an experienced staff. I know our players and staff are excited about this matchup. It will be an opportunity to see how we stack up against a quality Big 12 opponent," said Coach Dabo Swinney.

"We are pleased to be invited to participate in the Konica Minolta Gator Bowl," Nebraska Coach Bo Pelini said. "Our players have worked extremely hard throughout the season, and the opportunity to play in a New Year's Day Bowl is a great reward for our program. We look forward to the trip to Jacksonville and the chance to play an outstanding Clemson team."

The January 1, 2009 Konica Minolta Gator Bowl will mark the first Bowl appearance as head coach for both Nebraska Head Coach Bo Pelini and Clemson Head Coach Dabo Swinney. It will also be the first time the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Clemson Tigers have played since the 1982 Orange Bowl, which Clemson won 22-15 to win its only national championship.

The 64th Annual Konica Minolta Gator Bowl will be played on January 1, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. in Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. Tickets and Bowl information are available online at www.gatorbowl.com.

Quote from Kevin Kern, Vice President of Marketing, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc.

"In our second year as the title sponsor of the Konica Minolta Gator Bowl, we are excited to have two teams with the rich football tradition and national appeal that Nebraska and Clemson will bring to this year's game," said Kevin Kern, vice president of marketing, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. "We look forward to seeing each team's enthusiastic fans in Jacksonville on New Year's Day and would like to encourage all Cornhusker and Tiger fans to visit www.kmbssports.com to register for a chance to win a trip for two to the 2009 Konica Minolta Gator Bowl."

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE 48 CONTIGUOUS U.S. (D.C.), 21 YEARS AND OLDER. VOID IN AK, HI AND WHERE PROHIBITED. Sweepstakes ends: 12/12/08.

For Official Rules, prize descriptions and odds disclosure, visit www.kmbssports.com. Sponsor: Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc., 100 Williams Drive, Ramsey, NJ 07446.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081207/CLSU001LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: The Gator Bowl Association

CONTACT: Cheri O'Neill of the Gator Bowl Association, +1-904-798-1700

Web site: http://www.gatorbowl.com/
http://www.kmbssports.com/

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