Tampa Bay Football History Network - 1991 Hall of Fame Bowl

1991 Hall of Fame Bowl

Clemson and Illinois accepted bids to attend the fifth anniversary game, which took place on an 85 degree New Year's Day. Clemson was ranked number fourteen in the country with a 9-2 record and Illinois was 8-3 and ranked number sixteen. The Tigers had the nation's top ranked defense, while Illinois was Big Ten co-champions and had defeated top ranked Colorado during the year. Clemson was coached by Ken Hatfield and the Fighting Illini's head coach was John Mackovic. The attendance was 63,154 for the first meeting between the two schools.

Clemson scored on their opening drive, lead 24-0 by halftime and coasted to the only shutout win in the history of the bowl game. The 30-0 score was also the lowest number of total points scored for the game. Illini quarterback Jason Verduzco (13 of 25 for 121 yards) was picked off twice and sacked four times. Illinois was inside the Clemson 35 yard line three times, but came up empty each time. Tigers kicker Chris Gardocki kicked three field goals, converted three PATs and handled the punting duties. Clemson QB DeChane Cameron completed a then Hall of Fame Bowl record 73.7% of his passes (14 of 20), had 141 passing yards and threw two touchdowns. Cameron was also the leading rusher in the game with 76 yards and named the Most Valuable Player. Ken Hatfield said of the game, "We've played some great defensive games this year, but this might have been the best."

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