Spiller, only the sixth Clemson player ever to amass 4,000 all-purpose yards, has returned seven kickoffs for touchdowns and one punt. His eight touchdown returns equal the best mark in NCAA history and his seven kickoff returns are a NCAA record.
'A real talent'
"I saw a lot of (Spiller) the year we played him when he was a true freshman," Brooks said. "He is a real talent. He has speed and decent size. He is also a great kickoff return guy."
Spiller was a true freshman when UK won in 2006 and the Cats limited him to 24 yards on five carries. Overall, Clemson rushed for 130 yards on 25 tries in the loss to UK.
Clemson won eight games this season, but lost its final regular-season game 34-17 to South Carolina when it was held to 48 yards rushing.
Kentucky will be making its fourth straight bowl trip, a first in school history.
"The important thing is that we are in our fourth straight bowl and it is in a surrounding that we are familiar," Brooks said. "The routine will be a little different since it is over the Christmas holiday but we are familiar with where we are going to practice, the hotel and the meeting rooms. Now, we just have to see if we can keep our bowl streak and non-conference streak alive."
Kentucky practiced the last two days and will work out again this weekend. The Cats will report to Nashville on Dec. 22 and have normal workouts Dec. 23, 24 and 25 before finishing with a walk-through on Dec. 26.
Kickoff for the game will be at 8:30 p.m. EST at LP Field, the home of the Tennessee Titans where UK also beat Florida State in the 2007 bowl. The game is being shown live in prime time by ESPN and will be the only college game that day.
"Everyone will be watching that Sunday. It'll be like Sunday night football," Kentucky senior running back Alfonso Smith said.
Kentucky athletics director Mitch Barnhart expects the Cats to enjoy another successful trip to Nashville.
Weekend of festivities
"The great experiences our players and fans had in previous trips bring back wonderful memories. With this year's game on Dec. 27, it gives Kentucky fans the opportunity to enjoy a weekend of festivities in Nashville before welcoming their team to LP Field," Barnhart said.
"Kentucky fans have sold out the game and filled Nashville hotels in each of our last two visits. I know our fans will want to support this special group of seniors who have given us four-straight bowl appearances and some of the greatest moments in UK football history."
The Music City Bowl says it is glad to have a Kentucky-Clemson rematch.
"We're excited to welcome back the teams and fans of Kentucky and Clemson, and we look forward to having them play in the Bowl's first ever prime time game," said Scott Ramsey, Music City Bowl president. "We anticipate this holiday weekend will be a busy time for local hotels, businesses and entertainment attractions, as well as a great showcase for our city on ESPN."
Parking
Go to http://www.musiccitybowl.com to purchase game day parking. Several parking options are available, but for those wishing to park in a stadium parking lot at LP Field, passes must be pre-purchased. No parking passes at LP Field will be available to purchase on game day.
Ticket info
University of Kentucky football fans may purchase tickets to the Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl through UK in the following ways:
* In-person at the UK Ticket Office in the Joe Craft Center
* By calling the ticket office at 800-928-2287
* By mail or fax; print a ticket application from UKathletics.com and mail or fax (859-323-1269) to the ticket office
Tickets cost $70 for club level, $50 for lower level and $35 for upper level.
