Clemson's Venables wins Broyles Award



LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) _ Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables has won

the Broyles Award, given annually to the top assistant coach in college

football.



Venables was a finalist for the third time for the award, which is named after

former Arkansas coach Frank Broyles.



The 45-year-old helped the Tigers (12-1) return to the College Football Playoff

for a second straight year this season, guiding a defense that was ninth in the

country while allowing an average of 313.9 yards per game. He did so despite

losing seven defensive starters from a season ago, when Clemson lost to Alabama

in the national championship game.



The second-seeded Tigers face Ohio State in the semifinals at the Fiesta Bowl

on Dec. 31.



Other finalists included Alabama defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt, Colorado

defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt, Michigan defensive coordinator Dan Brown and

Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Matt Canada.

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