JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Bo Pelini's first season as Nebraska coach ended with a victory and optimism about the future, two things the Cornhuskers have lacked in recent years.

MVP Joe Ganz threw for two touchdowns, Alex Henery kicked four field goals and Nebraska beat Clemson, 26-21, in the Gator Bowl yesterday.

Nebraska (9-4) ended the season with a four-game winning streak.

It capped quite a turnaround for the Cornhuskers, who hired Pelini to replace fired coach Bill Callahan after missing the postseason with a 5-7 record in 2007. The former defensive coordinator at LSU, Oklahoma and Nebraska led the Huskers to just their fourth New Year's Day bowl in the past 11 seasons.

"I'm proud of this group," said Pelini. "It's been a tough 12 months, but there's been a lot of hard work by a lot of people and it's paid off. Now, we've got to keep it going.

"We have some momentum going right now. People are excited, the kids are excited. It's starting to show how good they can be as a football team. It's fun to see. Now, we have to keep it going and pick that torch the seniors left and keep running with it."

Cornhuskers fans might have wanted to run Ganz out of Jacksonville at halftime. The senior had a fumble late in the first half that was returned 28 yards for a touchdown and threw an interception in the final minute that was returned 63 yards and led to another score.

The Tigers (7-6) took a 14-3 lead into the locker room, but Ganz brought Nebraska back with a 20-point third quarter. He also bounced back from a bone-crushing hit in the second quarter.

"When I stood up, I got a little dizzy," Ganz said. "My first step was a little crooked. After that, I regained my senses. It took a little bit to get the fog out."

Although Nebraska didn't score a touchdown after his return, Ganz's value was clear when backup Patrick Witt fumbled on his first play in the fourth quarter.

Clemson picked up the loose ball and returned it for a touchdown and a 27-23 lead, but officials overturned the call after review.

Ganz completed 10 of 15 passes for 133 yards in the second half, and finished 19-of-36 for 236 yards.