CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) - Two of Clemson's top three tacklers this

season won't play Auburn in the Chick-fil-A Bowl because of poor

academic performances.

Linebackers Nick Watkins and Tramaine Billie were declared

ineligible Tuesday, as was offensive tackle Christian Capote, the

team said. All three are fifth-year seniors and won't play again

for the 15th-ranked Tigers.

Clemson (9-3) will face No. 22 Auburn at the Georgia Dome on New

Year's Eve.

"I am disappointed that these young men will not be able to

play in our bowl game with Auburn," Clemson coach Tommy Bowden

said.

Bowden said all three had chances to stay eligible and got help

on coursework from tutors. "But, they are accountable for their

academic performance," he said.

Watkins led the defense in tackles the past two seasons,

registering 116 in 2006 and 118 this past fall. Billie was third on

the team with 79 tackles this season. He started for Clemson in

2004 and 2005 but missed last season with an injury.

Capote started all 12 games at right tackle.

The Tigers were sixth in the country in total defense, allowing

297 yards a game this season.

There's also a chance Clemson could be without its third

starting linebacker. A school spokesman said Bowden has yet to

determine the status of linebacker Cortney Vincent, arrested

earlier this month on drunken driving charges.

According to Clemson's depth chart, sophomore Kavell Conner

would take over for Watkins and freshman Scott Cooper for Billie.

Freshman Chris Hairston is likely to play for Capote on the

offensive line.

"As we look to the bowl game, it is an opportunity for some

young players to step up," Bowden said.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)