ATLANTA (AP) -Clemson linebacker Cortney Vincent didn't start the Chick-fil-A Bowl on Monday night after his arrest on drunken driving charges three weeks ago.

He was in on the second series, though.

Vincent had started all 12 games for 15th-ranked Clemson. However, his status came in doubt following his Dec. 9 arrest.

Coach Tommy Bowden was asked continually since then if he would suspend Vincent the way he had cornerback Duane Coleman, who missed last year's Music City Bowl because of a drug arrest.

Bowden had kept his decision on Vincent to himself until game time when athletic spokesman Tim Bourret said the linebacker would play but not start.

The coach has said earlier he would ``determine any appropriate disciplinary action after the legal process runs its course.''

Vincent is expected to have court hearing in January.

Antonio Clay started at Vincent's middle linebacker slot. That meant Clemson opened up minus their three starting linebackers this season.

Nick Watkins and Tramaine Billie, two of the team's three leading tacklers this year, were suspended from the game because of academics.

Sophomore Kavell Conner started for Watkins. Freshman Scotty Cooper played for Billie.