Tigers stampede over Buffaloes

Clemson’s Aaron Kelly reaches in vain for a pass in the first half during the Champs Sports Bowl college football game against Colorado in Orlando, Fla. on Tuesday. (AP Photo/John Raoux) ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Colorado players and coaches mingled with friends and family members outside the Citrus Bowl.

They smiled, laughed and exchanged handshakes and hugs.

They seemed somewhat relieved that the difficult season — which included disappointing losses and a coaching change — was finally over.

It ended with a 19-10 loss to No. 23 Clemson in the Champs Sports Bowl on Tuesday night, a fourth consecutive loss that followed embarrassing outings against Nebraska and Texas.

‘‘We didn’t get the job done, but we kept fighting to the finish,’’ linebacker Thaddaeus Washington said. ‘‘I wouldn’t say I’m glad the season is ending, but we learned how to go through adversity and keep on pushing when things get hard. There is always adversity waiting for you around every corner.’’

The Buffaloes (7-6) faced plenty this season.

They were 7-2 at one point, losing only to Miami and Texas, and there was talk about a contract extension for embattled coach Gary Barnett. But consecutive losses to Iowa State, Nebraska and Texas ended that thought — as well as Barnett’s tenure in Boulder.

Barnett had survived a sordid recruiting scandal and a suspension following derogatory remarks about a female kicker who claimed she was raped by a teammate in 2000. But the losses — most notably the 70-3 drubbing against the Longhorns in the Big 12 title game — ultimately led to his forced resignation nearly three weeks ago.

A few days later, starting offensive tackle Clint O’Neal was suspended for sending a racist e-mail to another student.

The loss to Clemson (8-4) was merely the latest setback in a season filled with them for Colorado.

‘‘I think our players should be able to hold their heads high,’’ defensive coordinator and interim coach Mike Hankwitz said. ‘‘That wasn’t a win, and that’s what we came to do. It’s hard to explain all the distractions and turmoil and the impact that has had on the kids. For them to come out and fight like they did, I’m extremely proud of them.’’

The school hired Boise State coach Dan Hawkins to replace Barnett. He will take over after the Cowboys play Boston College in Wednesday night’s MPC Computers Bowl.

Colorado fans probably will have more interest in that game than they did the Champs Sports Bowl, where the majority of the crowd was clad in Clemson orange.

The Tigers faithful got another tight game — typical of Clemson’s season. The Tigers had seven games decided by six points or less and dropped two in overtime.