Swinney said Tuesday that Cole Stoudt will start Saturday against Georgia State. Stoudt began the season as Clemson's starter but was replaced by freshman Deshaun Watson. However, he's seen considerable time this season after Watson broke a bone in his throwing hand against Louisville and suffered a sprained LCL against Georgia Tech on Saturday.
"Cole will start the game, Swinney said via Tiger Illustrated. "I like the way he has responded. He gives us the best chance to win. He had a bad day Saturday. The week before that he was our offensive MVP. The week before that he won the leather helmet. Everyone else has to play better and help, too."
On Sunday, Swinney said he wasn't going to name a starting quarterback on Sunday, Monday or probably Tuesday. He evidently changed his thinking.
Watson went down with a non-contact injury and Stoudt replaced him. Upon entering, Stoudt performed miserably, completing as many passes to Georgia Tech defenders as he did to Clemson players. He finished 3-11 passing for 19 yards and three interceptions. Two of the picks were run back for touchdowns.
After his third interception he was replaced by third-string QB Nick Schuessler, who finished the game 4-4.
There's a possibility Stoudt could receive a less-than-warm reception at Tiger Stadium on Saturday. If there are boos, Swinney said the people doing so need to get a life.
"People need to get a life if they're going to boo a guy like Cole," Swinney said. "He's a class act and deserves to be treated with class. It's my hope that Cole will finish out this thing great. We have won six out of the last seven. We had a bad day. A bad, bad day offensively."
Stoudt got his first opportunity to start in 2014 after backing up Tajh Boyd.
Watson was initially feared to have a torn ACL and Swinney classified him as day-to-day. There's a chance he could play on November 29 against South Carolina. Given that Clemson's offense has looked better with him at the helm, the Tigers' chances of winning would increase if Watson is healthy and able to go.
"He gets better everyday," Swinney said. "When I talked to ya'll Sunday, I got the call. We got some good news. He's still got an injury. It's not like he's out there doing sprints. It's not what we thought it was. He was a lot better Sunday and better yesterday. It truly is a day-to-day thing. I don't see any way he would possibly play this weekend. We're hopeful he will play next weekend, but we don't know."
For more Clemson news, visit TigerIllustrated.com
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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Cole Stoudt to start for Clemson against Georgia State
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