The biggest question going on at Clemson, SC right is who should start at QB – incumbent Kelly Bryant or freshman sensation Trevor Lawrence. If you thought the opening game against Furman might shed some light on this question – it didn’t at least not to me.
There were a couple of certainties though. Trevor Lawrence’s arm is the real deal. Lawrence can make any throw that is asked of him, and it’s as strong as advertised. He can make throws Kelly Bryant simply can’t. He was 9/14 for 137 yards and 3 TDs. What I question at least right now is he doesn’t look that comfortable running the zone read. On multiple exchanges he held the ball too long, and when he did run, it looked awkward at best. Kelly Bryant definitely runs this portion of the offense better.
Bryant for his part was 10/16 for 127 yards and TD. He also ran for over 8 yards a carry on 5 rushes, and TD. Bryant threw a couple of nice passes, but there were also a couple that were short of the receiver, and couple more that his receivers had to make major adjustments to catch.
What do you do if you are Dabo Swinney? Go with the better passer, probably the higher ceiling, but who doesn’t run as well or know the offense as well.
Or
Do you go with the QB that looks more comfortable in the offense, runs better, but can’t match the passing skills of the other. It’s the same question Clemson has had the entire off-season it hasn’t changed after game one.
Here’s where Clemson can take advantage of the situation. Both Bryant and Lawrence are capable of starting, so just as Swinney and staff are doing – make it clear both are going to get significant playing time. Bryant starting is fine for now. This is a headache situation for opposing teams that now have to prepare for two completely different styles at QB.
Until one truly separates himself – Clemson doesn’t need to change anything. I have feeling if we’re in the course of a game, then the Tigers will stick with the hot hand.
There’s nothing wrong with that either if both QB’s buy in to being platooned.
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