Saturday, Deshaun Watson will be back in his home state playing in his first game since suffering a broken thumb on his throwing finger in the Tigers’ October 11th victory over Louisville. Clemson fans have waited patiently for the freshman phenomenon from Gainseville, GA to make his way back to the field.
The Tigers have won all their games behind the leadership of Cole Stoudt during Watson’s absence, but those wins have been mostly gritty defensive victories for the Tigers. The offense has been frustrating for a lot of the past few weeks, so Clemson fans will be chomping at the bit for a chance to see the offense score some points.
Clemson’s squad is full of Georgia Natives who will be starring on Saturday in Atlanta. Senior Defensive End and possible first round draft pick Vic Beasley hails from Adairsville, fellow End Corey Craford is from Columbus, while D Tackle Grady Jarrett (the son of Atlanta Falcons’ legend Jessie Tuggle) comes from Conyers. Running backs Tyshon Dye (Elberton) and Wayne Gallman (Loganville), Wide Receiver Demarre Kitt (Fayetteville), and Linemen David Beasley (Columbus) and Reid Webster (Woodstock) are some to expect to see on offense for the Tigers. Kicker Ammon Lakip is from John’s Creek, as well.
The Tigers come in at 7-2, and are projected to go return to the Orange Bowl if both Clemson and FSU wins out. Clemson has also won the past 2 games against Georgia Tech, which were both played in Clemson. The Tigers won 47-31 in 2012 and 44-31 on a Thursday Night in 2013.
