Clemson's Trevor Lawrence Hints at Entering 2021 NFL Draft After Pittsburgh Win
Nov 28, 2020
Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence watches players warm up for an NCAA college football game between Clemson and Notre Dame on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, in South Bend, Ind. (Matt Cashore/Pool Photo via AP)
Good news, New York Jets fans.
Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence sounded like someone who is thinking about the NFL draft.
Following Saturday's 52-17 victory over Pittsburgh, Lawrence thanked those around the Tigers program and implied it was the final home game of his collegiate career. That is notable since he is not a senior and has hinted in the past that he might come back to school in 2021:
Lawrence looked ready for NFL competition in the dominant win and went 26-of-37 for 403 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions while moving Clemson one step closer to a College Football Playoff berth.
Bleacher Report's Matt Miller projected the Jets to select Lawrence with the No. 1 overall pick in his most recent mock draft, which would be quite the prize for New York in a season that has seen it start 0-10.
Nothing is official until the star quarterback declares, but Jets fans have to be encouraged by his latest comments.
Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) takes a snap during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Pittsburgh Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020, in Clemson, S.C. (Ken Ruinard/The Independent-Mail via AP, Pool)
The third-ranked Clemson Tigers had a successful return with an impressive 52-17 victory against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Memorial Stadium.
Clemson wasted no time putting this game out of reach with 31 points in the first quarter. Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett threw interception on three of the team's first five offensive drives of the game. The Tigers converted each of those turnovers into touchdowns.
Saturday marked Clemson's first game since its Nov. 7 loss at Notre Dame. It was also the first appearance for Trevor Lawrence since the Tigers' 47-21 win over Syracuse on Oct. 24. The junior quarterback announced five days later that he tested positive for COVID-19.
Clemson was ranked No. 3 in the first College Football Playoff Top 25 unveiled on Tuesday.
Pitt had a chance to become bowl-eligible with a victory, but it will now have to win its regular-season finale in two weeks to finish over .500 and have a chance at playing in a postseason game.
A lot has happened since Lawrence's last time on the field, not the least of which was Clemson's first loss of the season.
The Tigers also looked sluggish the week before the Notre Dame game before pulling things together in a 34-28 win over Boston College. It's understandable that not having their starting quarterback would make them look and play differently.
Getting Lawrence back turned out to be exactly what Clemson needed to showcase its talent and look like one of the best teams in the nation again.
Since this is Clemson's final home game of the season, the team honored its seniors. Even though Lawrence is a junior with one more year of eligibility, the school seems to be under the assumption that he will be turning pro after this year.
One proper senior who left Memorial Stadium on a high note was wide receiver Cornell Powell. He racked up 169 yards on five receptions after having 418 yards in the first seven games combined.
Cornell Powell with his third consecutive 100-yd receiving game, tying a school record with Charlie Waters (1969), Tony Horne (1997), Rod Gardner (2000), DeAndre Hopkins (2012) and Sammy Watkins (2013).
A Clemson team at full strength was likely to beat Pittsburgh anyway, but the level of dominance displayed right out of the gate seemed like a message being sent to the rest of the nation.
If there are any nitpicks, the Tigers offense did look sluggish after going up 38-3 in the second quarter. They went five consecutive drives without a score, including one that ended in a turnover, one with a missed field goal and three three-and-outs.
The Tigers still trail Notre Dame in the ACC standings, but they are on track to get a rematch with the Fighting Irish in the conference title game on Dec. 19. Having Lawrence available for that potential game could turn the tide as both teams chase a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Freshmen Shine in Tigers' Victory
For all of the potential hand-wringing over Lawrence going to the NFL, Clemson has gotten a glimpse of what its bright future looks like.
True freshman D.J. Uiagalelei looks like a potential superstar based on his two starts against Boston College and Notre Dame. He threw for 781 yards, four touchdowns and zero interceptions with a 69.4 completion percentage.
With Uiagalelei taking a backseat now that Lawrence is back, Clemson also got to see how many of its freshman defensive players look. The results were very positive.
True freshmen making an impact in the first 3.5 minutes. LB Trenton Simpson with a sack, CB Malcolm Greene with a pick, WR E.J. Williams with the TD.
It's not a surprise to see the Tigers have multiple young players on their roster who can contribute right away. Head coach Dabo Swinney and his staff are among the best recruiters in the nation.
Per 247Sports composite rankings, Clemson ranked third in the final recruiting standings behind Georgia and Alabama. Uiagalelei and Trenton Simpson were two of the team's 5-star prospects in the 2020 class.
One reason that Swinney has been able to keep his team in the playoff picture for six straight seasons, including 2020, despite losing so many players every year is by recruiting high-end talent to replace them.
Saturday's win over Pittsburgh was another reminder that Clemson is well set up to be great in 2021 and beyond.
What's Next?
Pittsburgh will wrap up the 2020 regular season Dec. 10 at Georgia Tech. Clemson will travel to Lane Stadium for a matchup with Virginia Tech on Dec. 5.
Miami vs. Wake Forest Football Game Postponed After Increased COVID-19 Cases
Nov 28, 2020
Miami quarterback D'Eriq King (1) runs past North Carolina State linebacker Isaiah Moore, obscured at left, during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 6, 2020, in Raleigh, N.C. (Ethan Hyman/The News & Observer via AP, Pool)
The ACC announced that the Miami at Wake Forest football game, which was scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 5, has been postponed because of positive COVID-19 tests within the Wake Forest program.
"The postponement follows positive tests, subsequent quarantining, and contact tracing within the Wake Forest football team," a statement from the ACC read.
"The team is adhering to the outlined protocols within the ACC Medical Advisory Group report, which is available on theACC.com (full report)."
Positive COVID-19 tests also caused Wake Forest's Nov. 21 game against Duke to be canceled.
Miami will also be off for an extended period, as its Nov. 21 matchup with Georgia Tech has been rescheduled to Dec. 19 because of COVID-19 concerns within Miami's program.
A new date for the Miami-Wake game has not been announced. Neither school has an open weekend date until after Christmas, as both teams have games on Dec. 12 and 19.
Numerous college football games werecanceled or postponedthis week amid the COVID-19 pandemic, including Virginia vs. Florida State, Ohio State vs. Illinois, Cincinnati vs. Temple and USC vs. Colorado.
The ACC hasn't been immune to postponements and cancellations, although all of the conference's teams have been able to play at least seven games this year.
Two more regular-season weeks are scheduled in college football, with Championship Week occurring afterward. The College Football Playoff semifinals are set for Dec. 31.
Florida State's Game vs. UVA Postponed After Positive COVID-19 Tests at FSU
Nov 28, 2020
Florida State helmets and a football are displayed during the Seminoles' football media day on Sunday, Aug. 12, 2012, in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Phil Sears)
The ACC announced Saturday that the scheduled college football game between Florida State and Virginia has been postponed because of positive COVID-19 tests and contact tracing within the FSU program.
Pete Thamel of Yahoo Sports tweeted the ACC's official statement:
Florida State's game against UVA is postponed. Second week in a row FSU is postponed on gameday. pic.twitter.com/JtcfJG4JKN
The game had been scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Saturday night at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida.
This marks the second consecutive week that Florida State's game has been postponed on gameday. Last week, the Seminoles did not agree to face the No. 3 Clemson Tigers after a Clemson player tested positive for COVID-19 the day before.
The ACC has yet to announce a potential makeup date for either FSU vs. Clemson or FSU vs. Virginia, and it is unclear when or if those games will be played.
Florida State is in the midst of one of the worst seasons in school history, as it owns a 2-6 record and is likely to miss out on a bowl game for the second time in three seasons.
In Mike Norvell's first season as head coach, the lone bright spot has been a 31-28 upset win over a North Carolina team that was ranked No. 5 in the nation at the time. That remains FSU's only win over an FBS foe in 2020.
Saturday's game would have been much bigger for Virginia since the Cavaliers are 4-4 and still have a shot to play in a bowl game.
Virginia lost four in a row after a season-opening win over Duke, but it is in the midst of a three-game winning streak with victories over North Carolina, Louisville and Abilene Christian.
As of now, both Florida State and Virginia are scheduled to play one week from Saturday on Dec. 5.
The Seminoles are supposed to face Duke on the road, while the Cavaliers are penciled in for a home game against Boston College.
Ian Book, No. 2 Notre Dame Remain Undefeated with Win vs. No. 19 North Carolina
Nov 27, 2020
Notre Dame quarterback Ian Book (12) hands off to running back Kyren Williams (23) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against North Carolina in Chapel Hill, N.C., Friday, Nov. 27, 2020. Book scored a touchdown on the play. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
No. 2 Notre Dame stayed undefeated with a 31-17 road victory over No. 19 North Carolina on Friday at Kenan Stadium.
Notre Dame running back Kyren Williams amassed 144 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns for the Fighting Irish, who outscored UNC 14-0 in the second half. The Fighting Irish also outgained the Tar Heels 478-298 in yards.
The two teams each scored a pair of touchdowns in the first quarter and added field goals in the second, but the final 30 minutes belonged to Notre Dame, who shut out UNC after halftime.
Wideout Ben Skowronek capped a 13-play, 97-yard touchdown drive with a 13-yard run to put Notre Dame up 23-17 in the third, and Williams finished an eight-play, 89-yard effort with a one-yard rush late in the fourth.
The Fighting Irish improved to 9-0, and UNC fell to 6-3.
Book got a little creative, but he never turned the ball over. As such, his pass streak without an interception continued, to the point where he broke a school record:
With 230 (and counting) passes without an interception, Ian Book now holds the longest streak in Notre Dame history for pass attempts without an interception.
Book simply got the job done, perhaps no more than when he led his team on a 97-yard, game-winning touchdown drives in the second half. The first drive featured a few clutch plays, including a 21-yard toss to Skowronek on 2nd-and-10 and a 15-yard pass to Mayer on 3rd-and-10. Skowronek finished it off with a 13-yard run:
Yeah, from the second quarter on, this is exactly how it looked like. Twenty. Eight. Percent. Success Rate for North Carolina's offense. Ian Book is a magician. #GoIrish#NDvsUNCpic.twitter.com/Drmqd0AGWY
Despite losing standout safety Kyle Hamilton before halftime for targeting, the Fighting Irish defense shut UNC out in the final 30 minutes.
A few players stood out, namely defensive lineman Adetokunbo Ogundeji (two sacks), linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (nine tackles) and linebacker Drew White (five tackles, a pair of tackles for a loss).
But credit also goes to defensive coordinator Clark Lea, who guided the fantastic Fighting Irish performance.
"UNC came into the game averaging 607 yards in its previous six games,"Bruce Feldmanof The Athletic wrote.
"Notre Dame held the Heels to just 298 and just 78 in the second half. Amazing job by DC Clark Lea especially after losing standout DB Kyle Hamilton in the 2nd Qtr for targeting."
Pete Sampsonof The Athletic brought a big-picture point of view about a defense that forced five punts and one turnover on downs in the second half:
"Notre Dame held North Carolina to a season-low 298 yards, in addition to the second-half shutout. Those are shocking results for a defense that played the second half without its best player. By the end, UNC quarterback Sam Howell had been punished to the point that the Tar Heels were a shell of their offensive selves. At a time when even Nick Saban believes defenses don't win championships, Notre Dame sure looks like it can push back on that notion. The Irish did on Friday."
Alex Kirshnerof the Split Zone and Moon Crew even shouted out Lea as a candidate for the Broyles Award, given to college football's best assistant coach.
That's hard to argue after Friday.
Notre Dame should be a heavy favorite in its final two games, and a berth in the ACC title game against (likely) Clemson seems all but certain. At this juncture, Notre Dame is a clear national title contender, and Lea's defense deserves much of that credit.
What's Next?
Both teams will play at home Saturday, December 5: Notre Dame will host Syracuse, and UNC will welcome Western Carolina.
Clemson HC Dabo Swinney 'Not Worried About Advice' from FSU After Postponed Game
Nov 24, 2020
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney watches players warm up for the team's Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football playoff semifinal against Ohio State on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Clemson head football coach Dabo Swinney continued to be dismissive of Florida State administrators following the postponement of a Week 12 clash between the Tigers and Seminoles for COVID-19-related reasons.
"I'm not very worried about what they say down in Tallahassee," Swinney told reporters Tuesday. "I've been here 18 years. They've had three coaches in four years. I'm not worried about advice from down in Tallahassee."
According to ESPN'sAndrea Adelson, Clemson had traveled to Tallahassee, Florida, ahead of the game when the program learned a Tigers player had tested positive for COVID-19.
"That player was symptomatic but had tested negative twice during the week, according to sources," Adelson wrote. "That led Florida State to say it was not comfortable playing Saturday's game, the source said."
During a conference call with reporters Sunday, Swinney lamented how Clemson spent "several hundred thousand dollars" on travel for a game that didn't happen. He added that "COVID was just an excuse to cancel the game," insinuating FSU officials didn't want to play heavily favored Clemson.
WATCH: Here's part of Dabo Swinney's remarks tonight regarding yesterday's situation at FSU. Making no effort to hide his frustration.
"We met the standard to play, and we should've played... This game was not canceled because of COVID, COVID was an excuse to cancel the game." pic.twitter.com/IWP3kbS8PE
Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell defended the decision in response.
"Football coaches are not doctors," hetold reporters. "Some of us might think we are, but there's a reason why medical advisers make decisions based on the information that is provided. It's unfortunate that opportunity has been delayed, but there's a reason people making those decisions have that responsibility."
Both schools appear to have been in agreement regarding the postponement.
College football reporterAndy Wittry reported Florida State president John Thrasher wrote an email to a former faculty member and booster explaining how Clemson president James Clements "concurred with the decision."
Mike Norvell Denies Dabo Swinney's Claim That FSU Used COVID-19 to Postpone Game
Nov 23, 2020
Florida State head football coach Mike Norvell speaks at a press conference Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Tallahassee, Fla. Norvell is Florida State's new coach, taking over a Seminoles program that has struggled while he was helping to build Memphis into a Group of Five power. (AP Photo/Phil Sears)
Florida State head coach Mike Norvell said COVID-19 was "absolutely" the reason his team's game against Clemson was postponed Saturday, per David M. Hale of ESPN.
The game was moved shortly before its scheduled starting time after "both teams' medical personnel were unable to mutually agree on moving forward with the game," per the ACC's official release. Florida State's medical staff determined it was unsafe after a Clemson player showed symptoms of COVID-19 but was allowed to practice and travel with the team.
"Football coaches are not doctors. Some of us might think we are, but there's a reason why medical advisers make decisions based on the information that is provided," Norvell said Monday. "It's unfortunate that opportunity has been delayed, but there's a reason people making those decisions have that responsibility."
This comes after Clemson coach Dabo Swinney accused Florida State of postponing the game for competitive reasons.
"This game was not canceled because of COVID," Swinney said Sunday, per Hale. "COVID was just an excuse to cancel the game. I have no doubt their players wanted to play and would have played. And same with the coaches. To me, the Florida State administration forfeited the game."
Swinney maintained Clemson followed all required protocols. He also said that the coaches were not a part of the call Saturday morning on which medical staff made the decision not to play.
The 7-1 Tigers were heavy favorites to beat the 2-6 Seminoles, although Clemson is looking for every opportunity to impress the College Football Playoff committee, which releases its first rankings Tuesday.
Clemson suffered its first loss of the season earlier this month to Notre Dame while Trevor Lawrence was unavailable after testing positive for COVID-19. The team now has just two scheduled games left in the season if the matchup against FSU is not made up: next Saturday against Pittsburgh and Dec. 5 at Virginia Tech.
The squad is No. 4 in the latestAssociated Presspoll and is looking to solidify a spot in the playoff for the sixth straight season.
Dabo Swinney: FSU Used COVID-19 as 'Excuse' to Cancel Game vs. Clemson
Nov 22, 2020
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney signals to his players during the second quarter against Notre Dame in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, in South Bend, Ind. (Matt Cashore/Pool Photo via AP)
It's safe to say Dabo Swinney is not happy that Clemson's game against Florida State was postponed because of COVID-19 concerns.
In fact, he is so upset that he dove right into conspiracy theories Sunday.
"This game was not canceled because of COVID," he told reporters. "COVID was just an excuse to cancel the game."
Swinney said Florida State's administration forfeited the game and that FSU can travel to Clemson or pay for his team's travel expenses if it wants another chance at playing the Tigers.
Swinney made a point of saying he does not blame the Florida State players or coaches and just the administration.
"I feel bad for their players, too," he said. "There's no way anybody can convince me their players didn't want to play."
Part of what made the Clemson coach so upset is apparently that his team had already traveled to play.
"We were there," he said. "We were ready. We met the standards to play. In my opinion they forfeited the game. That's $300,000 that's gone out the window."
Despite Swinney minimizing the risks of playing during a pandemic that has killed so many by implying Florida State's administration just didn't want to play his national powerhouse and was looking for an excuse, there was reportedly a very valid reason for the caution.
Pete Thamel of Yahoo Sports reported that a Clemson backup offensive lineman tested positive for COVID-19. The player took the test Friday, traveled with the team and then found out about the positive test after the Tigers arrived in Tallahassee.
As a result, Florida State officials were reportedly concerned about potential spread.
As of Sunday, there have been more than 12.2 million documented cases of COVID-19 with more than 256,000 deaths in just the United States alone.
Clemson is 7-1 and scheduled to face Pittsburgh on Nov. 28. It will likely be Trevor Lawrence's return after he missed two games because of his own COVID-19 diagnosis.
Clemson vs. FSU Postponed Due to Medical Staff Disagreement over Playing
Nov 21, 2020
A Clemson football helmet rests on the sidelines against Virginia Tech during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011. Clemson won the ACC Championship game 38-10. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
The ACC announced Saturday's scheduled matchup between No. 4 Clemson and Florida State has been postponed after the teams' medical personnel were "unable to mutually agree on moving forward with the game."
The contest was set to occur Saturday at noon ET at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida.
Clemson is 7-1 and was looking to bounce back from an overtime loss to Notre Dame two weeks ago, while FSU is 2-6.
Brett McMurphy of Stadium reported that Clemson was informed at 8 a.m. ET on Saturday that Florida State was not comfortable playing the game after one Clemson player tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday.
Pete Thamel of Yahoo Sports reported that the "potential" makeup date for Clemson vs. Florida State is Dec. 12. Thamel added that Clemson was open to playing the game Sunday or Monday, but "FSU didn't agree."
Tigers quarterback Trevor Lawrence tweeted that Clemson was "ready to play" before the game was called off.
Per ESPN'sAndrea Adelson, FSU head coach Mike Norvell released the following statement:
"Our first priority is the health of our student-athletes, and I appreciate the protocols that have been put in place by FSU and the ACC to ensure everyone's health while allowing us to play this season. It's unfortunate that we will not have the opportunity to compete today, but we hope to be able to play Clemson in December. I am thankful for the support and coordination between our administration, Clemson and the ACC office. Our team will now turn our focus to hosting Virginia next week."
Clemson athletic director Dan Radakovich also chimed in onTwitter, writing: "We are disappointed that we will not be able to play today's game against Florida State. Clemson has followed all of the ACC's protocol in preparation for this game. We look ahead to returning to action next week against Pitt for Senior Day and Military Appreciation Day."
Neither Clemson nor Florida State had had one of their games postponed this season because of medical reasons, including COVID-19, before Saturday.
Clemson was significantly impacted by COVID-19, though, as Lawrence tested positive, which forced him to miss the Tigers' win against Boston College and loss to Notre Dame.
Freshman D.J. Uiagalelei started in place of Lawrence and played well, even though Clemson lost its first regular-season game since October 2017.
Lawrence had been cleared to play and was in line to start Saturday against FSU before the postponement.
Clemson will shift toward preparing for a home game against Pittsburgh next week, while Florida State will get ready for a home clash with Virginia.
Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech Players to Wear Masks During Play After COVID Mandate
Nov 20, 2020
A Pittsburgh football helmet with the
Members of Pittsburgh and Virginia Tech will wear face coverings on the field during Saturday's game amid rising number of COVID-19 cases across the country.
"In alignment with the recent guidance from state officials regarding the current health climate, Pitt's football team will be appropriately outfitted for Saturday's game with face coverings to use on the field and sideline," Pitt said in a statement (via ESPN's Andrea Adelson). "This is being communicated to Virginia Tech's sports medicine staff as well."
The Pennsylvania Department of Healthissuednew COVID-19-related mandates on Tuesday. In addition to fans attending games, coaches and players are required to wear a mask or face covering "if they cannot maintain sustained physical distance from persons outside of their household."
College football conferences have laid down numerous guidelines because of the pandemic, such as enforcing face mask rules for coaches and players on the sideline. Prior to Pennsylvania's announcement, players didn't have to wear masks on the field, however.
The NFL explored the possibility of adding a protective face shield to helmets, with Oakleyproducing a prototypein July. Pro Football Talk'sMike Florioreported the league wanted to make the face shields mandatory but was getting a level of resistance from the NFL Players Association.
Pittsburgh's matchup with Virginia Tech is the Panthers' final home game of the season. The Pittsburgh Steelers, meanwhile, host the Baltimore Ravens on Thanksgiving and have two games after that at Heinz Field.
According to thePittsburgh Tribune-Review'sJoe Rutter, Steelers spokesman Burt Lauten initially said the team "received guidance" from the office of Gov. Tom Wolf that exempted the team from the state's new mandates. Lyndsay Kensinger, Wolf's press secretary, said the governor's administration "did not grant an exemption."
