Grit, determination, and toughness describe true freshman quarterback Deshaun Watson’s performance for the Clemson Tigers Saturday. The Tigers topped in-state rival South Carolina for the first time in five years and did so on the strength of Watson’s performance. He went 14-of-19 for 269 yards and two touchdowns on the day.
Little did fans know as the game was unfolding, Watson, who also contributed two rushing touchdowns, was playing on a partially torn ACL. Throughout much of the contest, it was very apparent that Watson’s injury was severe, but no one knew the exact significance. The rookie quarterback sustained the partial tear during the week of preparation leading up to the rivalry game and decided to simply use a brace to aid the stability, not realizing the severity.
Watson has made it very clear that he intends to play in the Tigers’ bowl game before undergoing knee surgery causing him to miss all spring practices. On two separate occasions, backup Cole Stoudt replaced Watson, however, the offense was ineffective proving to be much more dynamic with Watson in the lineup. Stoudt also threw an interception leading to one of three scores for the Gamecocks.
Watson’s freshman year has been riddled by injuries causing him to miss four games, but also displaying great promise throwing for 2,187 yards and 12 touchdowns to just two interceptions. The top dual-threat recruit should be healthy for the start of next season as the Tigers aim to once again claim an ACC Championship. This year the Tigers will miss out on the festivities while Florida State tries to keep its Playoff hopes alive, and Georgia Tech tries to bring those hopes to a halt.
*Section Photo credit to Ronald Martinez, Getty Images; Featured Photo (above) credit to Joshua S. Kelly, USA Today Sports
