Swinney says star QB Lawrence out longer
After a comeback-win in its first game this season without quarterback Trevor Lawrence, Clemson learned it's life without the presumed No. 1 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft would be extended another week.
Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney confirmed after his team's 34-28 win at home against Boston College that Lawrence, who on Wednesday tested positive for COVID-19, would be sidelined for top-ranked Clemson's visit next Saturday at No. 4 Notre Dame. D.J. Uiagalelei started against the Eagles on Saturday and threw for 342 yards and two touchdowns as Clemson rallied from down 28-10 at home.
Though Swinney told reporters that the junior Lawrence “feels fine and could go out there tomorrow,” Atlantic Coast Conference protocols – most notably cardiac tests and a ramp-up process required for any athlete coming out of COVID-19 protocols – will necessitate that Lawrence miss Clemson's first trip to South Bend, Ind., since 1979.
The Tigers have twice beaten Notre Dame since the Fighting Irish augmented their schedule with five ACC games per season; this year, due to COVID-19, Notre Dame is a one-year member of the ACC and eligible to earn a spot in the ACC's championship game on Dec. 19.
Clemson beat Notre Dame during the 2015 regular season and then again in 2018, when the Lawrence-led Tigers dispatched the Irish, 30-3, in the College Football Playoffs en route to claiming the CFP title.
