The Clemson Tigers didn’t do much to silence the talk of a quarterback controversy during their emphatic season-opening win.
Highly-touted freshman phenom Trevor Lawrence didn’t start the game for the Tigers, but after senior incumbent Kelly Bryant struggled in the first three Clemson possessions, coach Dabo Swinney put Lawrence in the game. In the second quarter, he threw his first career touchdown pass, one of three on the day. He flashed a strong, accurate arm as well.
Bryant ultimately re-entered the game and he threw for a touchdown and ran for another, but many felt that Lawrence definitely looked like he had more to offer.
Trevor Lawrence still has some things to iron out, but this offense just looks different when he's in there.
— Larry Williams (@LarryWilliamsTI) September 1, 2018
Trevor Lawrence will make mistakes but he also knows where he’s going with the ball with less hesitation. At least that’s what I see.
— Roy Philpott (@RoyPhilpott) September 1, 2018
Okay I'm sorry but Trevor Lawrence is QB1
— Barstool Clemson (@BarstoolClemson) September 1, 2018
In the end, Lawrence went 9-for-15 with 137 yards and three touchdowns in the 48-7 win over Furman. Bryant went 10-of-16 for 127 yards and a touchdown, and added 44 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground.
Swinney said all along that his intention was to give both Bryant and Lawrence playing time, and he knew that would lead to a lot of chatter about the quarterback position. He was right. Bryant has the experience, and he was named the starter for a reason, so it’s unlikely that he’ll be shifted out this soon. Lawrence certainly gave Swinney something to think about, though.
