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Clemson freshman QB Deshaun Watson will start against UNC

Freshman quarterback Deshaun Watson will get his first career start for Clemson against North Carolina on Saturday
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Freshman quarterback Deshaun Watson will start for Clemson against North Carolina on Saturday, Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said Sunday.

Watson replaces fifth-year senior Cole Stoudt, who started the first three games for Clemson.

Watson came on in relief of Stoudt during the team’s 23-17 overtime loss to top-ranked Florida State on Saturday, entering the game in the second quarter. He completed 19 of 28 passes for 266 yards and ran 12 times for 30 yards and a touchdown against the Seminoles

"He just played great, took care of the ball, and made some big plays so really proud of him," Swinney said of Watson, according to ESPN.com. "You never know until you see them in that situation. We know we have something special in that young man and to see him go and execute like he did was fun to be a part of."

Clemson (1-2, 0-1 ACC) is averaging 34 points and 478 yards through its first three games this season. 

- Scooby Axson