Clemson QB Deshaun Watson to start against South Carolina

Clemson announced that true freshman quarterback Deshaun Watson will start Saturday's game against South Carolina. Tigers coach Dabo Swinney said this week that Watson had a chance to play in the game but was not definitive.

Clemsonannounced that true freshman quarterback Deshaun Watson will start Saturday's game against South Carolina.

Tigers coach Dabo Swinney said this week that Watson had a chance to play in the game but was not definitive.

Watson missed Clemson's win over Georgia State last week after suffering asprained ligament (LCL) and bone bruise in his left knee during a Nov. 15 loss to Georgia Tech. 

Senior Cole Stoudt replaced Watson in the loss to the Yellow Jackets and completed 19 of his 29 pass attempts for 132 yards with a touchdown and an interception in the win over the Panthers.

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Prior to the Georgia Tech Loss, Watson had not played since he broke a bone in his throwing hand in an Oct. 11 win over Louisville.

Watson has thrown for 1,197 yards with 12 touchdowns and two interceptions this season. He was rated the No. 1 dual-threat quarterback in the class of 2014 by Rivals.com.

Stoudt began the season as the starter after beating out Watson in a position battle but lost the job after a strong showing from Watson in a Sept. 20 loss at Florida State.

Clemson (8-3, 6-2 ACC) is ranked 21st in the latest edition of the College Football Playoff rankings. The Tigers have lost five consecutive games against South Carolina (6-5, 3-5 SEC).

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- Chris Johnson