CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — Clemson coach Dabo Swinney is not sure exactly who he will put out there against The Citadel this weekend.
The 17th-ranked Tigers (8-2) have completed Atlantic Coast Conference play , but not without an injury list that goes on for much longer than he'd like. Swinney said that nine offensive linemen missed practice early in the week and that Tiger fans might see a few names and numbers they don’t recognize Saturday when Clemson faces an in-state, FCS opponent in the Bulldogs (5-6). “I mean we just have what we have,” Swinney said.
“We just have to make it work.” The Tigers, who are a seven-touchdown favorite over the Southern Conference team, should have more than enough depth to handle the absences. Still, it's a list of injured players that even shocks long-time coach Swinney.
The offensive line, already missing starters in Tristan Leigh and Marcus Tate, had one of their replacements in Elyjah Thurmon injured on the first play of a 24-20 victory at Pitt last week and is gone for the season. And the big guys up front aren't the only place Clemson is hurting late in the season. Swinney said receiver Troy Stelatto will miss the rest of the year because a thumb injury that required surgery.
Last year's top receiver, Troy Brown, who's missed the past few games, won't be available before the postseason. Defensive tackle DeMonte Capehart, out the past two weeks against Virginia Tech and Pitt, won't play this week either with an ankle injury. “We .