Clemson starting receiver to miss Cheez-It Bowl due to COVID-19 protocol
ORLANDO — Clemson starting receiver E.J. Williams will miss Wednesday’s Cheez-It Bowl against Iowa State, Dabo Swinney confirmed during a press conference Tuesday morning.
Williams, who was not at practice Monday afternoon, is in COVID-19 protocol, according to Swinney.
“He’s in COVID protocol, unfortunately, just when I thought we were getting a break,” Swinney said.
Williams missed four games during the regular season, including the final two against Wake Forest and South Carolina due to injuries. The sophomore started the most recent game he played in against UConn on Nov. 13.
The Alabama native has 9 catches for 66 yards on the season.
With Williams out, Will Swinney worked in the starting lineup during Monday’s practice, alongside Beaux Collins and Dacari Collins.
In addition to Williams, Justyn Ross will miss the bowl game as well after getting injured late in the year, while Frank Ladson and Ajou Ajou have entered the transfer portal since the regular season ended.
“Well, we had seven scholarship receivers out the last two games. We are beyond that now. We just roll with it,” Swinney said when asked how Clemson would hold up without Williams. “We are experienced at not having guys. Nothing you can do. Get the next guys ready. Excited
about that.”
Next man up for Iowa State
With Iowa State star running back Breece Hall set to miss Wednesday’s Cheez-It Bowl after opting out to begin preparing for the NFL draft, the Cyclones have a big hole to fill on their offense.
Jirehl Brock is expected to start in Hall’s place. The sophomore has 21 carries for 91 yards this season. Freshman Deon Silas could also get more opportunities. Silas has only 11 carries this season, but two have gone for touchdowns.
“Jirehl Brock was critical to our success this fall,” Campbell said. “What I think is huge for those [backups] is they gained real-life experience this fall for our team and in a lot of ways were a key part of our success in being able to fight through the adversities of the season.”
Clemson-ISU playoff level teams?
Iowa State and Clemson will meet in the Cheez-It Bowl on Tuesday, but were they close to playing for much bigger opportunities?
Swinney believes so.
Iowa State finished the regular season 7-5, with all five losses coming by 10 points or less. Clemson went 9-3 in the regular season. The Tigers three losses were also by 10 points or less.
“They can play with anybody. You look at every game this year, I mean, they could be in the Playoff right now. They are a few plays away from that, literally, every game, down to the wire,” Swinney said.
“We are a couple of plays away from being in the playoff as well.”