The loss at Auburn may have been more costly more than Clemson knows.
Starting left guard David Smith sustained what appeared to be a significant injury in the fourth quarter of the 27-24 overtime defeat. Coach Dabo Swinney said Sunday on his TV show that X-rays were “negative”
and that the Tigers hoped it was only a high ankle sprain.
And there probably wasn't a square inch on quarterback Kyle Parker's body not sore or bruised.
With eight straight conference games to follow beginning Oct. 2 with Miami, then North Carolina in Chapel Hill the bye week is welcome.
“I think it is a good thing that we have a bye week coming up,”
said defensive end DaQuan Bowers. “After an emotional loss like this, it will give us an opportunity to get healed up.”
“Kyle had some nicks and bruises, and some other guys have some nicks and bruises,”
he said. “It will give them a chance to get better.”
Parker completed 60 percent of his passes —21 of 35 for — for 227 yards and a touchdown and moved the team efficiently in staking a 17-point lead in the first half.
“Kyle got banged up today, but he wants to win,”
said running back Jamie Harper. “He was strong-willed and kept his head up.”
Losing Smith wouldn't be insurmountable, though it would leave Clemson precariously thin along the offensive line with guard Wilson Norris and tackle Kalon Davis already out for the season.
Smith, who overcame injuries to earn playing time last season, won the starting job in spring practice while Mason Cloy recovered from offseason surgery. Strong and athletic, one of the team's best run blockers, Smith can slide over to tackle in a pinch.
Cloy, backup at both guards and center, could replace Smith in the lineup. Junior Phil Price has developed into a capable backup at tackle, and Brandon Thomas has been worked into the rotation at left tackle.
The offensive line continues to be a cornerstone to Clemson's overall success. Clemson rushed for 187 yards at Auburn, 140 by Andre Ellington, and though Parker absorbed several shots, he was sacked only once.
Parker was nursing sore shoulders, ribs and back, yet nearly pulled out the win, barely missing Jaron Brown on third down in the overtime. Tajh Boyd could get most of the work with the first team during the short schedule this week. Best-case scenario would be that Parker doesn't practice until Clemson begins preparing for Miami next week.
