New Clemson offensive coordinator Chad Morris is friends with Auburn offensive wizard Gus Malzahn and has taken a similar path from the high school ranks to a high-profile collegiate job.
So despite the fact that quarterback Tajh Boyd will make his first career start Saturday, there’s optimism that Clemson’s sputtering offense is a thing of the past.
Much of that has to do with Morris, who left an ultra-successful high school career with three state titles in Texas to become the offensive coordinator at Tulsa in 2010. The Golden Hurricane finished 10-3 using an offense that was fifth in the nation in total yards (505.6), 13th in passing (288.7) and 15th in rushing (216.9).
Tulsa was the only FCS (formerly Division I-A) team to rank in the top 15 in both rushing and passing. So when Clemson coach Dabo Swinney needed someone to replace former offensive coordinator Billy Napier, who was fired in January, he quickly hired Morris.
Swinney and Morris have turned to Boyd to replace Kyle Parker at quarterback and hope that running back Andre Ellington will stay healthy after missing the final five games of 2010 with a foot injury.
Boyd threw for 329 yards and four scores last season in limited time, and Ellington rushed for 686 yards and 10 touchdowns before his injury.
“With the speed that we have on the outside, Andre up the middle, and Tajh making good decisions, the sky is the limit on what we can do offensively,” Morris told tigernet.com recently. “The key there is Tajh making good decisions — being able to throw the football away and go to the next down. ... I think Andre has definitely shown this fall camp why he should be considered one of the top guys in the country at running back.”
Burning question
How will Miami play against Maryland in the opener?
Eight Hurricanes — including seven starters — have been suspended by the NCAA for allegedly receiving improper benefits from booster Nevin Shapiro, so experience and depth will be missing against the Terrapins on Monday.
The suspended starters are quarterback Jacory Harris, receiver Travis Benjamin, defensive linemen Marcus Forston, Olivier Vernon and Adewale Ojomo, linebacker Sean Spence and safety Ray-Ray Armstrong. Backup tight end Dyron Dye also was suspended by the NCAA, and receiver Aldarius Johnson was suspended by coach Al Golden for a team rules violation.
As a result, five redshirt freshmen and eight freshmen are on Miami’s two-deep depth chart that was released Monday. Freshman linebacker Eddie Johnson (North Atlanta) could see action, but defensive lineman Shayon Green (Tift County) will miss time while recovering from knee surgery.
In focus
Chris Thompson is still considered Florida State’s starting running back despite recently returning to practice from what was thought to be a serious back injury. The pain alleviated when the training staff changed Thompson’s sleeping position.
“I really don’t even think about it now,” Thompson said this week. “Lately, I’ve been feeling great. ... So once I’m out there on the field, I am just trying to hone in on my skills and really just give the coaches a good look in what they are looking for.”
Thompson led the Seminoles with 845 yards rushing and was the only player in the country with two touchdown runs of 83 yards or longer last year. Ty Jones, Jermaine Thomas and freshmen Devonta Freeman and James Wilder Jr. also will see time at tailback.
Quotable
“It’s a brand name of pacifier [spelled Nuk, pronounced Nuke]. When I was young, my mom said, it was the only kind of pacifier I would keep in my mouth. If they bought any other brand, I’d spit it out.” — Clemson receiver DeAndre Hopkins explaining his nickname of “Nuke” to The State newspaper in Columbia.
“He’s done a much better job than I think anybody anticipated. Given the circumstances, I didn’t think no matter who it was would really do a good job with things, but he did a phenomenal job. Honestly, it’s like he’s always been the coach now. He didn’t let anybody be down. He made the team stay positive. That’s helped us tremendously.” — safety Matt Merletti on North Carolina interim coach Everett Withers, who replaced Butch Davis on July 28.
By the numbers
0 — Combined career starts at quarterback by Tajh Boyd (Clemson), Logan Thomas (Virginia Tech), Michael Rocco (Virginia), Mike Glennon (N.C. State) and Bryn Renner (North Carolina), who are projected to start this week.
27 — Years since North Carolina entered a season without a quarterback who has made at least one collegiate start.
Etc.
Florida State’s Terrance Parks (Creekside) is battling Nick Moody to start at free safety. Parks started at strong safety last season, but was moved after Lamarcus Joyner became the starter at that position. … Wake Forest freshman linebacker Brandon Chubb (Hillgrove) returned an interception 40 yards for an interception during a recent scrimmage. Ben Emert (West Forsyth) is the No. 2 fullback on the Demon Deacons’ depth chart. … Redshirt freshman defensive tackle Jamal Bruce (Callaway) should see his first career action in Duke’s opener against Richmond. … Virginia’s Chase Minnifield has 10 career interceptions, tied for most in the country among active players.
Schedule
Thursday
Western Carolina at Georgia Tech, 7:30 p.m.
Wake Forest at Syracuse, 8 p.m.
Saturday
Northwestern at Boston College, Noon (ESPNU)
Appalachian State at Virginia Tech, 12:30 p.m. (WUPA)
James Madison at North Carolina, 3:30 p.m. (FSSO)
Troy at Clemson, 3:30 p.m.
Louisiana-Monroe at Florida State, 3:30 p.m. (ESPNU)
Liberty at North Carolina State, 6 p.m.
William & Mary at Virginia, 6 p.m.
Richmond at Duke, 7 p.m.
Monday
Miami at Maryland, 8 p.m. (ESPN)
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