TCI takes a look at five questions that will be answered Saturday afternoon when the Tigers play South Carolina State in the first home game of the season.

1 – Will the Watson talk grow stronger?

With the offense inept for the entire second half and with DeShaun Watson leading a touchdown drive on his first possession that included two nice throws down the field, the talk has already started about when Watson should takeover the starting position.  Cole Stoudt is still the starter and that was made clear by both Swinney and Morris this week.

Both quarterbacks should get plenty of time Saturday which will give both an opportunity to show what they can do.  The fans will be excited to see if Watson can build on his performance from week one.  Watson should get the opportunity to show more of what he can do on the fun Saturday.  Cole will get the chance to try to prove that he can throw the ball downfield consistently.

2 – How will the young guns play?

Saturday’s game should provide the opportunity to see the young guns see the field with significant playing time.  Artavis Scott, DeShaun Watson, Wayne Gallman, Demarre Kitt and Adam Choice will all get their chance to show the fans and the staff what they can do on the field.  As the offense continues to search for playmakers these freshmen will get a chance to make a statement for more playing time.  They will also gain valuable game experience.

3 – How will Gallman and Choice perform at running back?

C.J. Davidson was the best back on the field for the Tigers against Georgia.  Wayne Gallman got a few touches, but Adam Choice did not see the field.  That should all change Saturday against SC State.  Both Gallman and Choice should get some carries to show what they can do in live action.  Although the Tigers ran the ball well at times, mainly in the first half, they are still searching for a consistent explosive running back.  Will one of the freshmen show Saturday that they can be that back?  They should get their opportunity to make their case.

4 – Will the defense bring the nasty back?

Clemson’s defense played well for three quarters against Georgia, but then completely fell apart.  This week’s opponent won’t be as tough, but we will get to see if the defense can dominate for four quarters.  The defense is without question the strength of the team and will need to play much better if the Tigers are to have a chance to defeat No. 1 Florida State in two weeks.

The defense should completely dominate Saturday.  If they do it won’t tell us a lot, but if they don’t it will certainly lead to more questions.

5 – How will the return of Beasley and Crawford solidify the lines?

The Tigers certainly could have used seniors David Beasley and Corey Crawford against the Dawgs.  Saturday they return with a chip on their shoulder.  We will be looking to see how their return solidifies the offensive and defensive lines.    Crawford would have made a big difference on the toss sweeps that gave the Tigers fits last week.  He has NFL aspirations and Saturday he gets his first chance to show that he can be a dominate player this year.

Beasley’s return should help an offensive line that was destroyed in the fourth quarter last week.  Beasley and Davis give Clemson two outstanding guards.  He also brings a lot of experience back to the line.  It will be important for the line to jell as they prepare to head to Tallahassee for the huge game with Florida State.