By Ed McGranahan.

Tommy Bowden faced public pressure to change quarterbacks several times during his nearly 10 seasons at Clemson, the last within days of his
decision to resign.

Bowden said he would manage the quarterbacks at Clemson this season in much the same manner as Coach Dabo Swinney.

Swinney’s decision to go with senior Cole Stoudt early and his continued public support are appropriate, but Bowden quickly recognized Deshaun Watson’s potential during the freshman’s debut at Georgia.

“He’s pretty much doing it the way I would do it,” Bowden said. In recalling the public outcry for Willie Simmons over Woody Dantzler,
Charlie Whitehurst over Simmons and — finally — Willy Korn over Cullen Harper, “I wanted to make sure that the player beat him out in a game. Practice is a whole different deal.

“So I think Dabo’s doing the right thing making Deshaun beat him (Stoudt) out in the game. The fans know, the players know. Everybody
knows.”

Discussion of Watson sequed from his observations about Florida State quarterback Jamies Winston’s ability to make plays with his arm or legs.

“I’m sure that’s the quandary that the Clemson has with Deshaun Watson. He brings something to the table when protection breaks down,” he said,
pointing out how Stoudt struggled to elude pressure in the S.C. State game

“That’s something they’re going to have to consider if that game goes south early.”

Bowden was first impressed by Watson’s arm during that initial series at Georgia.

“The thing about those passes, they weren’t little crossing routes or bubble screens to Sammy Watkins for 40 yards, they were beautifully
well-placed placed deep balls that showed touch and accuracy,” he said, “The one to the sideline then the touchdown. They showed you something, so I can see why he’s got the fans excited.”

He understands the need to be supportive of Stoudt. The potential for an internal rift is real. “They got their little groups of friends that are
supportive of them,” he said. “You can’t create a division on the team.

“Dabo’s got to be careful because he wants to show confidence in Cole Stoudt,” he said. “There’s always that ‘but,’ but it needs to be
open-ended.

“It’s not a controversy within staff or with the team or with him, but once you get outside that office it’s a controversy,” Bowden said, “Not
that he’s ever going to be swayed by the fans and the media.”

Bowden doesn’t believe the issue has been closed for the season.

“They’ve had two games to make an evaluation and it’s pretty tight by their own admission,” he said. “So this third game I think they’re going
to be paid to make a pretty good evaluation.

“It is interesting talk and I’m sure is going to require some decision making after this Florida State game.”