Clemson names QB Lawrence as starter vs. Syracuse

Clemson freshman quarterback Trevor Lawrence will make his first career start against Syracuse this weekend, the school announced Monday. Senior quarterback Kelly Bryant started the first four games of the season for the Tigers, who improved to 4-0 overall and 1-0 in the Atlantic Coast Conference with a 49-21 victory over Georgia Tech on Saturday. Lawrence, who starred at Cartersville High School -- which is about 45 minutes from Atlanta, torched the Yellowjackets by passing for four touchdowns. His scoring strikes went to Hunter Renfrow, Justyn Ross, Tee Higgins and running back Travis Etienne. The 6-foot-5, 205-pound Lawrence is 39 of 60 for 600 yards with nine scores and two interceptions this season. "(Lawrence) really played well. It was certainly his best game. He was very poised and I think the game has slowed down for him," Tigers coach Dabo Swinney said, per the Charlotte Observer. "He's making good decisions; he's decisive with the ball. ... He made some beautiful throws." Bryant has completed 36 of 54 passes for 461 yards with two touchdowns and one interception this season. He has also rushed for 130 yards and two scores. Bryant joins Alabama's Jalen Hurts as quarterbacks to be reduced to the sideline after starting a College Football Playoff game last season.