It looks like the Eagles will be without running back Tahj Kimble tomorrow vs. Clemson. Over the summer, Kimble bruised his knee in a seven-on-seven drill and was held out of several scrimmages and practices. Kimble's knee injury has resurfaced, forcing him to miss tomorrow's game.
"It's been nagging him before," Spaziani said. "Then he [re-aggravated] it in practice. I'm not sure if it was last week or not. But it's always been every week he's been on the list getting treated and stuff."
Kimble has rushed for 70 yards on 17 carries. He's been a prominent part of the passing game, catching 10 balls for 151 yards and a touchdown. He's currently ranked second on the team in receiving yards behind Alex Amidon (366 yards).
With Kimble scratched and Deuce Finch "benched," Spaz and Doug Martin will turn to Andre Williams and freshman David Dudeck to carry the workload against the Tigers. I get that Finch has struggled to hold onto the football in redzone situations, but I'm not sure this is the best week to throw a true freshman to the fire against a defense that has struggled mightily to defend the run.
The Clemson defense currently ranks 103rd nationally in rushing defense. The unit surrendered 7.18 yards a carry in the loss to Florida State and 6.3 a carry in a win vs. Ball State. Through four games this season, Clemson has given up a total of 829 total yards on the ground.
Seems like there is an opportunity here to gain significant yards on the ground tomorrow vs. Clemson. Not sure this is the best time to send a message to Finch by benching one of your most talented backs for a true freshman.