Clemson star quarterback and the runaway favorite to be the first pick in the 2021 NFL Draft Trevor Lawrence wasn’t able to play because of testing positive for COVID-19 late the week previous.
Would Lawrence have made the difference between Clemson winning and losing?
We could have that debate for a long time and not come to any certain conclusion but as well as DJ Uiagaleilei played, there were some plays and first downs left on the field because of misfires. That said, Uiagaleilei played at an absurd level and showed exactly why he was regarded as one of the very top recruits in the entire nation last year.
Related: The best photos from Notre Dame’s upset of No. 1 Clemson
Back to Lawrence though, the Clemson quarterback met the media via a video call on Monday and shared his thoughts on Saturday’s upset victory by Notre Dame and a bit on the time frame of when he knew he wouldn’t be playing in South Bend.
Lawrence on when he knew he wasn’t playing:
“I probably knew Saturday of the Boston College game,” Lawrence said. “I talked to coach Swinney and Danny Poole, our trainer. I asked if there was anything I could do to help on my end. Danny said there’s really no way for me to be in position where I could play. Coach Swinney, we talked about it. He said after the game he was probably going to say something to get that out of that way and let everybody know I wouldn’t be able to play.
Lawrence on not getting to play at Notre Dame Stadium:
“Obviously hate that I wasn’t able to play. Really a once-in-a-lifetime experience to get to play there. Super cool place. Just a cool thing to be a part of. Definitely wish I could have played, would have meant a lot to me. Can’t do anything about it, but just glad I was able to be there for my team.
Lawrence on if his absence was the difference between winning and losing:
“Who knows? Football is such an interesting game,” Lawrence said. “D.J. made a ton of plays that were great. Obviously, I would have loved to have been in there. D.J. was prepared and did everything he could. I would have loved to be able to play, for sure.”
Lawrence appears to be back on track to return for 7-1 Clemson next weekend as the Tigers travel to Florida State on November 21 after getting an off week this week.