CLEMSON-START
Clemson, QB Watson go through smooth start
CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — Deshaun Watson took the shotgun snap, backpedaled a few steps and launched a perfect pass to receiver Mike Williams. Moments later, Watson faked the handoff and burst through the line downfield.
It has been a strong start for preseason Atlantic Coast Conference player of the year Watson and his surgically repaired left knee.
Watson tore his ACL late last season and missed the Tigers 40-6 victory over Oklahoma in the Russell Athletic Bowl. Since then, the Watson watch has been on for Clemson fans and opponents.
Watson said his knee feels strong and he is ready to do anything and everything to lead the Tigers to success. With Watson, Clemson is the ACC championship favorite. Without him, the Tigers have almost no game experience with their backups.
SCAROLINA-STADNIK
Backup South Carolina OG Brock Stadnik to miss season
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina backup offensive lineman Brock Stadnik won’t play this season because of problems after shoulder surgery.
Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier said Wednesday that Stadnik, a 6-foot-5, 285-pound junior from Greensboro, North Carolina, hadn’t recovered as well as hoped after surgery on his right shoulder.
Coming into summer camp, Stadnik was listed as the backup right guard behind senior starter Will Sport.
Stadnik missed summer camp in 2014 with a knee injury and played only five games last year.
Stadnik’s twin brother, Clayton, made five starts at center in 2014. However, he lost 40 pounds after having his tonsils removed and switched to tight end.
DUKE-THE LAST BROWN
Kyler Brown presses on at Duke after injury to big brother
DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — This was supposed to be one last season of fun for those Brown brothers to play together on Duke’s defense.
Now it won’t happen.
Another knee injury to big brother Kelby Brown has left Kyler as the last Brown left playing for the Blue Devils.
Redshirt senior Kyler Brown said Wednesday that the emotions of the past 12 months have been “up and down.”
Separated by 15 months, the Browns were going to be among the cornerstones of the Duke defense in 2014 before Kelby — an all-ACC linebacker — tore his left anterior cruciate ligament last August.
The NCAA granted him a sixth year of eligibility — giving the brothers a final season to play together — but last month, Kelby retore his left ACL, ending his college career.
GIANTS-BRAVES
Bumgarner, Tomlinson lead Giants in 6-1 victory over Braves
ATLANTA (AP) — Madison Bumgarner pitched into the eighth inning, Kelby Tomlinson drove in three runs and the San Francisco Giants beat the Atlanta Braves 6-1 on Wednesday night.
Matt Duffy added a two-run double and Hunter Pence had an RBI single for San Francisco, which has won 16 of 21.
Bumgarner (12-6), last year’s World Series MVP and a three-time All-Star, allowed seven hits, one run and struck out nine in 7 1-3 innings. Just two baserunners made it into scoring position against the big left-hander.
Williams Perez (4-2) allowed 10 hits, two walks and six runs in six-plus innings for the Braves, who have lost 11 of 14.
Bumgarner allowed a leadoff single to Nick Markakis in the first and retired 10 straight before Chris Johnson singled in the fourth.
FALCONS-FREEMAN
Falcons’ Freeman could make impact as runner and receiver
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — Devonta Freeman was more than willing to take up the slack when Atlanta Falcons rookie running back Tevin Coleman missed practice with a strained hamstring.
Freeman says he never wants to leave the field, so he was happy to take as many snaps as possible Wednesday.
Coleman has received some looks with the first-team offense in training camp, but Freeman seems to be the clear leader for the starting job. It’s also no secret the Falcons plan to use Freeman as a runner and receiver.
Freeman had 30 catches last season as a rookie despite playing behind Steven Jackson and Jacquizz Rodgers, who did not return. Fantasy alert: Freeman could have many more receptions in new offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan’s scheme.
