Tigers' O-line finds consistency

For just the third time this season Clemson should start the same five offensive linemen in back-to-back games Saturday against Virginia.

The injury woes of the Tigers' offensive line have been well documented. To date, the Tigers have used a total of seven different starting combinations.

If no one gets hurt between today and Saturday's first snap, the Tigers' starters along the offensive line should be: Chris Hairston (left tackle), Thomas Austin (left guard), Bobby Hutchinson (center), Mason Cloy (right guard) and Landon Walker (right tackle).

This is the same combination that started against Duke last week and three weeks ago against Boston College. Cory Lambert started at right tackle in place of Walker against Florida State.

It's that continuity that has the Tigers optimistic about their chances against Virginia.

"The more you play with guys the more comfortable you get with them," said Clemson running back James Davis. "Certain guys block a certain way and you get used to that. You can set up their blocks easier if you know what they're going to do, and you only get that by practicing with them. The guys up front have done a great job the last two or three weeks. They did a great job against Duke and Boston College."

Quarterback Cullen Harper said its no secret why his statistics have improved as the offensive line has started to develop more continuity.

"I think it's important for those five guys to come together and jell," Harper said. "They're kind of a team within a team. Those guys are making a lot of calls and making a lot of communication calls up front, so it's important to get the same five guys up there who feel good about each other and have the confidence in each other."

Clemson receiver Aaron Kelly couldn't agree more.

"Our entire offense starts with those five guys up front," Kelly said. "So, if they're playing well, opening holes and giving Cullen time to throw the ball, we've got enough guys that can make plays. We're going to score points. As those guys have started to play better, the offense has started to play better. We didn't play great against Florida State, but we still put up 27 points on them."

Shoulder of Korn

Never has a debate raged so much about a backup quarterback's injury and arm strength.

After Clemson's 31-7 victory over Duke on Saturday, reserve QB Willy Korn said his injured right shoulder felt fine. Korn got his most extensive playing time to date against the Blue Devils, but his some of his passes didn't have the same zip.

On Monday, Clemson's "quasi" offensive coordinator Billy Napier said Korn's shoulder might be OK, but he wasn't throwing the ball like he had before his freshman season.

Clemson interim coach Dabo Swinney said Korn's shoulder is medically sound, but mentally the former Brynes High School All-American isn't all there.

"I had a talk with Willy (Wednesday) and he's frustrated," Swinney said. "He knows something is wrong. I think he might have been overcompensating for the injury. Then Willy realized he was overcompensating and he tried to correct it. He's like a shooter in a slump. He just needs a layup."

Swinney said he plans to continue to play Korn for at least a series against Virginia and South Carolina.

If hired, Swinney said correcting Korn's throwing mechanics will be a major priority in spring practice.

Injury update

Defensive tackle Dorell Scott continued to improve during Thursday's practice. Scott, who missed the Duke game with a strained patellar tendon in his knee, is listed as probable for Saturday's game with Virginia.

"We're as healthy as we've been all season," Swinney said. "Normally this time of year, 10 games into the season, you're pretty banged up, but knock

Scott was listed as probable on Wednesday after practice.

"Dorell is very probable now, 87.5 percent," Swinney said.

Happy birthday

Swinney turned 39 on Thursday.

As the Tigers were breaking up practice, the seniors on the team sang "Happy Birthday" to Swinney.

"It was way out of tune," Swinney said laughing. "But I guess it's the thought that counts."

— Andrew Miller