No penalties forthcoming for Branch's so-called dirty play

CLEMSON -- Dabo Swinney will not discipline defensive end Andre Branch for what some are calling a dirty play.

Circulating on the Web is video of Branch placing his hand on the facemask of Florida State guard David Spurlock. From the video, it's unclear whether anything more took place in the pileup as players frantically dove to cover a fumble Saturday.

Clemson also had the ACC office review the video, and the conference declared the incident a non-issue.

"I talked to a pretty prominent official and he wouldn't have even flagged it," Swinney said. "If you actually see something like that he would say, 'Hey keep your hands off his helmet.'

"I think we are a hyper-sensitive country. Start dissecting a football game and the next thing you know you're going to see a lot worse than that."

Eye-gouging has been in the news as Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes was suspended for the Gators' game against Vanderbilt for blatantly eye-gouging Georgia running back Washaun Ealey.

Jackson benched

Swinney said Spencer Benton will take over placekicking duties Saturday against N.C. State.

While Richard Jackson missed two field goals and two extra points against Florida State, the move is not completely related to performance as Swinney said Jackson has been benched due to an "academic violation."

Jackson beat Spencer Benton out for the placekicking duties in August, entering as the underdog following Benton's strong spring performance and Jackson's past off-the-field issues. After making 11 of his first 13 field goals, Jackson has cooled off, making six of his last 12. Jackson is benched, but not suspended for the game.

Injury updates

Defensive end Da'Quan Bowers (knee) remains doubtful for Saturday. Cornerback Chris Chancellor (ankle) is probable. C.J. Spiller says his right knee is fine, though he appeared to tweak it against FSU. He has not required an MRI or x-ray.