November 5, 2005

Whitehurst misses start

Clemson quarterback Charlie Whitehurst is seeing his streak of consecutive starts end at 37. Will Proctor, a junior and next year's expected starter, will start against the Duke Blue Devils in his place. A quarterback controversy has been brewing all week since head coach Tommy Bowden reported after last week's Georgia Tech loss that Whitehurst missed 2 days of practice last week. Details emerged later in the week that matched the shoulder injury rumors that had been swirling around earlier in the season. Whitehurst also reportedly missed at least one day of practice this week.

Reports this week from various sources pinpoint the injury as far back as the Boston College or Miami game, even though on the record denials of any injury were given at one point by athletic department staff after the rumors got noticed by members of the media. Despite the injury, Whitehurst was ACC offensive back of the week 2 weeks ago. I'll have more on this controversy after today's game. Whitehurst is said to be resting his shoulder today but is available if needed.

This is Proctor's first career start. He has 11 appearances in his career including against Temple and Texas A&M this season.

Nathan Bennett, Duane Coleman and Maurice Nelson are serving their suspensions today.

I will be liveblogging the game at my personal blog.

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