Clemson's Swinney hopes Vizzina returns, plans to play depth vs. Charleston Southern

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said Tuesday he hopes quarterback Christopher Vizzina can play Saturday against Charleston Southern. He also said he wants to use the Tigers' only FCS game of the season to get snaps for players further down the depth chart.

According to Tiger Illustrated's account of Swinney's weekly news conference on On3, Vizzina practiced Monday night without the large brace he had been wearing. Swinney said Vizzina's legs were fine the week before, but he couldn't get his elbow up to throw without pain. He looked much better Monday, though Swinney said he is still not at full strength. Swinney noted that Vizzina came out of camp as the starter and said Clemson will probably need him at some point.

Tait Reynolds has started while Vizzina has been out. Swinney said Reynolds has improved every week, mixing some special plays with some poor decisions, and that the game should slow down for him over time.

Clemson (3-2) hosts Charleston Southern (3-3) at noon Eastern on Saturday on ACC Network. The Tigers are coming off an open date that followed a loss to Miami. In that game Clemson picked up 22 first downs but scored only 13 points, struggled in the red zone and turned the ball over. Swinney pointed out that Clemson has yet to win the turnover battle in any game this season. He called the remaining schedule a seven-game season and said the Tigers have to start winning the turnover margin.

Swinney said the team is in good shape physically. He expects to know more about defensive tackle Kourtney Kelly by Wednesday night after the staff increased Kelly's workload last week, and he said Kelly could give the line a lift down the stretch. Swinney is also watching Devarrick Woods, who missed the Cal trip and wasn't fully himself in the last game. He said running back Jay Haynes, back from a severe injury, got some live work during the open week.

Darien Mayo's move to defensive tackle has given the staff flexibility, according to Swinney, who said Mayo has had very few missed assignments. He said Champ Thompson and Amare Adams are both trending up. On the offensive line, Swinney confirmed that Easton Ware will move to right guard, and he wants a look at other tackles, including Elyjah Thurmon. Donovan Starr, an Auburn transfer, is next in line at nickel. Marcell Gipson has more chances at corner and at the Tiger position after Corian Gipson's season ended.

Swinney had praise for Charleston Southern, which has won three of its last four games, including a win over South Carolina State. He said its defense moves around a lot before the snap. Swinney has known the Buccaneers' coach, Gabe, since Gabe kicked at Alabama while Swinney ran the walk-on program there. Swinney said the focus has to stay on Clemson's own play.

"It's not who we play, though. It's how we play," Swinney said, according to Tiger Illustrated.