CLEMSON - Clemson coaches gave their strongest hint yet Saturday that they hope to redshirt freshman quarterback Willy Korn.

The former Byrnes standout has played in two games this season in relief of starter Cullen Harper, but hasn't seen action since Sept. 15 against Furman with an undefined injury to his throwing shoulder.

Clemson built a 56-14 lead late in the third quarter behind Harper, an ideal time for Willy Korn to see work. But coaches sent in third-team quarterback Tribble Reese for his first action of the season, a signal that the Tigers will attempt to redshirt Willy Korn.

"The decision (to redshirt) hasn't been made yet," Willy Korn said. "You can look at it how you want to after the game, but the decision hasn't been made yet."

Reese converted a third-down pass on his first drive, and tailback Sadat Chambers raced 63 yards for a touchdown on the next play.

He also completed a pair of third-down conversions on the next drive - including a 22-yard pass to Byrnes product Xavier Dye - and LaDonte Harris finished the drive with an 11-yard scoring attempt, which he fumbled into the end zone. The fumble was recovered by Dye, who was credited with the touchdown.

Reese finished 3-for-5 for 42 yards and a touchdown.

Offensive coordinator Rob Spence said the coaching staff has complete confidence in Reese.

Willy Korn threw effortlessly during warmups and didn't appear to be in pain, but Bowden claimed looks can be deceiving.

"I go jog every day, but I couldn't qualify for the Boston Marathon," he said. "One of my toes might be broken right now. It's killing me."

Ford sparks returns: Despite having two of the fastest players in college football - Jacoby Ford and C.J. Spiller - returning kicks, Clemson entered Saturday 117th nationally in kickoff returns, averaging only 17.5 yards per return. Ford kick-started those anemic numbers with an 82-yard third-quarter return, taking the ball at the 3 and racing to the CMU 15.

Cooper, Conner start: Reserve linebackers Kavell Conner and Scotty Cooper started Saturday in place of seniors Nick Watkins and Tramaine Billie, respectively. The seniors had started all six games this season, but both sat because of academic reasons before entering later in the game.

Billie had four tackles, one for loss; Watkins had three tackles and a forced fumble. Cooper had three tackles in his first career start; Conner had two stops.

Whitehurst gives back: Former Clemson quarterback Charlie Whitehurst made his off-week with the San Diego Chargers worthwhile. Whitehurst presented a $50,000 check to the WestZone initiative between the first and second quarters of Clemson's win against Central Michigan.

Notes: Wide receiver Rendrick Taylor missed his third consecutive game with a slightly torn hamstring. Taylor still hopes to return this season.

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