Clemson running back close to returning

The two-headed monster Clemson currently has at running back could soon go back to three.

Tigers junior Kobe Pace has missed the past three games with a high ankle sprain but is expected back on the field soon, Dabo Swinney said during his call in show Monday night.

Pace could return for Clemson’s game at Notre Dame on Nov. 5, depending on how rehab goes this week.

Clemson is off this weekend, before traveling to South Bend, Indiana next week.

“He’s actually doing really well. We’re hopeful that he can go next week,” Swinney said. “We’ll see how he does. He’s at that day-to-day stage.”

Pace rushed for 641 yards last season while averaging a team-high 6.2 yards per carry.

The Georgia native has 20 carries for 59 yards and two touchdowns this season as he has battled injuries.

If Pace is not back for Clemson’s matchup against Notre Dame, it appears as though he will definitely be back the following week.

“Probably a chance for Notre Dame, but a definite for Louisville after that,” Swinney said. “It’ll be good to get him back. You forget about him, man. He’s a really good player.”

With Pace out, Will Shipley and Phil Mafah have provided a 1-2 punch that has been tough for opponents to deal with.

Shipley entered the season as Clemson’s No. 1 running back and has remained atop the depth chart, but Mafah has also had a very good year.

Shipley leads Clemson with 123 carries for 739 yards and 10 touchdowns. Mafah has added 283 yards and two scores, while averaging 4.5 yards per carry.

Clemson is currently 8-0 and gets to rest up this week before its trip to Notre Dame.

The Tigers also have games remaining against Louisville, Miami and South Carolina — all at home.

Clemson can clinch the ACC Atlantic Division championship with a win over Louisville on Nov. 12.