Clemson down multiple starters for Cheez-It Bowl with Iowa State

ORLANDO — It was already known that Clemson wide receiver E.J. Williams would miss the Cheez-It Bowl against Iowa State. But the Tigers will be down a couple of other starters as well.

Starting safety Nolan Turner and starting center Mason Trotter will not play against the Cyclones, Clemson announced Wednesday afternoon.

Turner has been battling a toe injury and has been in a boot, while no reason has been given for Trotter missing the game.

Williams is in COVID-19 protocol. Reserve cornerback Nate Wiggins will also be out for the Cheez-It Bowl.

With Turner out, it’s likely that Jalyn Phillips starts at safety. The junior has started five games this season and has 39 tackles and 3 pass breakups.

Clemson is likely to turn to Marcus Tate as a starter on the offensive line. The true freshman has started seven games so far this year.

Other Cheez-It Bowl notes

• Clemson starting running back Kobe Pace is switching numbers for the Cheez-It Bowl. Pace has been wearing No. 20 but will wear No. 7.

• Tigers tight end Sage Ennis is also changing numbers, going from No. 87 to No. 11 with Ajou Ajou transferring to USF.

• Acting tight ends coach Thomas Austin is unavailable for today’s game due to COVID-19 protocol.

• Tight ends coach Kyle Richardson is able to coach in the game. It was originally believed that Richardson would miss the Cheez-It Bowl after undergoing back surgery.

Clemson players out for Iowa State

WR Frank Ladson (transfer portal)

WR E.J. Williams (protocol)

QB Taisun Phommachanh (transfer portal)

WR Justyn Ross (injury)

DT Tre Williams (injury)

LB Baylon Spector (injury)

WR Ajou Ajou (transfer portal)

DT Bryan Bresee (injury)

WR Brannon Spector (protocol)

LB Jake Venables (injury)

WR Will Taylor (injury)

S Ray Thornton (transfer portal)

LB Kane Patterson (transfer portal)

S Joseph Charleston (transfer portal)

RB Michel Dukes (transfer portal)

CB Nate Wiggins (protocol)

RB Lyn-J Dixon (transfer portal)

S Nolan Turner (injury)

DE Justin Foster (injury)

S Lannden Zanders (injury)

OL Tayquon Johnson (injury)

OL Mason Trotter (injury)

OL Paul Tchio (transfer portal)

OL Dietrick Pennington (injury)

OL Matt Bockhorst (injury)

TE Jaelyn Lay (protocol)

TE Braden Galloway (injury)

LB Sergio Allen (injury)