CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 02: Running back Kobe Pace #20 of the Clemson Tigers scores a touchdown during the first quarter during their game against the Boston College Eagles at Clemson Memorial Stadium on October 02, 2021 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
Clemson leading rusher Kobe Pace will miss the game with Florida State this week as he's in COVID-19 protocol.
Tigers coach Dabo Swinney announced Pace's status Tuesday.
The 5-foot-10, 210-pound Pace has started five games for Clemson and leads the team with 327 yards on 59 carries.
Clemson (4-3, 3-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) faces the Seminoles (3-4, 2-2) on Saturday.
Get South Florida local news, weather forecasts and entertainment stories to your inbox. Sign up for NBC South Florida newsletters.
Pace's absence is the latest blow to a backfield that had its share of changes this season as its tries to make up for the loss of two-time ACC player of the year Travis Etienne. Highly regarded freshman Will Shipley missed two games with a lower leg injury, returning this past week at Pittsburgh.
Two other backs with experience — Lyn-J Dixon and Michel Dukes — have entered the transfer portal since the season began and have left the team.
Swinney said the Tigers will go with a rotation of Shipley, freshman Phil Mafah and senior Darien Rencher against Florida State.
Sports
__
More AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25. Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter: https://apnews.com/cfbtop25
