Korn in, Harper out as Clemson makes QB switch

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- From preseason player of the year to a seat on the bench, Clemson quarterback Cullen Harper has had a miserable fall.

Tigers coach Tommy Bowden said Friday he'd start freshman backup Willy Korn against Georgia Tech on Oct. 18, seeking to spark up what was supposed to be among the country's best offenses.

In control of it all was Harper, a steady senior who led the Atlantic Coast Conference in passing efficiency a year ago and set nearly two dozen school marks in his first season as a starter.

And that made him the clearcut choice this summer for the league's top award.

However, the Tigers (3-3, 1-2 ACC) and Harper have not come close to last season's record-setting attack.

The final straw for Bowden was Thursday night's 12-7 loss at Wake Forest. Clemson managed 198 yards and Harper threw his sixth interception -- matching his total from 2007 -- deep in Tiger territory that helped the Demon Deacons rally from 7-3 down.

Since leading Maryland 17-6 at halftime on Sept. 27, a game the Tigers would eventually lose 20-17, Clemson has gone six quarters and scored just 7 points.

"We got to find a spark offensively," Bowden said. "We need to re-evaluate our plan and a more mobile quarterback gives us more options."

Harper has completed 99 of 161 throws for 1,121 yards with four touchdowns. Korn, in mop up appearances against The Citadel and South Carolina State, completed 14 of 18 passes for 157 yards. He's thrown for one TD and rushed for another.

Bowden decided on the switch Friday afternoon after watching tape of Thursday night's loss. He said he and offensive coordinator Rob Spence had not yet been able to contact Harper, given Friday and Saturday off. The Tigers return to practice Sunday evening.

Bowden has been extremely loyal to his quarterbacks, rarely subbing for them except in blowouts.

Since the middle of 2002, Clemson has started just three people at quarterback: Charlie Whitehurst, Will Proctor and Harper.

Bowden defended Harper this season as the senior's production tailed off and the Tigers won just one of four games this season against Football Bowl Series opponents.