College Football Notebook: Clemson names freshman Lawrence new starting QB

Freshman Trevor Lawrence is the new starting quarterback for third-ranked Clemson, replacing senior Kelly Bryant.

The move doesn't mean Bryant is being benched, or won't regain the starting spot. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney isn't saying much about the change.

The team announced the decision Monday, a day after Swinney cut off potential quarterback questions on a teleconference Sunday night.

But actions often speak louder than words.

On Monday morning the team put out a simple statement saying that Lawrence will start for the Tigers against Syracuse on Saturday.

Lawrence's improvement and production, particularly in last week's 49-21 victory at Georgia Tech, could not be ignored, according to Clemson co-offensive coordinator Tony Elliott.

"It just came down to, you've got to reward productivity," Elliott said. "If you look at (Lawrence's) opportunities, he's taken advantage of them. Kelly didn't do anything wrong."

Elliott cautioned that Lawrence's elevation is just for this week and the competition with Bryant for playing time will continue.

Northwestern RB retires due to neck/spine condition

Northwestern leading rusher Jeremy Larkin is retiring from football after being diagnosed with cervical stenosis, a condition that causes narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck and upper back.

Northwestern said Monday that Larkin's condition is not life threatening, but prevents him from playing.

Larkin, a sophomore, is in his first season as the top running back for the Wildcats. He is fifth in the Big Ten in rushing at 115.33 yards per game.

The Cincinnati native had 618 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns last season as a backup.

Coach Pat Fitzgerald said Larkin will serve as a student assistant coach.

Virginia Tech QB Jackson to have surgery; return uncertain

Virginia Tech quarterback Josh Jackson has a broken left fibula and will have surgery.

Coach Justin Fuente, a former Tulsa Union High School star quarterback, made the announcement Monday. The coach said the surgery will take place Tuesday, but gave no timetable for how long Jackson will be sidelined.

Jackson, in his second season as the starter, was injured in the third quarter of the Hokies' 49-35 loss at Old Dominion on Saturday night.

Redshirt junior Ryan Willis replaced him and was 9 for 18 for 131 yards with a touchdown pass.

Jackson set Hokies freshmen records last season by throwing for 2,991 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Willis, a transfer, started eight games as a freshman and two as a sophomore at Kansas before transferring.

FROM WIRE REPORTS