CLEMSON, S.C. -- Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said freshman quarterback Deshaun Watson will start when the Tigers (No. 21 CFP, No. 18 AP) face No. 24 Georgia Tech on Saturday.

Watson missed the past three games for Clemson (7-2, 6-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) with a broken bone in his throwing hand. Swinney said Sunday that Watson could've played if needed in the Tigers' 34-20 win at Wake Forest on Thursday night.

Watson hurt himself early in a 23-17 win over Louisville on Oct. 11. Senior Cole Stoudt completed the win against the Cardinals, then started the next three games, all victories for the Tigers, who have won six straight.

Watson returned to practice last week. He's Clemson's leader with 12 touchdown passes.