CLEMSON, S.C. -- The most significant plate of eggs and bacon in the recent history of Clemson football was eaten a day after the Tigers' route of Georgia Tech on Sept. 22, at Sunnyside Cafe, just down the road from campus, and was shared between the veteran leader of the defense and the young kid about to take over the offense.
Trevor Lawrence had just ascended to the throne after months of speculation about the future of Clemson's quarterback job. Christian Wilkins had been the unquestioned voice of the locker room for years, and the defensive tackle wanted to offer his personal endorsement to the new guy, a show of support and, perhaps, a changing of the guard -- all with a side of grits and coffee.