After seven consecutive strong starts, Clemson quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei is comparable to a starting pitcher in baseball who is removed from the game in the fifth inning.
He will not be sent to the bullpen.
Clemson overcame a deficit to defeat Syracuse by a score of 27-21 at Memorial Stadium on Saturday. Rookie backup quarterback Cade Klubnik finished the game and earned the victory. In the fourth quarter, Klubnik led consecutive touchdown drives to put the Tigers in the lead.
Fifth-ranked Clemson (8-0, 6-0 ACC) faces an open date and then a high-profile game No. 5 at Notre Dame, where quarterback Uiagalelei made a statement as a rookie two years ago by throwing for more yards than any Fighting Irish opponent.
Clemson will not start a freshman in consecutive games at South Bend, Indiana. Uiagalelei is the guy despite his clear troubles on Saturday, which included two interceptions and a fumble that was returned for a touchdown.
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“D.J. is our starting pitcher. D.J. leads our group “Coach Dabo Swinney of Clemson stated. “Nothing has changed there. You may proceed with typing that up.”
Uiagalelei has earned such a privilege.
It’s not like last year, when he labored up until this stage of the season but still led Clemson to a 10-win season. He threw complete games because to the lack of competition in the bullpen.
Clemson currently has a future star on the field. Klubnik has barely warmed up in the last four games against ACC opponents, despite his future greatness. There is a rationale for that. Uiagalelei has been dominant.
This time, Swinney pitched to Uiagalelei with the bases loaded and the Tigers behind.
Simply a different pitch, Swinney explained. “Occasionally, a starter will take the mound and not have his stuff that day, necessitating a substitution. It simply gave us a different appearance.
“I was quite pleased with (Klubnik). It was a difficult situation for the backup quarterback (down 21-10)… You don’t want to be down 11 points in the fourth quarter and say, “This game is over.” “Go get ’em, buddy. Let’s go.’ He answered.”
If Uiagalelei continues to struggle, will Swinney be more likely to make a substitution if he knows what Klubnik is capable of doing?
Swinney stated, “We hope we do not struggle.” However, it’s nice to know that we have a backup plan.
Swinney feels comforted by Uiagalelei’s belief in Swinney. Having a good reliever is also important, he noted.
“I esteem Coach Swinney. That’s exactly the type of coach you want to play for “Uiagalelei stated. “I would also say that Cade’s performance was outstanding. Man, he picked us up. This football game was won for us by him, the offensive line, and the running backs. Salute to (number 2)! He performed an extraordinary job managing the game. He simply went out and relied on himself. Today, I was extremely proud of Cade.”
