Clemson football: 3 stars of the game from rout of South Carolina State

Dabo Swinney’s Clemson football team had no issues putting away South Carolina State early.

After scoring a grand total of three points vs. Georgia on Labor Day weekend, the Clemson football team scored 28 points in the first quarter vs. South Carolina State.

The Tigers were expected to blow out the Bulldogs in their home opener on Saturday. They did just that, throttling South Carolina State to the tune of 49-3. It may have been a cupcake game vs. an FCS opponent, but Clemson was able to show why the Tigers are a perennial top-five team in college football. They can take a lot from this game before opening ACC play vs. Georgia Tech.

Here are the three stars from Clemson’s effortless victory over South Carolina State on Saturday.

Clemson football: 3 stars of the game in South Carolina State victory

3. D.J. Uiagalelei used his arms and legs to help Clemson win this one easily

Though he was far from perfect, it was nice to see D.J. Uiagalelei work through a few things under center in this blowout. He completed 14-of-24 passes for 171 yards, one touchdown and one interception. While those numbers are nothing to write home about, he did make some plays with his legs, as he had 23 rushing yards on five carries and two big rushing touchdowns on the day.

2. It was good to see Justyn Ross play like an all-conference receiver once again

After missing all of last year due to a scary injury and being largely marginalized vs. Georgia last week, it was great to see Justyn Ross play up to his capabilities again. The Clemson star wide receiver had three catches for a team-high 52 yards and a touchdown. If Clemson wants to win the ACC for the seventh year in a row and make the playoff, Ross must be an elite player for them.

1. Will Shipley totally redeemed himself after a rough game vs. Georgia

Clemson was held to two yards rushing last week. Fortunately, they were able to 242 on the ground vs. South Carolina State. Leading the rushing attack for the Tigers was Will Shipley. In only his second college game ever, he had eight carries for 80 yards and two touchdowns. He also had two catches for 11 yards out of the backfield and had 47 yards in the return game for Clemson.

The Tigers can some much-needed momentum heading into ACC play next week vs. Georgia Tech.

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