Did Dabo Swinney just hint at benching D.J. Uiagalelei?
By Scott Rogust
Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney commented on the status of quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei following Saturday’s loss to the North Carolina State Wolfpack.
Life after Trevor Lawrence has not gone too well for the Clemson Tigers. Clemson fans thought the season-opening loss to the Georgia Bulldogs was bad, but then they saw their 27-21 double-overtime loss to the North Carolina State Wolpack on Saturday. That is due in part to the ineffective offense, who produced 214 total yards on the day.
After the game, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney talked about evaluating the team now that they are 2-2 on the season. That is when Swinney stated that he “thinks” D.J. Uiagalelei is their starting quarterback moving forward.
Dabo Swinney: "This point at 2-2 you look at everything. There’s nothing that you don’t evaluate. But I think DJ is our quarterback."
— Grace Raynor (@gmraynor) September 26, 2021
Dabo Swinney comments on D.J. Uiagalelei’s status after upset loss to NC State
Even with the quote Swinney provided, it is safe to say that Uiagalelei will continue to be Clemson’s starting quarterback moving forward, despite his slow start to the 2021 campaign. This quote from Sports Illustrated’s Zach Lentz proves that Swinney has not given up on Uiagalelei.
Dabo on DJ: DJ gave us a chance to win again. You know, I thought he did a lot of good things.
— Zach Lentz (@Zach_AllClemson) September 26, 2021
And he's just gonna continue to get better. He's got a great, great future
Entering Saturday’s game, Uiagalelei had compiled 475 passing yards, one touchdown and two interceptions on a 59.3 completion percentage. In the double-overtime loss, Uiagalelei completed 12-of-26 pass attempts for 111 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. The quarterback did pick up 63 rushing yards on nine carries against the Wolfpack.
In all reality, it is the entire offense that has been a problem for Clemson. The offense only converted on two of 11 third-down attempts and had possession of the ball for over 18 minutes. The latter is rather inexcusable and plays a huge role in why the Tigers lost their second game of the season in just four weeks.
Swinney and Clemson look to put this game behind them, as they seek to defeat Boston College next weekend.
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