ESPN writer thinks Clemson quarterback DJ Uiagalelei has the yips

What’s wrong with Clemson Tigers quarterback DJ Uiagalelei? One ESPN writer suggests the struggling playmaker has the yips.

Clemson football has a problem.

The Tigers have looked a shell of their former selves, finding it harder than expected in the post-Trevor Lawrence era.

They squeaked by Syracuse on Friday night for another unsatisfying victory. The performance simply highlighted all the same problems they’ve had all season while averaging just 20 points per game in 2021.

Quarterback DJ Uiagalelei is a key part of that struggle, to the point where ESPN’s David Hale suggested he has the yips.

“I get the angst about Tony Elliott. But dude’s been a good coach for a long time. I’m not sure what you’re supposed to do with a bad OL, a QB with the yips who you *need* to salvage, your 3rd string RB and a shaky WR corps. Fact is, this is just a BAD offense,” Hale tweeted.

Uiagalelei is completing just 55.7 percent of his passes with four passing touchdowns to three interceptions. Averaging only 162.3 yards per game, he’s been a major disappointment.

Considering his immense talent as a prospect, the idea of him having the yips makes more sense than him being this bad.

Who is DJ Uiagalelei’s backup? Taisun Phommachanh

If the Tigers decide to give Uiagalelei time to figure himself out, they could turn to backup Taisun Phommachanh, a former four-star recruit from Connecticut.

More likely, Clemson will focus on figuring out how to make the game easier for Uiagalelei. That’s just easier said than done with all of the other problems the Tigers need to fix on offense. Hale is definitely right about the offense being flat-out bad at the moment.

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