Clemson found itself on the ropes against Syracuse with DJ Uiagalelei struggling, leading to a shocking move as the QB was benched for Cade Klubnik.
The Clemson Tigers found themselves on the ropes in Death Valley on Saturday against the Syracuse Orange and a big reason why was the turnovers from oft-maligned quarterback DJ Uiagalelei. Through the first 2.5 quarters of play, DJU had thrown two interceptions and coughed up a fumble, the latter resulting in a huge return touchdown for the Orange.
Early in the season with the Tigers offense sputtering, there were plenty of calls for Dabo Swinney to bench Uiagalelei for 5-star freshman Cade Klubnik. But then DJU began to turn it around in recent weeks prior to Saturday’s game.
After the second interception, though, Swinney had seen enough and he made the switch to Klubnik, the top-rated quarterback recruit from the 2022 class.
College football media reacts to Clemson benching DJ Uiagalelei for Cade Klubnik
After so many calls for this to happen, the college football world was clearly stunned and anxious to see what the young signal-caller could do to help drive a comeback.
Dabo earlier this week:
— Pickswise (@Pickswise) October 22, 2022
“Everybody had their prognostications on when [Uiagalelei] wouldn’t be the starter anymore ... People love to do that type of stuff. It’s embarrassing, really. But that’s the world we live in.”
Dabo benched DJ Uiagalelei for Cade Klubnik today pic.twitter.com/ok697ulimh
Putting Cade Klubnik in to do nothing but hand off is certainly a choice
— Pregame Empire (@PregameEmpire) October 22, 2022
Looks like DJ may be done this game for Clemson. Cade Klubnik in for Clemson
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) October 22, 2022
Cade Klubnik is warming up.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) October 22, 2022
Can't wait to hear how Dabo defends DJU if he benches him today.
Cade Klubnik checking in at QB for Clemson. Gotta find a spark (or at least someone who won't turn it over).
— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) October 22, 2022
Cade Klubnik warming up on the sidelines. Can he pull a Chase Brice against Syracuse? pic.twitter.com/EkMXkj64PC
— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) October 22, 2022
Cade Klubnik is coming in for Clemson. Should be an interesting final 20 minutes.
— David Ubben (@davidubben) October 22, 2022
BREAKING: True freshman 5⭐️ QB Cade Klubnik has entered the game for Clemson with the Tigers trailing Syracuse 21-10 in the 3rd quarter pic.twitter.com/SIf4CZY9s7
— 247Sports (@247Sports) October 22, 2022
Entering today, DJ Uiagalelei had more passing yards, more rushing yards, more TDs and fewer INTs than both Trevor Lawrence and Deshaun Watson did through 7 games in their second years as Clemson starters.
— Matt Fortuna (@Matt_Fortuna) October 22, 2022
Today: 2 INTs, 1 lost fumble and now replaced by Cade Klubnik.
Big applause as Cade Klubnik enters the game. DJ U patted him on the helmet and wished him well before he ran out there. Buckle up.
— Grace Raynor (@gmraynor) October 22, 2022
The early returns were that Clemson made the right move. Klubnik, though he didn’t do too much with his arm, came in and delivered a spark for the offense. The Tigers drove for a touchdown, got a defensive stop, and then Will Shipley broke loose for a long touchdown run to take the lead, going up 24-21 after a successful two-point conversion on the second score.
What will be more interesting to see, especially if Klubnik can deliver a win for the Tigers, is if Dabo and the coaching staff opt to stick with the freshman of DJU for the remainder of the season.
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