Despite career-worst passing game, DJ Uiagalelei set to start for Clemson in ACC title game
Scott KeepferCLEMSON – DJ Uiagalelei is still “the guy” at Clemson.
Uiagalelei, who’s coming off the worst game of his career, will start at quarterback for the 29th time when Clemson plays North Carolina on Saturday in the 2022 ACC Championship Game at Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium.
“He’s still the starter,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said. “He isn’t the reason we lost the game. He can’t catch it. He doesn’t play safety and he doesn’t return kicks. He’s got his share of things he can do better, but he will definitely start the game.”
Uiagalelei completed 8-of-29 passes for 99 yards in the Tigers’ 31-30 loss to rival South Carolina. He had one touchdown and one interception, and his performance translated to a career-low passer rating of 60.7.
With many Clemson fans clamoring for a change at quarterback in the form of freshman Cade Klubnik, both Swinney and offensive coordinator Brandon Streeter have continued to show support for Uiagalelei.
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“We’re still in discussion about that and how we could utilize Cade,” Streeter said. “But right now DJ’s no doubt the starter.”
Uiagalelei has slipped to eighth among ACC quarterbacks in passing efficiency (136.0), completion percentage (62.1) and yards per game (208.8). He ranks fifth in the league in passing yards (2,505) and fourth in touchdown passes (22).
“We just missed plays that were there (against South Carolina), whether it be missed throws or a handful of drops that would have continued drives,” Streeter said. “We had big-play opportunities and there was someone not making the play they needed to make.”
Clemson (10-2) and North Carolina (9-3) are set for an 8 p.m. kickoff on Saturday. The game will be televised by ABC.