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Clemson Tigers quarterback DJ Uiagalelei has entered the switch portal after a topsy-turvy season during which he was finally benched by coach Dabo Swinney within the ACC title sport.
Uiagalelei, a junior, completed his last season with 2,521 passing yards and 22 touchdowns to go along with seven interceptions, because the Tigers went 11-2.
From the opening week of the season, when Clemson struggled offensively earlier than finally operating away from Georgia Tech, there was buzz about backup Cade Klubnik — a extremely touted recruit — changing Uiagalelei.
Klubnik did play in that win over the Yellow Jackets, however after the result was lengthy determined.
The way forward for the quarterback place turned a weekly query in Swinney’s information conferences thereafter. And because the season wore on, the coach continued to again Uiagalelei.
Even final week, because the Tigers ready to fulfill North Carolina within the ACC championship sport, Swinney stated that Uiagalelei would begin towards the Tar Heels regardless of struggling in a 31-30 loss to South Carolina to shut the common season.
Swinney deflected blame for that loss from Uiagalelei, pointing to turnovers and drops from receivers as contributing components.
Nevertheless, in the course of the win over the Tar Heels, issues modified and Klubnik got here off the bench to raise the Tigers to a 39-10 win. It was their seventh convention title in eight years.
Uiagalelei began the primary two drives and struggled, going 2-of-5 for 10 yards. Each of his drives led to three-and-outs. Klubnik then got here in, led a scoring drive and performed the remainder of the sport, going 20-of-24 for 309 complete yards and two complete touchdowns.
Afterward, Swinney stated the plan heading into the sport was for Klubnik to return in on the third sequence it doesn’t matter what. As soon as Klubnik began shifting the ball down the sector, there was no turning again.
Swinney stated Klubnik will begin the Capital One Orange Bowl towards Tennessee on Dec. 30.
“Issues need to occur the way in which they’re speculated to occur, and tonight, that is the way in which it went, and Cade was prepared,” Swinney stated after the win. “You bought an opportunity to see what he can do. He performed in rhythm, guys made performs for him. He is actually, actually quick. He can actually make performs together with his legs. It was a terrific night time and a glimpse of our future and what it appears like at Clemson.”
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