Clemson not moving off Uiagalelei as QB starter

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said quarterback DJ Uiagalelei will begin the ACC championship game in spite of having a hard time in a loss to South Carolina to end the routine season.Swinney on Sunday again defended his quarterback, who went 8-of-29 for 99 yards with one goal and one interception in the 31-30 loss to the competing Gamecocks.

“DJ had some plays that he wish to have back, however he was a long method far from being the factor we lost the game, that’s for sure,” Swinney told press reporters on an ACC teleconference previewing Saturday’s championship game versus North Carolina. “He does not return kicks and play safety and capture the ball. He can just manage his part, however all of those things impact your mind and the rhythm of the game.”

Clemson had 3 turnovers– consisting of a lost fumble on a punt return with 2 minutes left– and ended up with a negative turnover margin for the fifth straight game.2 Related

In addition, the defense quit five passes that went 20 yards or longer as Spencer Rattler tossed for 360 lawns in the victory.But when again the

spotlight is on Uiagalelei, who has had his share of ups and downs throughout his Clemson profession. In games earlier in the year when he struggled, against Syracuse and Notre Dame, Clemson pulled Uiagalelei for Cade Klubnik.Against South Carolina, there was no thought to putting Klubnik in the game. “We had some vital drops and some missed out on plays, and those things add up

,”Swinney stated.”The next thing you know, the turnovers with empty belongings, you’re out of rhythm and after that you have some drops and a couple of missed plays along the way, and it’s a dish for getting beat.”