Clemson Football: A good day for DJ against Furman

Clemson football recorded a victory against Furman Saturday that wasn’t the best performance we have seen against FCS opponents in Death Valley. The defense didn’t have a great day. There was a special teams error. It was a rain-soaked day and a short week, but it was underwhelming.

The best part of the day was the outing by DJ Uiagalelei. DJU went 21 for 27 passing for 231 yards and two touchdown passes. Both touchdowns were to Beaux Collins.

Clemson’s freshman quarterback Cade Klubnik did not have a good day. He had two drives and wasn’t able to muster much production at all. He was 1 for 4 for -2 yards. Definitely a disappointment following his touchdown drive against Georgia Tech.

DJ had a good day, and it was amplified by the fact that very few other things went very well for the Tigers.

A quick look at social media shows there are some fans very happy for DJ. There are also a lot of fans pleased because they want the fans who were calling for a quarterback change to shut up.

I never called for a quarterback change, but I did call for Klubnik to get more playing time so he could continue his development, which I consider important.

I’ve gotten a kick out of the comments people have left on my articles the past week. If I had to categorize the comments that were critical of my opinions, I would have to say most of them were from what I call the “How dare you criticize Dabo!” crowd. They were upset because they thought my opinions that Klubnik should play more and that the staff should stop handling DJ with kid gloves were attacks on Coach Swinney. I think a lot of the people happy today that DJ played well (and Klubnik didn’t) aren’t really DJ fans, they’re just Dabo fans who are hypersensitive about anything they consider an attack on Coach Swinney.

Very well “How dare you criticize Dabo!” crowd. You win the day, and for the record, if DJ continues to play well, I will be happy for him and hopefully that would mean the Tigers are successful.

The thing is….well…..it was Furman.

Clemson football beat an outmanned Furman team Saturday and it wasn’t the best performance for the Tigers, but it was a good day for D.J. Uiagalelei

What was a nice feel good story about DJ has quickly gotten carried away because the people who were sensitive about perceived criticism of Dabo are now crowing. They aren’t crowing because DJ played well. They are crowing because they think Coach Swinney has been vindicated for the way he has handled his quarterbacks this season.

The thing is….well…..it was Furman.

I hope DJ continues to play well. I also hope Klubnik gets more opportunities next week against Louisiana Tech.

I’m going to keep perspective on DJ’s day. He deserves a pat on the back for a good day against Furman.