Clemson Football: 5 Things to look for as Tigers tackle Deacs

Quick, who’s the second leading rusher on the Clemson team?  It’s not Kobe Pace or Phil Mafah.

D.J. Uiagalelei is the answer.

Through three games, Uiagalelei has 27 carries for 117 net yards, but without sacks it would be 145 (48.3 per game).

Uiagalelei has forced 13 missed tackles, gained 9 first downs, has 6 rushes over 10 yards and 105 yards after contact.

In short, the quarterback is once again a factor in the Clemson ground game.

It’s not just when a play breaks down either, as Uiagalelei has 117 yards on designed rushes, or 39 yards per game.

The quarterback was obviously part of the Clemson attack with Deshaun Watson, Kelly Bryant and Trevor Lawrence.

Last year? Not so much.

Uiagalelei looks durable and comfortable and his ability to run gives the defense something else to think about instead of keying on the back.

While we all salivate over the long passes and that’s certainly a necessary part of a college offense, a quarterback that can get a first down and complete short passes on third down to the slot are what will make this offense consistent.