Clemson Football: 5 things to watch vs. N.C. State

Sep 24, 2022; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers cornerback Nate Wiggins (20) knocks down a 4th down pass intended for Wake Forest Demon Deacons wide receiver A.T. Perry (9) to seal the win with help from safety R.J. Mickens (9) during overtime at Truist Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 24, 2022; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback DJ Uiagalelei (5) runs the ball towards Wake Forest Demon Deacons linebacker Chase Jones (21) during the first quarter at Truist Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

We pointed this out last week and we’ll bring it up again. The quarterback has been, is, and will likely always be part of the running game at Clemson.

Remember the days of Dabo being blasted for running Tajh Boyd. These “geniuses” didn’t understand how important that was to the offense even if it didn’t gain a lot of yards all of the time. Thirty yards and a a few crucial first downs can make the difference between a win and a loss.

Per PFF.com, D.J. has 154 yards on designed runs, forced 18 missed tackles and gained 12 first downs. Uiagalelei is a powerful threat on the ground and he forces defenders to make choices that lead to huge plays either by himself or another back.

Most of the analysts have caught on to the point that if the quarterback isn’t running, they question that now, instead of wondering why he is running.

He doesn’t need 20 carries and 100 yards to be effective, just be a threat, make the defense account for him and pick up third downs regularly.

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