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DJ Uiagalelei’s benching for Cade Klubnik draws plenty of social media reaction
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
DJ Uiagalelei has been benched in favor of Cade Klubnik with Clemson trailing Syracuse at Memorial Stadium.
Uiagalelei had a disappointing 2021 season during which he threw 9 touchdowns but 10 interceptions. He entered Saturday’s contest against the Orange having thrown 17 touchdowns versus just 2 interceptions. However, he is 13-of-21 with 138 yards, 0 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions thus far as the No. 5 Tigers are looking to shake off a challenge from the No. 14 team in the country.
After his 2nd interception of the day with 6 minutes, 27 seconds remaining in the 3rd quarter, Dabo Swinney opted to turn to true freshman Cade Klubnik. Swinney had mentioned his confidence in Uiagalelei in the past, but with the Tigers looking to avoid a rare home loss, he has turned to Klubnik. Should the former No. 1 quarterback recruit ultimately lead Clemson to victory, that could potentially open up quite the discussion in Upstate South Carolina.
Dabo last week: “Everybody had their prognostications on when (Uiagalelei) wouldn’t be the starter anymore. People love to do that type of stuff. It’s embarrassing, really. But that’s the world we live in.”
Dabo this week: Benches Uiagalelei
— Thor Nystrom (@thorku) October 22, 2022
Meanwhile, there’s been plenty of social media reaction regarding Swinney’s decision to bench his starting quarterback:
Let's just fast forward to the part where DJ Uiagalelei transfers to Ole Miss and Lane fixes him.
— Wes Rucker (@wesrucker247) October 22, 2022
Going to the freshman, Cade Klubnik, here makes sense for Clemson. Uiagalelei has been brutal. But maybe Dabo shouldn't have mocked reporters this week about the early-season push for Klubnik. Comes off looking phony now as he makes the move.
— Zach Braziller (@NYPost_Brazille) October 22, 2022
https://twitter.com/juul_apatow/status/1583890791725862913
https://twitter.com/ladarius_brown/status/1583891305767522304
Literally DJ Uiagalelei entering the transfer portal pic.twitter.com/0LF8rmou9q
— The Gambling Tailor?? (@KingTailorGang) October 22, 2022
DJ Uiagalelei to Michigan State seems about right
— lami⭐️ (@lamibackup) October 22, 2022
https://twitter.com/iam_johnw/status/1583889255809835009
The confidence is lacking from Uiagalelei today and his play has shown that. I don’t think this is a long-term benching, but Dabo needs something to spark. Hopefully, Klubnik is that spark.
— Jared Feinberg (@JRodNFLDraft) October 22, 2022
DJ Uiagalelei got benched? pic.twitter.com/CyCEpeZ55q
— gee. (@geeondruh) October 22, 2022
https://twitter.com/cameronisthelaw/status/1583892241067954176
The unpredictability of college football is just unmatched.
DJ Uiagalelei looked like he had revived his career and people even had him on Heisman lists this week.
Now he's benched and may have taken his last snap as Clemson's starting QB. ?
— College Sports Only (@CollegeSportsO) October 22, 2022
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
