How DJ Uiagalelei showed significant progression for Clemson football at the perfect time
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Maybe DJ Uiagalelei thrives on being counted out.
Perhaps he has to be challenged to bring out his best.
Maybe he likes being doubted.
Clemson’s junior quarterback struggled early on in the No. 5 Tigers’ season-opening game against Georgia Tech, prompting some harsh critiques of his game, questions about his future and the ultimate fate of the team.
“He got better in the Furman game and he got better against Louisiana Tech,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said.
Then came Saturday at Wake Forest.
BIG PLAYClemson's defense, shredded for much of the game, finally came up big when it had to vs. Wake Forest
SWEET REWARDSClemson's victory against Wake Forest ensured a lot of sugary goodness in the locker room
REPORT CARDWith the exception of the defense, Clemson passed with flying colors vs. Wake Forest
Suffice to say that if Uiagalelei continues this type of progression, the remainder of the football season for Clemson (4-0, 2-0 ACC) just might qualify for “must watch TV.”
Uiagalalei passed for 371 yards with five touchdowns against the No. 16 Demon Deacons (3-1, 0-1), lifting his team to a wild 51-45 victory in double overtime.
This was a far different version of Uiagalelei than we witnessed last year, when his interception total exceeded his touchdowns and he had the second-worst completion percentage among the ACC’s quarterbacks.
On Saturday, when forced to keep pace with Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman, Uiagalelei was up to the task. He also rushed for 52 yards and became the first Clemson player to throw for 300 or more yards, rush for 50 or more yards and throw at least three touchdowns in a game since Deshaun Watson against Louisville in 2016.
He delivered time and again, while under duress. His two-point conversion pass on a rope to Beaux Collins while balanced on one leg and defenders draped on his body was a thing of beauty. DJ finished the game with a pass efficiency rating of 179.7 and has now posted three consecutive games with a rating of 145 or better for the first time in his career.
“That kid has been a blessing to myself and this team,” Clemson defensive end KJ Henry said. “His ability to fight has been second to none, man. Nobody deserves it more. He deserves all the credit. As a team, we followed his lead today and he led us to this win today.”
Uiagalelei has kept an understated profile this season, admitting only to having worked diligently to improve during the offseason.
His latest mantra? “Work in silence; let success make the noise.”
At this point, it’s hard to ignore what he’s got going. In 13 games last season, Uiagalelei had nine touchdown passes. In four games this season, he has 10 touchdowns.
Swinney has remained in Uiagalelei’s corner all along, so what unfolded Saturday was simply an affirmation.
“DJ was amazing,” Swinney said. “We continue to see who he is. This kid is special. He’s made of the right stuff. You’ve got to make plays – that’s the name of the game.”
Uiagalelei made plenty of plays Saturday.
Under the gun.
Under pressure.
With his and his team’s collective back to the wall, he not only embraced the opportunity, he seemed to relish it.
This “new DJ” is just the “old DJ” that we used to know; the one who guided the largest comeback in Death Valley history as a freshman, then the next week recorded the biggest passing day ever by an opponent at Notre Dame Stadium.
Remember that guy? Well, it looks as though he’s returned.
Scott Keepfer covers Clemson athletics for the USA TODAY Network.
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: DJ Uiagalelei saves Clemson football in double-OT win vs Wake Forest
