CHARLOTTE, NC — Clemson benched quarterback DJ Uiagalelei after two series in Saturday’s ACC Championship game against North Carolina and turned to Cade Klubnik for a spark.
Klubnik did just that, rushing for 149 yards and a first-half touchdown on 10-of-11. He was eventually pulled in the fourth quarter after putting the Tigers to a large lead, finishing 20-of-24 for 309 yards and two total touchdowns. Clemson bowled 39-10 to win his seventh ACC title in eight seasons.
Uiagalelei fought from the start, going 2-of-5 for 10 yards. His two drives ended in three-and-outs. His starting status has been the subject of questions all week after struggling with a 31-30 loss to South Carolina.
Coach Dabo Swinney repeatedly said in the week leading up to the ACC Championship game that Uiagalelei would start against the Tar Heels and shifted the blame for the loss away from him, citing turnovers and receiver drops as contributing factors.
But throughout the season, Uiagalelei struggled to play consistently. He excelled in performances against Wake Forest and Florida State earlier this season, but was also benched after turning the ball over three times against Syracuse and in a loss to Notre Dame.
Swinney was asked earlier in the week how Klubnik was progressing in practice and he had a short answer.
“Good,” he said. “Really good.”