It’s on ACC networkDuring Clemson’s 48-20 win over Louisiana Tech in Death Valley on Saturday night, “The ACC Huddle” show, ACC commentators Eric McLain and EJ Manuel from DJ Yougalelei gave their thoughts on what they saw and the Tigers’ offense against the Bulldogs. .
Uiagalelei went 17-of-29 for 221 yards and two scores through the air and 62 yards on the ground on nine carries to lead Clemson’s offense to a season-high 521 total yards, including 280 rushing on 39 attempts (7.2). average).
The Tigers (3-0, 1-0 ACC) put up 35 points in the second half and outscored the Bulldogs by 21 over the final two quarters.
“I mean, that’s what you want to see,” former Clemson and All-ACC offensive lineman Mac Laine said. “We talked about halftime adjustments, what you need to see from this offensive line, and those guys picked it up. They ran the ball well. When you outplay your opponent and run for 7 yards every time you touch the snap, that’s amazing.
“So to see the progress there, the reaction there to put up 48 points, and just the continued reaction from DJ — to see someone who fought a lot a year ago and is finding his way. And every day, and to see that progress. Some drops or some mistakes. He admits there are a couple of blips he’s been in. But overall, two weeks in a row is pretty impressive for a DJ.
A week ago against Furman, the junior quarterback completed 21 of 27 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns for a 77.8 percent completion percentage, the highest completion percentage ever posted by Yougalley when he attempted at least 25 passes.
Manuel, the former Florida State and NFL quarterback, believes Ugalele’s play so far this season has solidified his position as Clemson’s QB1.
“When you’re talking about DJ Ugalele and the quarterback (controversy), that’s dead,” he said. “The DJ is the starter. I think he clearly knows that group. They’re going to follow him when he goes, and he’s playing very clean football.”
Manuel added that he thought the Ugalelei wide receiver played better against Louisiana Tech.
Freshman Antonio Williams had a team-high 57 yards on two receptions and hauled in his first career touchdown reception on a beautiful 19-yard pass from Yougalley. Sophomore Beaux Collins had two catches for 47 yards, including a 32-yard touchdown reception from Uiagalelei, while senior Joseph Ngata had three receptions for 54 yards, highlighted by a 41-yard diving catch in the first quarter.
“They brought in some of those deep balls with one hand, two hands up and catching those 50-50 passes,” Manuel said. “Next week, a team like Wake Forest, they have to do that. So I thought this was a step in the right direction.
Fifth-ranked Clemson’s game against No. 21 Wake Forest (3-0, 0-0 ACC) begins Saturday at noon ET on ABC.
“Clemson hasn’t been challenged yet,” Manuel said. “I think the first big challenge will come from Sam Hartman in Wake Forest, a team that can run the football and then a team that plays good defense. They have some mistakes where they can’t handle guys on the field. But I think it will be a great matchup next week to see who the team is.”
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