Clemson yanks QB Uiagalelei early for Klubnik

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Clemson benched starting backmost DJ Uiagalelei aft 2 bid successful the ACC title crippled against North Carolina connected Saturday, turning to backup Cade Klubnik to supply a spark.

Klubnik did conscionable that, going 10-of-11 for 149 yards and a touchdown successful the archetypal fractional to springiness Clemson a two-touchdown pb astatine the break.

Uiagalelei struggled from the start, going 2-of-5 for 10 yards. Both his drives ended successful three-and-outs. His starting presumption was the taxable of questions passim the week aft helium struggled successful a 31-30 nonaccomplishment to South Carolina.

Coach Dabo Swinney said repeatedly successful the week starring up to the ACC title crippled that Uiagalelei would commencement against the Tar Heels and deflected blasted from him successful the loss, pointing to turnovers and drops from receivers arsenic contributing factors.

But passim the season, Uiagalelei has struggled to play consistently. He was outstanding successful performances against Wake Forest and Florida State earlier this play but was besides benched aft turning the shot implicit 3 times against Syracuse, and successful an off-performance successful a nonaccomplishment to Notre Dame.

Swinney was asked earlier successful the week however Klubnik was progressing successful practice, and helium had a little response.

"Good," helium said. "Really good."