Clemson benched DJ Uiagalelei during its battle of unbeaten ACC teams with Syracuse on Saturday.
On came true freshman Cade Klubnik – the number 1 QB recruit in the country – and he led the Tigers back from a double-digit deficit to a victory over the Orange, 27-21.
The win was the 38th straight home victory for Clemson, an ACC mark.
As much as Klubnik provided a spark after the Tigers had turned the ball over four times while falling behind, 21-10, Syracuse hurt itself with a series of penalties. The Orange committed 8 of their 10 penalties in the second half.
The game-winning touchdown came on a 50-yard run by Will Shipley.
WILL SHIPLEY IS THAT DUDE.
— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) October 22, 2022
WILL SHIPLEY RUNS FOR 50 YARDS TO GIVE CLEMSON THE LEAD! 🐅 pic.twitter.com/SyFW6j28FM
— ESPN (@espn) October 22, 2022
Shipley and Phil Mafah accounted for more than 266 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns.
Coach Dabo Swinney said after the game Uiagalele was till his quarterback. Time will tell if that holds.