CLEMSON, S.C. — In last week’s win over Louisiana Tech, Clemson tallied 521 yards and scored 48 points.
The fifth-ranked Tigers did not equal those kinds of numbers in a game last season until Week 12 against Wake Forest when they went for 48 points and totaled 543 yards of offense.
What has been the difference so far this year?
Continuity.
Through the first three games of the season in 2022, Clemson has played with the same five starters on the offensive line, the same starters at wide receiver, tight end and running back.
How much of a difference has that made for quarterback DJ Uiagalelei in his second year as the starting quarterback?
“For me, it has been really nice,” the junior said. “It has been a pleasure to be able to have the same guys out there each and every week, and to be able to keep growing with the same guys each and every week.”
Heading into Saturday’s noon kickoff at No. 21 Wake Forest, the Tigers’ continuity on offense has them ranked third in the ACC in scoring offense (41.3 pts/game) and sixth in total offense (425 yds/game). More importantly, they have improved with each game.
Clemson is averaging 6.04 yards per play through the first three weeks of the season, including 5.1 yards per rush, a stark contrast from this time last season.
“The offensive line has done an amazing job these first three weeks and they are going to keep getting better,” Uiagalelei said. “I feel like they are one of the strongest parts of our offense right now. They continue to keep doing a great job in pass protection and run protection.
“The receivers have done a good job staying healthy and making plays as well. I mean, they made a lot of big plays this past game and the last three weeks. Our running backs are doing a really good job running the ball, pass protection and catching the ball out of the backfield. So, it has been very nice to be able to have everyone out there each and every week.”
And it gives the Tigers an opportunity to continue to keep growing and getting better.
“It is going to be real nice coming into these next few weeks,” Uiagalelei said.
