Clemson walked away from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta Monday night with a 41-10 win over Georgia Tech, where we got to both starting quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, and highly touted freshman Cade Klubnik get their first action of the season.
Uiagalelei and the offense may have come out the gates slow, but the junior quarterback turned things around, seemingly getting better by the snap. He finished the game completing 19-32 passes for 209 yards and a touchdown while also adding a rushing touchdown helping the Tigers’ put 34-points on the board.
The freshman Cade Klubnik was under center for Clemson’s final drive, and he put on a show for the Tigers’ fans. He completed 4-6 passes for 50 yards and a touchdown in his first action for the team. It was a smooth performance from the young quarterback.
Both quarterbacks flashed their immense potential, though college football fans seem to be more excited about Klubnik’s future under center. While I understand why the hype surrounding Klubnik is extreme, I believe Uiagalelei made some beautiful throws with his receivers dropping some passes that would have made him look even better.
Here’s a look at how Twitter reacted to the two quarterbacks’ performances:
“I don’t think Clemson can win a championship with DJ playing as he is right now.”
The QB competition between DJ Uiagalelei and Cade Klubnik is heating up ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/lp88w76pEA
— ACC Network (@accnetwork) September 6, 2022
Quick thinking from DJ Uiagalelei! 🤯
(🎥: @ESPN)pic.twitter.com/6fmNmMEUeq
— theScore (@theScore) September 6, 2022
For Clemson to have a shot at a title, CADE KLUBNIK HAS TO START…
Here is why👇 @clemson_bias pic.twitter.com/NIcqRjxiTm
— Jake Crain (@JakeCrain_) September 6, 2022
Is it me or was the energy so different from Clemson’s offense when Cade Klubnik came in the game? I know it was “garbage” time but it just felt like there was more juice.
— Todd McShay (@McShay13) September 6, 2022
I’ve seen this before with #Clemson
Deshaun Watson 📈
Kelly Bryant 📉
Trevor Lawrence 📈
DJ Uiagalelei 📉
Give us Cade Klubnik already 📈#ChickFilAKickoff— George (@George_The4th) September 6, 2022
DJ Uiagalelei has looked fantastic tonight. I think he should be the starter for at least the next four weeks after tonight.
— Cory Smith (@RCorySmith) September 6, 2022
CADE Threw the same amount of TDs as DJ tonight.. Let that sink in.
— James Davis (@Only1JamesDavis) September 6, 2022
Not many quarterbacks can deliver this dime without even stepping into the throw.
Literally a perfect combination of velocity and ball placement by DJ Uiagalelei. pic.twitter.com/tmA5hMENYG
— Luca Sartirana (@SartiranaLuca) September 6, 2022
#4 Clemson uses a dominant second half to defeat GA Tech 41-10.
DJ Uiagalelei –
• 237 total yards
• 2 touchdowns pic.twitter.com/fuE40H90im— CFB Kings (@CFBKings) September 6, 2022
Cade Klubnik is a Hall of Famer. I just won a bet. Don't let me get hot. 1-0 in my last 1 bets
— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) September 6, 2022
Cade Klubnik will win Clemson a Natty before he leaves college.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) September 6, 2022
"I'm excited to see him play. He's going to be a great player."
DJ Uiagalelei (@DJUiagalelei) was visibly excited to talk about Cade Klubnik (@CadeKlubnikQB) throwing his first touchdown pass with Clemson. Really awesome to see him so happy for Cade. pic.twitter.com/zB4jcPn2Xj
— Mitchel Summers (@MitchSummersTV) September 6, 2022
DJ Uiagalelei is goning to be a real problem…..
For Clemson fans.
— Jeremiah (@SYRmotsag) September 6, 2022
CADE KLUBNIK TO WILL TAYLOR!!!!! First career touchdown pass for the true freshman QB. Fun finish here in Atlanta.
— Austin Pendergist (@apthirteen) September 6, 2022
Heck of a first drive by Cade Klubnik. Hard to believe that guy sat on your bench all game 😳
— Kelly Gramlich (@kellygramlich) September 6, 2022
People will definitely not overreact to this Cade Klubnik TD pic.twitter.com/VWdneOE9sf
— Barstool College Football Show (@BarstoolCFB) September 6, 2022
1000% agree. Unfortunately I think the offense is too! I said preseason that I thought this O is going to need Cade Klubnik at QB at some point. https://t.co/bltdW1hV1w
— David Pollack (@davidpollack47) September 6, 2022
CADE KLUBNIK BRINGS HOME CLEMSON -24 AND THE OVER 🤑
Never a doubt 💰 pic.twitter.com/M5vR4cWHlY
— PFF Bet (@PFF_Bet) September 6, 2022
Cade Klubnik with his first career TD pass and DJ Uiagalelei was LOVING it 🤩 pic.twitter.com/QnZ8cMH6Zx
— ACC Network (@accnetwork) September 6, 2022
I don’t know who DJ Uiagalelei will play QB for next year, but it ain’t gonna be Clemson.
— Brandon Walker (@BFW) September 6, 2022