Clemson featured two new starters against FSU, but neither were at the spot you’d think
Every depth chart Clemson has put out this season has had an “or” next to the names of defensive linemen K.J. Henry, Justin Mascoll, Xavier Thomas and Myles Murphy.
While Thomas and Murphy have started every game, Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney maintains no starting position anywhere is guaranteed. Murphy and Thomas found that out on Saturday when Henry and Mascoll got the nods against Florida State. It was Henry’s first start of the season, seventh in his career, and Mascoll’s second of the year and 10th overall.
“I didn’t think they played like they were capable of playing last week, and they really responded,” Swinney said of Murphy and Thomas. “They were relentless, flying around. … X and Myles, they just have a different gear than everybody else. They’re just unique.”
Even though they didn’t run out first, Murphy and Thomas were rotated in during Florida State’s first drive of the game. Out of the four, Murphy had the most tackles with six, 3½ for loss, with 2½ sacks and a blocked extra point. Thomas made four tackles with a forced fumble while Henry had two tackles and Mascoll had one.
In not starting what are arguably two of the best players on defense, Swinney made the point that no spot truly is guaranteed. The irony of the Tigers’ defense switching starters is that wasn’t the focal position all week long.
One week after Swinney and offensive coordinator Tony Elliott wouldn’t confirm D.J. Uiagalelei as the starting quarterback for the game against the Seminoles, he, indeed, ran out first. When asked about why he stuck with Uiagalelei instead of giving backup quarterback Taisun Phommachanh a chance at being QB1, Swinney referenced Uiagalelei’s final drive against Pitt where he scored a six-yard run, and how the sophomore practiced during the week. Clemson offensive coordinator Tony Elliott also mentioned how much more vocal Uiagalelei was during the game.
“That was the main thing I tried to focus on,” Uiagalelei said. “I definitely think I’ve done a better job this week. Tried to be more vocal, tried to be more encouraging, just trying to be a leader. Just trying to get guys going any way I can. Be positive. Be out there. Just be a voice for the offense.”
Uiagalelei ended the game going 19-for-31 for a 61% completion rate with 189 yards, a touchdown and an interception that Swinney said wasn’t his fault.
“That’s 100% on (Joseph) Ngata,” the Tigers’ head coach said. “That’s our rule: if you get the ball thrown to you and it gets intercepted, then that’s on you. You cannot let the ball get intercepted when it’s a ball that there’s a chance to be a play on, not like just a terrible throw, but a ball where there’s going to be a competitive play. It can’t be intercepted. There’s either two things that’s going to happen: you’re either going to catch it or it’s a PI on them, but we’re not going to let the ball get picked. So, he gave him an opportunity right there.”
The one big mistake Swinney pointed out was a missed throw to wide receiver Justyn Ross for what would’ve been a touchdown in the first half. An outstretched Ross, who led the team with 85 receiving yards on six catches and eight targets, tried to make a play for the ball, but it went out of bounds.
“Double-move, sprint out and just didn’t get downhill on it to throw it over the top,” Swinney explained. “Sailed it out of bounds. To me, that was his worst play of the game.”
Not only did Uiagalelei start the game, but he played every offensive snap for the first time in almost a month. Phommachanh had played a snap against Syracuse before putting together two series against Pitt last week.
While no position is guaranteed, something taken to heart on the defensive side of the ball this week, it seems Swinney and Co. are set on sticking with Uiagalelei as he works through the development of becoming a full time starting quarterback.
ACC Atlantic Standings
- Wake Forest 8-0 (5-0 ACC)
- NC State 6-2 (3-1)
- Clemson 5-3 (4-2)
- Syracuse 5-4 (2-3)
- Louisville 4-4 (2-3)
- Florida State 3-5 (2-3)
- Boston College 4-4 (0-4)
This story was originally published October 31, 2021 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Clemson featured two new starters against FSU, but neither were at the spot you’d think."
