Clemson vs. Furman: Offensive and Defensive Players of the Game
Each week ClemsonWire will choose an offensive and defensive Player of the Game following each of the Tigers matchups this season.
In Clemson’s latest win over Furman, there is no doubt that the Tigers offense seemed to finally come alive and fire on all cylinders. Quarterback DJ Uiagalelei recorded 231 yards passing for the second-straight game with 200+ yards this season, connecting with ten different receivers in the process.
On the other hand, the Tigers defense did not perform to the caliber that head coach Dabo Swinney expects. Clemson’s defense struggled to keep the Paladins at bay, allowing 12 points, 384 total yards of offense and one touchdown.
Here are ClemsonWire’s picks for this week’s offensive and defensive Players of the Game.
Offensive Player of the Week: DJ Uiagalelei
Ken Ruinard / USA TODAY Sports
DJ Uiagalelei was a no-brainer for Clemson’s offensive Player of the Game after his performance against Furman. The quarterback recorded his second-straight game with 200+ yards this season while also connecting with ten different receivers en route to the 35-12 win. Uiagalelei looked to get more and more comfortable in the pocket as the game went on, gaining more confidence in the process, while recording 21-for-27 passes for 231 yards and 36 yards rushing.
Defensive Player of the Week: Fred Davis II
Syndication: The Greenville News
This may come as a surprise to some, but Fred Davis II had a breakout game versus Furman this week. The cornerback recorded seven tackles (one for loss), a pass deflection that resulted in Barrett Carter’s first career interception and his first career fumble recovery for two yards. Though Clemson’s offensive performance was no where near its best, Davis showed up when the Tigers needed it most in Saturday’s victory.
Honorable mentions:
Will Shipley
Ken Ruinard / USA TODAY Sports
Will Shipley had yet another great game for Clemson’s offense this weekend. The running back led the team with 68 yards rushing and two touchdowns. With his performance on Saturday, Shipley became the first Clemson player since 1987 (Wesley McFadden) to score multiple rushing touchdowns in the first two games of the season.
Jake Briningstool
Dale Zanine / USA TODAY Sports
Tight end Jake Briningstool recorded his first touchdown reception of the season and the second of his career this weekend with a two-yard trip to the end zone in the first quarter.
