Mandatory Credit: Photo by Jacob Kupferman/AP/Shutterstock (13388524h) Clemson Tigers quarterback DJ Uiagalelei (5) passes the ball during an NCAA college football game against the Furman Paladins in Clemson, S.C Football, Clemson, United States – 10 Sep 2022
The best of college football from outside the region
Gallery Sports focuses on college football primarily around the SEC and the Big 12. However, we love college football no matter where it comes from. Here, you will get a look at the best matchups in college football from outside of the region.
#5 Clemson @ #21 Wake Forest
Two undefeated teams in the ACC square off in Winston-Salem as one of them looks to officially make a statement in the conference. We are aware of the success that Dabo Swinney and the Tigers have had over the past number of years; however, one of the big questions coming into the season was regarding the kind of production they would get out of former top recruit, D.J. Uiagalelei. He struggled mightily last season, his first as a full-time starter, but he finally looks to be coming into his own. Five touchdowns and only one pick through the first three games leave optimism for a rebound after last season. Another shade of optimism can be shown in the fact that Clemson took a 48-27 win in the previous matchup between the two squads in November of last year, as well as taking the last 13 matchups. With that being said, the pressure is on for Clemson, as this win could catapult them forward into serious consideration for the College Football Playoff. A win here could give the Tigers some significant momentum for next week when they play at home against another ranked ACC team in NC State.
As for Wake, they squeaked one out last week against Liberty in the game’s final minutes. That said, to say QB Sam Hartman has been productive would be an understatement. In just two games since returning, Hartman has completed 62 percent of his throws with seven touchdowns while averaging 312.5 yards per game. However, Hartman will need support from his running game, which has looked incredibly subpar this season, only putting up 128 yards per game total. Not only that, but Clemson’s run defense is one of the best in the nation, ranking 14th in the country in yards per game and only surrendering 2.4 yards per carry through the first handful of games. Hartman will have more to overcome in this game against a strong Clemson defense, but he has shown in his first two games that he can produce at a high level. This game could simply come down to quarterback play. Who will outplay the other between Uiagalelei and Hartman? That is the key to the future for both programs heading into Saturday.