Clemson to Start Sixth Different OL in Nine Games Against Louisville

This Clemson team just can not catch a break.

The Tigers have been devastated by injuries this season and unfortunately that doesn’t look to be letting up. In last week’s game against Florida State, both Mason Trotter and Will Putnam sustained injuries and have been ruled as game time decisions. The flu bug has also reportedly been making the rounds in the locker room.

While he didn’t go into specifics as to the reason why, or who will be out, head coach Dabo Swinney said on Saturday that the Tigers will be starting their sixth different offensive line in nine games when his team takes on Louisville on Saturday night in Cardinals Stadium.

“We’re going to start our sixth different offensive line tonight in nine games,” Dabo Swinney said Saturday morning on The Huddle. “We haven’t had a lot of continuity.”

Clemson’s struggles have gone well beyond the offensive line. The receivers and tight ends have been inconsistent, and D.J. Uiagalelei has had a bumpy road in his transition to full-time starter.

However, Swinney noted that Uiagalelei is making improvements each week and the head coach thinks his quarterback is finally starting to come out on the other side.

“I think he’s on the other side of the struggle, the storm if you will,” Swinney said. “No question he has not played anywhere near to his capabilities, but we haven’t been as good around him either.”

Swinney still maintains, though, that all the adversity Uiagalelei has faced will make him a better player, and in the long run that will will good for him, as well as the Clemson program.

“I’m really thankful for what he’s been able to go through this year because it’s going to make him better,” Swinney said. “This is a great, great young man and an unbelievably talented player. he’s going to have a great career and a lot of success. I like where he is. He’s been in the grease pit a little while. He’s got some thick skin. He’s learned what’s important He’s really dialed in and focused. He’s become a much better leader. I’m proud of him.”

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