Syracuse-Clemson showdown pits Shrader against Uiagalelei
CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) >> Clemson quarterback DJ Uiagalelei has yet to meet Syracuse passer Garrett Shrader.
Uiagalelei, though, sure does love Shrader’s hard-nosed style, his accurate passes, and how much he takes on tacklers for the extra yard.
“I’m a fan of him,” Uiagalelei said. “I like that.”
Probably because it’s what Uiagalelei has done this season for the No. 5 Tigers (7-0, 5-0 Atlantic Coast Conference), who face the 14th-ranked Orange (6-0, 3-0) on Saturday.
It’s a showdown of the ACC’s final two unbeatens, who’ve gotten there behind offensive leaders of similar, winning styles.
“Their offense has changed dramatically based off of his improvement,” Syracuse coach Dino Babers said of Uiagalelei. “And it’s a testament to him. He’s a good spirit, a good person, and I’m glad for his success.”
Uiagalelei and Shrader are each averaging a tick over 237 yards passing per game this season, fourth and fifth among ACC passers. Shrader sits second in the league, completing 69% of his throws with 12 TDs and three interceptions.
Uiagalelei has completed 64% of his throws with 17 touchdowns (ranked only behind the 24 of North Carolina passer Drake Maye) and two picks.
Both are unafraid to run, relish it really, and don’t mind the collision if it means they make a first down and keep the drive going. The two rank among the ACC’s top 10 in rushing attempts, Shrader going for 78 rushes through six games with Uiagalelei, on average, right behind at 81 attempts through seven games.
“They want me to run the ball hard, be physical, get as many yards as I can,” Uiagalelei said.
Shrader, from Charlotte, North Carolina, had offers from plenty of powers known for offense — Alabama, Ole Miss and Tennessee among them — before picking Mississippi State.
Shrader started four games his freshman season under Bulldogs coach Joe Moorhead, where he became one of three freshman quarterbacks in the nation that year who threw for more than 1,000 yards and rushed for more than 500.