Clemson Football: 3 takeaways from nail-biter win over Boston College

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Oct 31, 2020; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney and quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei(5) walk off the field after the game against Boston College at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Josh Morgan-USA TODAY Sports /

3. New faces on Clemson make impact (along with a familiar one)

DJ Uiagalelei stepped up in Trevor Lawrence’s absence and played relatively well after a bit of a slow start. The five-star freshman finished 30-for-41 with 367 total yards and three touchdowns. He did have some freshman mistakes missing high on some throws early on.

But once he settled down and let the game come to him, he was a force. This is a game that could help build his foundation going into 2021 where he will most likely be the opening day starter.

Uiagalelei wasn’t the only fresh face to make an impact today. Cornell Powell came into today with 14 receptions for 152 yards in the 2020 season.

Today, he picked up 11 receptions for 105 yards and was Uiagalelei’s favorite target. Powell was a steady presence throughout the day picking up a reception on 8-of-10 Clemson drives.

Travis Etienne made arguably the biggest mistake of the day with the fumble at the goal line. But he showed great mental toughness by bouncing back and finishing as the MVP of this game. Etienne finished with 27 touches for 224 yards and two touchdowns.

Etienne also broke the record for most rushing yards in ACC history today, a record which was held for 42 years. He currently sits at 4,640 rushing yards with four games to go with hopes to distance himself by a margin.

Etienne continues to electrify the ACC, and is cementing himself as a first round draft pick in the 2021 draft.

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