Clemson will hand the offense to Tait Reynolds on Saturday.
Dabo Swinney announced that the freshman will make his first start when North Carolina visits Death Valley, rewarding Reynolds for what he showed in the Tigers’ 22-7 win over Georgia Southern.
The move is not simply a response to Christopher Vizzina dealing with an issue in his left arm. Swinney said Vizzina is expected to be available and that Reynolds won the starting opportunity through his play.
“It’s (based) on how they played,” Swinney said. “We just feel, based on opportunity, mistakes and body of work, Tait has earned the opportunity to start.”
Reynolds took advantage of his extended action against Georgia Southern. He threw for 178 yards on 16-of-27 passing and added 36 rushing
yards, directing five Clemson scoring drives.
His night included a 45-yard connection with T.J. Moore and a 20-yard completion to Tyler Brown before halftime, two throws that helped set up Nolan Hauser field goals.
Vizzina opened the game under center, but Clemson had already planned to work Reynolds into the rotation. After Vizzina later reported trouble feeling his left arm, Reynolds remained in the game.
Swinney still pointed to the overall performance of both quarterbacks as the reason for the change.
“All I can tell you is he has played well enough and did enough stuff (to earn it), and then CV did some things that he needs to be better at,” Swinney said. “The interception just can’t happen.”
Reynolds did not play a mistake-free game, either. Swinney mentioned missed reads, footwork, operational issues and a delay of game among the areas Clemson wants the freshman to improve.
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At the same time, the Tigers saw enough positive plays to give him the next opportunity.
“Man, he made some big-time plays,” Swinney said.
That opportunity now comes against an ACC opponent and in front of the home crowd at Memorial Stadium.
Swinney stopped short of declaring Reynolds the permanent answer at quarterback. For Week 3, however, the freshman has done enough to take the first snap.
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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Dabo Swinney on who will start at quarterback for Clemson against UNC
