FSU football: 6 reasons DJ Uiagalelei could silence critics in 2024
By Kelvin Hunt
DJ Uiagalelei Has Led Good Offenses Before
Many critics of Uiagalelei look at his time at Clemson and automatically write him off despite that offense averaging over 30 ppg. However, if we look at what transpired after he left, it gives you better perspective. Clemson fired its offensive coordinators after Uiagalelei hit the transfer portal to go play at Oregon State and hired one of the most popular offensive coordinators in Garrett Riley. Oregon State went on to have the No. 11 offense nationally in 2023, with Clemson checking in at No. 63. Clemson ranked No. 51 with Uiagalelei in 2022.
Was the problem Uiagalelei or the Clemson offensive staff? I think it's the latter if Uiagalelei can go across the country, learn a new offense, become the starter, and see such a dramatic jump in the offense he's leading. Oregon State averaged 32 points per game, with their two leading wide receivers standing at 5'8", with a vertical passing attack. Of course, the completion percentage will be lower when pushing the ball down the field to smaller receivers because the margin for error is even smaller. Despite that, Oregon State was No. 23 nationally with 8.3 yards per passing attempt and 6.45 yards per play. I believe Oregon State's offensive staff was much better than the folks at Clemson who coached Uiagalelei, and I believe Mike Norvell and the FSU staff is better than both.