Clemson Tigers quarterback DJ Uiagalelei faced a tough challenge from the Georgia Bulldogs Saturday night. Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

DJ Uiagalelei handled the ball well for Clemson during his action over nine games as a freshman last season. But it didn’t take long for that to change in 2021.

Uiagalelei on Saturday committed his first career turnover during Clemson’s 10-3 loss to Georgia in Charlotte. It was a costly one.

Clemson had the ball at the Georgia 30 with around three minutes left in the second quarter. Uiagalelei had four receivers and was in a shotgun formation for third-and-4. He tried to throw the ball to his inside man who was running a short in route, but there was a big problem. Bulldogs senior defensive back Christopher Smith stepped in and intercepted the pass. That wasn’t all — he returned it 74 yards for a touchdown.

Ouch.

Clemson went from thinking it was going to take the lead to losing 7-0. What a rough break.

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