Clemson football: Is it time for Taisun Phommachanh to get a chance at QB?

The Clemson football offense is currently struggling for, really, the third-straight week and this time it’s against a mediocre opponent in Georgia Tech.

People dismissed the Tigers only putting up three points against Georgia because of the talent that the Bulldogs possess and there was hope that the unit had taken a step forward when Clemson put up 49 last week against S.C. State, but nothing in the first half of the matchup against the Yellow Jackets would show any notable improvement.

Let’s be clear in saying that the struggles the offense is currently facing can’t be blamed on one person.

• Tony Elliott’s play-calling has been questionable
• The offensive line has looked bad
• The wide receivers simply aren’t creating separation

But, there is a clear deficiency at quarterback currently with D.J. Uiagalelei and it’s starting to bring up questions.

Is it time for Clemson football to give Taisun Phommachanh a chance at quarterback?

Now, let’s be clear: This is not going to be a ‘bash Uiagalelei’ post.

D.J. Uiagalelei has one of the strongest arms in Clemson football history and it’s clear that he has the talent to play quarterback in the NFL one day. All of his issues– all of them– are fixable and he will undoubtedly improve.

That being said, this is the third-straight week that he just doesn’t look comfortable.

This offense needs a spark. It needs a player who can step up and be a leader and, right now, Uiagalelei isn’t that.

Could Taisun Phommachanh be that guy? 

The one thing that Phommachanh has that Uiagalelei doesn’t is mobility.  The offensive line isn’t doing a great job of creating a clean pocket and the Tigers could benefit greatly from having the simple threat of a quarterback run.

Right now, we’re seeing defenses stack the box and dare Uiagalelei to throw the ball. While he makes some good reads at times, he also misses on some simple passes. If Phommachanh could just hit those simple routes and prove to the defense that he is a threat to run the ball, that could be the difference needed to open up this offense.

I’m by no means am saying that Uiagalelei couldn’t take the spot back or that he should lose his starting spot. Right now, I’m just saying that the offense as it’s currently constructed isn’t working and his lack-of-mobility, paired with the bad offensive line, is making things even more difficult.

The most disappointing portion of this entire conversation, however, is Tony Elliott. Elliott had an entire offense to address these deficiencies and he simply didn’t.

Those Clemson football fans who believe you should never question the coaching staff might be upset by this post– and I’m not saying benching Uiagalelei is the answer– but my main point is that this is an offense with 5-stars all over the field performing like a Group of Five unit.

Maybe, a change like this could be enough to spark the offense.

Honestly, Uiagalelei sitting out a couple of series and watching from the sidelines could do wonders for him.