Freshman Shines After Injury
Clemson Quarterback Christopher Vizzina Exits Win Against Georgia Southern With Arm Injury
Anonymous
Key Points
1
Vizzina’s touchdown was a 10-yard pass to T.J. Moore that gave Clemson a 7-0 lead with 11:01 remaining in the first quarter; his final pass was intercepted on the ensuing Clemson possession.
2
Clemson managed only 31 yards on 11 plays during Vizzina’s three series before he left the game.
3
By halftime, true freshman Tait Reynolds had completed 12 of 17 passes for 160 yards, rushed for 32 yards and lost a fumble on his first drive.
4
Vizzina was seen on the sideline with his injured arm taped up after returning for the second half as a spectator.
5
Clemson’s next game against North Carolina is scheduled for noon at Memorial Stadium and will be televised on ESPN.
Clemson defeated Georgia Southern 22-7 on Saturday, but the victory was clouded by a left-arm injury to senior starting quarterback Christopher Vizzina. Vizzina left after three offensive series when he lost feeling in his arm following a hit and could not move it, according to Coach Dabo Swinney. The quarterback completed 4 of 7 passes for 19 yards, one touchdown and one interception before departing.
True freshman Tait Reynolds replaced Vizzina and sparked Clemson's offense immediately. Reynolds completed 12 of 17 passes for 160 yards and rushed for 32 yards in the win. Swinney said Reynolds had "made a move in the quarterback competition" with his strong performance. The severity of Vizzina's injury remained unclear heading into next week's matchup against North Carolina.
Vizzina's Brief Game Ends With Injury
Vizzina started for Clemson but managed just 31 yards on 11 plays during his three series. His best moment came early when he threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to T.J. Moore that gave Clemson a 7-0 lead with 11:01 left in the first quarter. On his final drive, Vizzina threw an interception before suffering the arm injury that forced him from the game.
Reynolds Takes Over and Impresses Coach
Reynolds entered the game and immediately showed why Swinney felt he had stepped up in the quarterback race. By halftime, the freshman had completed 12 of 17 passes for 160 yards while also contributing 32 rushing yards. Reynolds led five scoring drives that powered Clemson's dominant second half. He lost a fumble on his first drive but bounced back to run the offense efficiently for the rest of the game.
Starter Status Uncertain For UNC Matchup
The question of who will start against North Carolina next Saturday remains unanswered. On3 reported that Vizzina is expected to miss the game with an elbow injury that is likely to sideline him for 1-2 weeks. Reynolds is expected to start in his place. Clemson will host the Tar Heels at noon at Memorial Stadium in a game televised on ESPN.
Clemson's Struggles Beyond The QB Change
While the quarterback injury dominated the narrative, Swinney was critical of Clemson's overall execution. The Tigers committed multiple penalties and turnovers that kept drives from stalling. Swinney praised the defense and special teams for their strong play. Despite the offensive struggles early and the injury to Vizzina, Clemson's defense held Georgia Southern scoreless after the opening drive.
Sentiment
Mostly NegativeNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
34
Articles
129
Reach
163
Topics
A
AnonymousAuthor
