Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney has been taking arrows from every direction following the Tigers stunning 28-7 loss to the Duke Blue Devils on Labor Day.
There’s a plethora of college football analysts, including ESPN’s Paul Finebaum, who believe that Clemson’s run as a perennial national title contender is over.
Joining the premature funeral to throw dirt on Dabo’s grave is Dave Uiagalelei, the father of his former quarterback DJ Uiagalelei.
As you probably remember, DJ was absolutely terrible for the Tigers last season and single-handily held them back from contending for a Playoff spot.
He has since transferred to Oregon State in an attempt to save his football career. Meanwhile, Cade Klubnik has taken over as Clemson’s starting quarterback.
While Duke is a much better team than most people think (led by a first-round draft pick quarterback), it was absolutely inexcusable for Dabo and the Tigers to lose to them.
Clemson shot themselves in the foot all night long with sloppy, undisciplined and uncharacteristic mistakes and turnovers – especially in crucial situations.
The inexplicable performance was extra frustrating for the Tigers since new offensive coordinator Garrett Riley was supposed to bring creative and explosive firepower to the unit right off the bat – something that clearly didn’t happen.
Regardless, “Big Dave” Uiagalelei felt the need to blast Dabo on social media and made it seem like Swinney was at fault for his son’s miserable tenure at Clemson.
“I get it, YOU’RE against the portal, and you dislike NIL, but that’s you and how you feel. Your obligation is to the athletes and what best fits the success of the program!”
I get it, YOUR against the portal, and you dislike NIL. But that’s you and how you feel.
Your obligation is to the athletes and what best fits the success of the program‼️‼️‼️
— Big Dave Uiagalelei (@DUiagalelei) September 6, 2023
Dabo has been criticized by some for not embracing the new wild, wild west world of NIL and the transfer portal.
But it’s ironic that “Big Dave” of all people would feel the need to publicly bash Swinney.. Afterall, no one has stuck up for his son, DJ, more than Dabo.
The entire Clemson fan base was furious with Swinney for sticking with DJ and refusing to bench him last season, despite him single-handily losing games for the Tigers.
Simply put, no one was more loyal to DJ than Dabo was. He gave him chance after chance after chance after chance to succeed – but he never did.
Thankfully, Joyce Turner, has two sons that played for Swinney (including current wide receiver, Cole) and she didn’t miss the opportunity to put “Big Dave” in his place..
“From a parent who has been BEYOND blessed to have Dabo as a coach, mentor, friend and roll model for both my sons, Nolan and Cole Turner, let me just say…..
Big Dave, NOBODY stood behind your son more than Dabo. This is such a disappointment to read.”
https://twitter.com/joyceturner28/status/1699563160510795850
“Big Dave, NOBODY stood behind your son more than Dabo. This is such a disappointment to read. Do you not remember HOW MUCH he was hated upon for standing by your son, not giving up on him? Wow, how quickly we forget. Such a shame.”
Outstanding reply
— Deroberts (@Derober55730755) September 7, 2023
“Can you believe the nerve! What a complete idiot he literally is! So disappointing. I pray he doesn’t get back into DJ’s head”
https://twitter.com/joyceturner28/status/1699584735587045777
Clemson fans were very quick to agree and support Joyce in the matter…
“Big Dave I Always supported DJ and a lot of Tigers fans did not and a lot did but if anyone supported DJ it was coach Swinney so whatever bad blood you have with him is crazy because for someone like dabo who is more than a coach to his players I just couldn’t see someone posting this.”
Big Dave I Always supported DJ and a lot of Tigers fans did not and a lot did but if anyone supported DJ it was coach Swinney so whatever bad blood you have with him is crazy because for someone like dabo who is more than a coach to his players I just couldn’t see someone posting…
— Cole Gerard (@ColeGerard4) September 7, 2023
“For real, everybody in the country was trashing DJ and Dabo had has back. Even after he left and blamed Clemson’s system for his issues Dabo had nothing but positive things to say about him.”
For real, everybody in the country was trashing DJ and Dabo had has back. Even after he left and blamed Clemson's system for his issues Dabo had nothing but positive things to say about him.
— Chad Rude (@ChadRude1) September 7, 2023
“What’s ironic is that if dabo used the portal, then his son would have been replaced by a transfer after a dismal year 1. Im sure big dave would have cried about that too.”
What's ironic is that if dabo used the portal, then his son would have been replaced by a transfer after a dismal year 1. Im sure big dave would have cried about that too.
— Robert hinton (@RobbieH_101) September 7, 2023
Clemson will try to get back on track when they face Charleston Southern in their home-opener this Saturday.
What is your take on this whole situation?
Is all the heat and criticism for Dabo warranted? Is Clemson’s reign truly over?
Whose side are you on – Joyce’s or Big Dave’s???
