Clemson is turning to freshman Tait Reynolds at quarterback beginning Saturday against North Carolina, hoping to jump-start an offense that has struggled mightily through two games.
Reynolds had come off the bench in each of the Tigers' first two games, including last week against Georgia Southern when starter Christopher Vizzina exited with an arm injury.
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said Vizzina would be available for Saturday's game but will not start.
"We just feel, based on opportunity, mistakes and body of work, Tait has earned the opportunity to start," Swinney said.
Neither quarterback has played particularly well so far this year, but Reynolds has engineered a few explosive plays and has yet to throw an interception. Vizzina is averaging just 4.4 yards per attempt and has thrown two bad interceptions, including one that was returned for a touchdown by LSU in the opener.
For the season, Reynolds is completing 60.6% of his throws, averaging 6.1 yard-per-attempt and has not thrown a touchdown.
Swinney said Reynolds will continue to be evaluated and that he "still believe[s]" in Vizzina.
Through two games, Clemson (1-1) is averaging 16 points per game, 128th nationally, has failed to pick up a first down on nearly half its drives, and has allowed more tackles for loss than any team in the country.
"I know it seems like we're a mile away," Swinney said, "but we're a lot closer than you think."
