DJ Uiagalelei explains the impact of Kobe Pace injury on Clemson's offense

No. 4 Clemson will be without one of its workhorses in the backfield for the next few weeks, with a Kobe Pace injury depleting the running back depth a bit. Pace is expected to miss multiple games after undergoing a procedure following a high-ankle sprain.

Pace was the third back in Clemson’s rotation, toting the rock 20 times this season for 59 yards and two touchdowns.

“It’s tough, man. That’s a big back for us,” quarterback DJ Uiagalelei said on Monday. “Kobe Pace, he does a lot of things in the pass game and the run game. Extremely explosive back, but I know we’ve got a lot of guys behind him with (Will Shipley), (Phil Mafah) Domonique (Thomas), Keith (Adams Jr.). Lot of good running backs still, so they’ll be able to pick up for Kobe.”

Clemson’s running game currently ranks 54th nationally, averaging 170.5 yards per game.

Shipley is the lead workhorse in the group, piling up 446 yards and eight touchdowns through the first six games. Uiagalelei’s own running ability has also complemented the backs, with the veteran quarterback accounting for 311 yards and three rushing touchdowns.

Mafah has run 39 times for 162 yards and a touchdown and figures to be in for a bigger workload the next few weeks with Pace out.

Clemson rallying around Kobe Pace after injury

Pace underwent a procedure to help repair his high-ankle sprain, which is expected to keep him out for at least four weeks, according to coach Dabo Swinney.

The Tigers are doing what they can to boost the junior’s spirits in the meantime.

“We’ve got to be able to rally around him and encourage him,” Uiagalelei said. “He’ll be back soon, hopefully. Just be able to make sure he’s doing the right things.”

With Clemson on top of the ACC Atlantic right now and currently unbeaten, there’s a good chance the Tigers will be playing into the first week of December. Playoffs are a definite possibility.

So there’s a lot for Pace to look forward to as he begins the rehab process.

“It’s tough, but Kobe’s a worker, man,” Uiagalelei said. “He’s a hard-worker, he’s a great running back and I know eventually he’ll be back out there soon. I can’t wait.”