Report: Syracuse CB Garrett Williams 'unlikely' to play vs Clemson

Syracuse cornerback Garrett Williams made the trip to Clemson but is unlikely to play against the Tigers, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reports. Williams did not practice this week after suffering a leg injury against N.C. State.

Williams, an All-ACC defensive back, has totaled 25 tackles, three passes defended, two interceptions and one forced fumble. Overall, the sophomore CB is the most productive member of the Orange defensive efforts and is a big blow to the Syracuse defense ahead of its toughest matchup of the season.

CLICK HERE to subscribe for FREE to the On3 YouTube channel

Even without Williams, Syracuse has a chance for its to secure the biggest victory of its Cinderella season against the Tigers. With the Orange already bowl-bound and off to its first 6-0 start of the 21st century, they have nothing to lose against Clemson in Death Valley.

Kickoff between the two undefeated ACC opponents is set for noon ET live on ABC.

Dino Babers says D.J. Uiagalelei is ‘much more improved’

It’s no secret that DJ Uiagalelei has been one of the ACC’s best quarterbacks this season. People are taking notice, including Syracuse head coach Dino Babers, who had nothing but good things to say about the Clemson star ahead of their matchup this weekend.

“I think he is much better. Much more improved,” Babers said Monday. “Their offense has changed dramatically based off of his improvement, and it’s a testament to him. … He’s a good spirit, good person and I’m glad for his success.”

Uiagalelei has thrown for 1,665 yards this season while throwing 17 touchdowns compared to two interceptions. Much better from last year’s 9-10 touchdown-to-interception ratio. The Clemson quarterback is well on pace to eclipse the 2,246 passing yards he threw for last season, and has already surpassed his rushing totals for last season as well.

CLICK HERE to subscribe for FREE to the On3 YouTube channel

His improved ability to scramble has opened up the option game and added another wrinkle to Brandon Streeter’s offense. Instead of forcing the ball downfield like he did last year, Uiagalelei has been making smarter choices (mostly with his feet). His completion percentage has increased from 55.6 percent in 2021 to 64.3 percent this season – and more importantly, he isn’t turning the ball over. 

One thing Uiagalelei and the Tigers didn’t do last season: perform to expectations with the lights on bright. Clemson didn’t live up to the hype in 2021, but with wins over ranked opponents such as Wake Forest and NC State already this season, a victory over an undefeated Syracuse team would put the Tigers in prime position to compete for its seventh ACC Championship in eight years.

No. 5 Clemson (7-0) and No. 14 Syracuse (6-0),the two remaining unbeaten teams in the ACC, are set to do battle at noon ET live from Death Valley. ABC will carry the national broadcast.