Despite a shaky beginning on offense, No. 4 Clemson got past Georgia Tech in their first match.

DJ Uiagalelei wasn’t perfect. In fact, he was pretty mediocre, especially in the early going.

That was enough offense to surpass last season’s 14-8 win over Georgia Tech on Monday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The defense was so good that he was able to do well enough, and he was.

Fans were hoping that freshman Cade Klubnik would receive some support on Uiagalelei’s first two possessions, as he was so horrible that he had to fumble away the Tigers’ first chance to score. On third down, Uiagalelei fumbled the snap from center to ruin the Tigers’ first drive.

Clemson took a 14-3 lead in the first half after Uiagalelei regained his composure and led the Tigers to two touchdowns.

The misery index was on display again in Nebraska’s completely unsatisfying win.

Beaux Collins caught a 14-0 pass from Uiagalelei on a 2-yard run from the 5-yard line for Clemson’s first score. That seemed enough with the Tigers’ tough defense.

Georgia Tech took a 14-10 lead halfway through the third quarter.

Uiagalelei and the offense put together a nine-play touchdown drive after the defense forced a Tech three-and-out in response to a 12-play field goal drive by the Tigers.

Clemson avoided a College Football Playoff setback Monday night thanks to Uiagalelei’s performance, who at least showed flashes of the form that made him a Heisman Trophy favorite entering 2021. Will Shipley scored two rushing touchdowns in the game.

Klubnik came on for the last possession and threw a 6-yard touchdown to Will Taylor to finish off the 41-10 win.