Redshirt sophomore quarterback Christopher Vizzina showed flashes of Clemson’s future at the position in the Tigers’ loss to SMU. In his first career start, Vizzina threw for 317 yards and three touchdowns, completing 69 percent of his passes. While his performance offered plenty of promise, the young quarterback was tough on himself afterward, citing areas he wants to improve.
“There’s definitely some throws I want back, definitely some plays I want back. Obviously really disappointed we didn’t win,” Vizzina said. “One thing that sticks out is the slow start and then I don’t think I made enough plays with my legs and I don’t think (I) made enough plays in general to win the game. So, that’s disappointing. But, obviously, first start, a lot of things to learn. I was proud of myself on just how I took the situation and ran with it.”
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One of the highlights of the day came on fourth-and-21 late in the fourth quarter, when Vizzina connected with senior receiver Tristan Smith for a 23-yard touchdown. The play kept Clemson alive briefly before SMU’s offense ran out the clock. “Obviously, we were trying to draw them offsides and when they did jump, it’s, ‘Let’s get the ball to the tallest guy on the field that jumps the highest,’” Vizzina said. “I think Tristan and I have great chemistry… we spent time in the film room and on the field just trying to get that chemistry down, and it was good to see it come out on full display this (past) Saturday.”
Clemson also suffered a tough blow in the loss when sophomore wide receiver Bryant Wesco Jr. was hospitalized after landing on his head during a punt return. He’s expected to make a full recovery but will miss the rest of the season. “He’s in good spirits. I’ve been praying for him really hard. I’m glad everything worked out in a best-case scenario,” Vizzina said. “We’re going to miss him, but he’s definitely a brother to me, someone I really care about and he’s doing good.”
The Tigers are on their second bye week, giving extra time to prepare for Duke on Nov. 1 (Noon / ACC Network). The Blue Devils, now 4-3 after losing to Georgia Tech, will look to bounce back, while Vizzina continues preparing as if he’ll take the field again. “There’s always a chance of me playing, so I have to prepare like I’m going to play,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if they tell me I’m playing or I’m not playing. I’m going to prepare to play.”
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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Clemson backup QB Christopher Vizzina is prepared for another start
