In the aftermath of Saturday's narrow win over Syracuse, everyone at Clemson was careful to stick to the script.

Is there a QB controversy after DJ Uiagalelei was benched and Cade Klubnik led the 7-0 Tigers to a come-from-behind win?

Offensive coordinator Brandon Streeter: "Absolutely not, 1,000% not."

Klubnik: "He's our guy. DJ is going to lead us."

Uiagalelei: "If I was put in [Swinney's] spot, I would've done the same thing."

So, that's the end of the discussion, no harm done, business as usual. Right?

Right?

Well, maybe.

It certainly doesn't sound like Swinney's decision to bench his starter midway through the third quarter hurt Uiagalelei's feelings, and in an era when opt outs are expected and the transfer portal offers a welcome respite to every spurned star, Uiagalelei's words after Saturday's 26-21 win offered ample encouragement.

"When a quarterback's not playing good, not playing up to par — especially how I was playing — then you've got to be able to make a change like that," Uiagalelei said. "Stats aren't everything. For me, the No. 1 stat is whether you win or lose. Today we got a 'W.' And that's Coach Swinney's No. 1 job. We have 135 guys on this team, and at the end of the day his responsibility is the team, not me."