It’s Wednesday in Tiger Town, which means the focus has fully shifted to this weekend’s ACC showdown in Death Valley. Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik met with the media today and delivered a mix of optimism, accountability, and perspective as the Tigers prepare for a tough Syracuse team.
Offense Showing Signs of Progress
Klubnik said that despite the loss last weekend, the Tigers put together their most complete offensive performance of the season. “We got in a really good flow throughout the game,” Klubnik said. “Putting together a 17-play drive and a 14-play drive together was really fun to just kind of see the offense really going to work.”
But the senior signal-caller admitted it was painful to rewatch the film knowing how close Clemson was to sealing a victory. “It’s hard to watch and realize how close you were and how one or two plays could have changed the game,” Klubnik said. “But we’ll learn from it and continue to move on. I believe every dream we have is still in front of us.”
Leadership and Locker Room Energy
One theme of Klubnik’s comments was leadership and how to keep the locker room upbeat despite a slow start. “I’m just trying to bring some joy every day and be a light,” he said. “One of my mentors told me whenever you’re going through a hard time, go love on people well. That’s what I’m trying to do is just be a light in this building.”
He also credited linebacker Wade Woodaz for helping set the tone. “Wade talked about man we dreamed of playing Clemson football, so let’s go play some Clemson football and just go live out our dream and enjoy every single day,” Klubnik said.
Taking Accountability
Klubnik didn’t shy away from discussing two costly turnovers that stalled Clemson drives. “Props to [the defender] he made a heck of a play,” Klubnik said of his red-zone interception. “Looking back, I probably should have handed it off, especially with how good our run game was right there.”
Still, Klubnik called it “probably our best game offensively” and emphasized the importance of all 11 players doing their job on each snap. “A few times we just had 10, and that hurts,” he said.
Klubnik on NIL
The senior also opened up about how he approaches the new era of NIL revenue sharing in college football. “I didn’t grow up dreaming to play college football to go make money, I dreamed to run out in front of 100,000 fans,” Klubnik said. “I feel like I’m kind of a guinea pig in this NIL era. But football is number one for me. I’m not dealing with any of that stuff during the season that’s all in May and June.”
He added that he believes Clemson’s players have handled NIL pressures well: “We just got to continue to love the game. That’s what it comes down to.”
Scouting Syracuse
This will be Klubnik’s third time facing the Orange, and he expects another battle. “They play really hard. You can see their heart on tape,” Klubnik said. “They’re physical, they fly to the ball, and we know we’re going to get their best.”
Clemson-Syracuse matchups have been notoriously close in recent years, and with both teams fighting to stay in the ACC race, this weekend promises to be no different.
What to Watch
The key for Clemson will be cleaning up the little details that Klubnik mentioned turnovers, miscommunications, and third-down execution. The Tigers will also look to build on their run game momentum after Klubnik’s 17 rushing attempts last week helped extend drives.
“We’ve got nine guaranteed games left,” Klubnik said. “We just have to keep chasing. Whoever wants it more is going to win the game.”
Kickoff is set for Saturday at noon in Death Valley as Clemson looks to get back in the win column and reestablish itself in ACC contention.
