As the Clemson Tigers (3-3, 2-2 ACC) prepare for a rematch of the 2024 ACC Championship Game, much more than the SMU Mustangs (4-2, 2-0 ACC) awaits.
Senior quarterback Cade Klubnik exited last Saturday night’s win over Boston College with an ankle injury, putting his status for tomorrow’s contest in jeopardy.
The veteran signal-caller has not missed a start since being named QB1 at the 2022 Orange Bowl against Tennessee. He’s thrown for 8,710 yards and 68 touchdowns during his time as a Tiger, and ran for 15 more scores.
Head coach Dabo Swinney cited Klubnik’s improving status on a media call after practice on Wednesday
“He’s been limited,” Swinney said. “We’ve just been taking our time with him. Like I said yesterday, he’s gone from day-to-day to he’s hour-to-hour. Hopefully by tomorrow, he’ll be minute to minute… [Cade’s] literally getting better every hour. We’ve just been smart with him, and he’s been able to do what he needed to do.”
Klubnik’s impact will no doubt be felt on the game, should he be ruled out. In that case, it’ll likely be redshirt sophomore Christopher Vizzina taking snaps as the starter. Swinney hasn’t shied away from endorsing the Birmingham, Alabama product this season, particular amidst fan cries for Klubnik’s position.
“If Cade can’t go, CV is the guy, for sure,” he said. You’ve got to go get it done. We’ve got confidence that he could.”
Vizzina has seen very limited action during his collegiate career, completing 26 of 48 passes for 227 yards and an interception. That pick came during the Tigers’ 41-10 rout of Boston College this past Saturday. Despite the two seasons that Vizzina has poured into the Clemson program, there’s still a sense of mystery around the impact he might have once it’s his turn.
Should he be asked to start against the Mustangs, fans should expect a run-focused gameplan from offensive coordinator Garrett Riley. Leaning into the ground game with running back Adam Randall, along with simple pass game concepts to electric receivers Bryant Wesco Jr. and Antonio Williams, can help Vizzina play a ‘point guard’ type of role.
