Was there any other choice for this one?
You could have easily made the case for Clemson starting quarterback Cade Klubnik being the Tigers’ X-Factor against Georgia in Week 1. I opted to go with Phil Mafah, which I would say was a good choice, as Clemson’s lack of being able to establish the run had serious repercussions on the rest of the game. Things are different this week; however, I can tell you now that Mafah will have his way against App State. That’s not to discredit the Mountaineers, that’s just one of the best running backs in college football bouncing back.
The thing I don’t know, is how Klubnik will play. We’re at the point where there are no guarantees with Clemson’s passing attack. Even with the talent they have at wide receiver, which many still don’t believe the Tigers have, there’s few opponents in college football right now where I’d say this passing attack is going to carve up. It’s believe it when we see it at this point.
So, Klubnik is our X-Factor ad for good reason. If App State commits to stopping the run, which is what any sane defensive coordinator would do against Clemson, the offensive production may fall on Klubnik’s shoulders. Today is a day he needs to prove why he’s a starting quarterback at a program as strong as Clemson.