Clemson’s 2023 season is one day away from kicking off as Dabo Swinney and the Tigers prepare for their Labor Day matchup with the Duke Blue Devils in Durham.
Heading into this matchup, we identified one offensive X-Factor for this matchup with the Blue Devils, and our choice won’t surprise you. It is starting quarterback Cade Klubnik.
Not only for Week 1 but the entire season, Klubnik will fit under the mold of X-Factor for this offense. It is his first season starting under center for the program, and the Tigers’ offense will go as far as he and offensive coordinator Garrett Riley allow. Klubnik has an immense ceiling, and it is something that Clemson fans have been thrilled about.
We have a small sample size of what Klubnik can do, seeing the good and the bad. In the Tigers’ huge ACC Championship win over UNC, Klubnik won MVP, completing 20-of-24 passes for 279 yards and a touchdown, rushing seven times for 30 yards with a score on the ground. While the Orange Bowl didn’t fair as well for the young quarterback, multiple factors played into that performance.
A road matchup with the Blue Devils is no easy challenge, but the young quarterback has shown us before what he is capable of. With a full offseason of work, preparation, and dedication, Klubnik is poised for a sophomore season breakout.
All eyes will be on the sophomore Monday night.