The No. 9 Clemson Tigers are on a hot streak, and with Texas-born quarterback Cade Klubnik under center, they have no plans of cooling down. Heading into Week 9 last year, the Tigers had all four of the season’s losses under their belt already and were preparing to meet then-No. 12 Notre Dame on the field in Death Valley.
We all know how that story goes.
Preseason hype is a dangerous disease in the realm of Division I athletics, as unrealistic expectations can destroy confidence when players are criticized for not meeting the benchmarks set by the public.
Clemson appeared to be at risk in August when the hype train swore up and down that this team was unlike anything ever seen before and would blow out anyone, anytime. The Tigers were then stomped on by Georgia, and people all too happily returned to their calls for Klubnik’s head.
“Cowboy Cade,” as coined ahead of the NC State game, sat back and watched, knowing there was nothing he could say that he couldn’t show. The team has not lost since, setting multiple records on their way to sit 6-1 at the top of the ACC.
One of the most popular topics this year regarding NCAA powerhouses has been Clemson’s Cinderella story. While respected, the legitimacy of the program has come under question in recent years thanks to less-than-stellar offensive statistics.
Following the conclusion of Week 8 last year, Klubnik had thrown for 13 touchdowns and five interceptions. Following the conclusion of Week 8 this year, Klubnik has thrown for 20 touchdowns and three interceptions — more touchdowns than he had the entirety of last year.
Never satisfied, Klubnik still has reasonable critiques of his performance.
“Personally, I’m pretty upset about a couple of my throws today,” he said on Saturday. “Some days, you’re not on it, and I’ll look back at it and figure out why. At the end of the day, it’s mechanics.”
Clemson’s struggles in both the passing and rushing game may not be solved, but they have certainly been alleviated. Statistically, the Tigers have improved significantly in both categories: They have 200 more receiving yards than at this point last year, and leading rusher Phil Mafah is averaging a yard more per carry.
Looking at the season ahead, the Tigers must remain cautious. Louisville’s presence cannot be ignored after reaching the ACC Championship last year, Virginia Tech’s home stadium advantage is monumental and Pitt is off to a 6-0 start for the first time in over 30 years.
With less football ahead than behind, the question of contender versus pretender has been answered for Clemson by Clemson.
