With just four games left in the season, the Clemson Tigers’ record has been far different from the preseason hype that surrounded the team in August, a lack of success that is unfamiliar to sophomore quarterback Cade Klubnik.
As a high school quarterback in Austin, Texas, Klubnik won three consecutive state titles at Westlake High School. But through eight games as Clemson’s starting signal-caller this year, the Tigers are 4-4, with all four losses coming against ACC opponents. That number of losses against in-conference opponents is something the Tigers’ have not faced since 2010, when they finished 6-7 overall and 4-4 in ACC play.
“This is a winning program at the end of the day, so when we have a record like we have, no, nobody’s used to it,” Klubnik said on Monday. “It’s learning how to handle that. I’d much rather be at a winning program than a losing program. I’m not going anywhere. I’m sticking to this place, and I trust everybody here. I trust coach Swinney. Earlier on in his career, he had some ups and downs, but look what he did after that.”
In the Tigers’ 24-17 loss to NC State last week, Klubnik completed 33 of 50 pass attempts for 263 yards, zero touchdowns and two interceptions. Through eight games, the sophomore signal-caller has completed 63.9% of his throws for 1,947 yards, 13 touchdowns and five interceptions, adding 89 yards and three scores on the ground.
The sophomore admitted that the 4-4 record is not something he had expected coming into the year, but he believes the team will continue to fight.
With No. 12 Notre Dame headed to Death Valley on Saturday, it is possible that Clemson could face its third loss in a row following losses to Miami and NC State on the road.
After their loss to the Wolfpack, Klubnik said he and Swinney had a heart-to-heart on the state of the team and how the two are not used to the feeling of losing.
“What he’s done for a long time now is win, and for a long time, that’s kind of all I’ve done is just win,” Klubnik said. “So that’s something that I will never let become numb to me, is a loss.”
As some raise questions about opening the playbook, Klubnik said he is fully trusting in his coaches and only offers his input “here and there.”
“There’s a reason coach Swinney is who he is, and coach Riley is who he is,” Klubnik said.
Klubnik also touched on his leadership within the team. He believes that the losses could be good to help him become a better leader for the team.
“I don’t think I’d be able to be as good of a leader if we were 8-0 right now.”
