Over the last three games, Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik has rounded into the form that made him a highly sought-after recruit in Austin, Texas. In wins over Notre Dame, Georgia Tech, and North Carolina, the sophomore threw for over five hundred yards with six touchdowns and two interceptions. He also rushed for 44 yards and another score in the Tigers 31-20 victory over the Tarheels this past Saturday. It’s clear that Klubnik is getting comfortable with his surroundings at home. The road, however, has been a different story.
Clemson is 1-3 this season away from Memorial Stadium, and in those games, Klubnik has put up the yards but also the mistakes. In losses to Duke, Miami, and NC State, Klubnik threw for nearly 800 yards with 3 TDs. However, he was also intercepted four times while committing five fumbles. In Clemson’s win at Syracuse, he was nearly flawless going 23-of-37 for 263 yards passing and two touchdowns.
Klubnik’s baptism into the “Palmetto Bowl” will come this Saturday as the Tigers travel to Columbia to face the Gamecocks in easily the most hostile road setting that he’s played in thus far in his Clemson career. That said, Klubnik appears ready for the challenge.
“Obviously, it’s one of the best atmospheres in college football,” Klubnik detailed to the media on Monday. “They’ve got a very loyal fan base and just a high-energy type of stadium. It’ll be a super cool atmosphere from the very start.”
