Fernandina Beach, FL: Cade Klubnik will be making his second start in a bowl game Friday when Clemson takes on Kentucky in the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville. Klubnik was at the helm of the Tigers’ offense in last years’ 31-14 loss to Tennessee in the Orange Bowl.
Klubnik did pass for 320 yards and rush for 51 yards and a touchdown that night in Miami Gardens, but he was intercepted twice and mishandled a final first half drive that cost the Tigers at least a field goal.
But that was last year. Klubnik has a full regular season as a starter under his belt withstanding the ups and downs that come along the way. He has the Tigers on a four-game winning streak though he failed to get the offense into the end zone in the win over South Carolina to cap the regular season.
Klubnik is 10th in the ACC in passing efficiency but 6th in passing yards per game. He’s also fifth in the league in passing touchdowns. So,, the promise that Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney keeps preaching about is no doubt there, and Klubnik will have the chance Friday against a defense ranked 88th nationally in passing yards allowed.
After practice Wednesday, Klubnik met with the media to talk about bowl practice and his confidence going into Friday.