Clemson Football: Klubnik deserves more playing time

Clemson football got the season started on the right foot Monday night with a 41-10 victory over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. The defense played well, which was expected. The offense got off to a slow start. It was 17-10 with just under four minutes left in the third quarter when DJ Uiagalelei improvised a last-second pitch to Will Shipley to keep the Clemson drive alive, which eventually resulted in a touchdown.

Fortunately, the Tigers’ second blocked punt of the night led to another touchdown which put them ahead 34-10, which gave Clemson just enough of a cushion that Coach Swinney gave the nod for true freshman quarterback Cade Klubnik to take the field.

Klubnik did not disappoint, going 4-6 for 50 yards and a touchdown pass to Will Taylor. Klubnik also found Drew Swinney for two receptions.

Klubnik looked at ease in the pocket, but also looked very smooth rolling out of the pocket, twice finding receivers while on the move.

It was just one drive in garbage time, but I couldn’t help but think it was the best drive of the night. It was efficient. There were two incompletions, but it felt mistake free. It might be more accurate to say from a fan’s perspective, it was stress free.

DJ Uiagalelei didn’t have a bad night, but I think it’s a stretch to say he had a good night. He finished 19-32 for 209 passing yards and one passing touchdown. He also logged 28 yards running with one rushing touchdown. He had one turnover – a fumble in the first quarter.

Clemson football backup quarterback Cade Klubnik may have earned more playing time with his performance in the Tigers opening game

While DJ was making mistakes, it also appeared the balance of the offense wasn’t sharp either. The offensive line wasn’t getting a push and opening holes for the running backs, nor were the receivers getting separation and giving DJ targets. I was chatting with friends Monday night and one thing I think all of us agreed on was that we wanted to see Klubnik with the starters to see if the offense is just as stagnant with him as it is with DJ, or if we see improved production when Klubnik is in the game.

Given the efficiency with which Klubnik executed his drive, I think he has earned more playing time, and he should get a drive or two in the first half. I think Clemson should plan on Klubnik getting the 2nd or 3rd drives against Furman and Louisiana Tech, regardless of DJ’s performance. If his performance warrants it, Klubnik should then see more action during the 2nd half.

We will have to wait and see if Coach Swinney and Coach Streeter agree with this strategy. Given that Furman is an FCS school and Louisiana Tech is in the Group of Five, it’s possible they planned to give Klubnik more meaningful snaps anyway.