After three weeks of frustration, Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik looked every bit the leader this team has been searching for. Efficient, poised, and in total control, Klubnik completed 22 of 24 passes for 254 yards and four touchdowns in the Tigers’ 38–10 domination of North Carolina — a performance that reset the tone for a program desperate to find its rhythm.
From the very first play — a 75-yard touchdown strike on a trick pass from Antonio Williams to T.J. Moore — Clemson’s offense had swagger. But it was Klubnik’s consistency that defined the afternoon.
“It was awesome,” Klubnik said. “We’ve been practicing that play for about a week and a half. It was great to come out of the gate and finally score and have a lead like that. I’m truly proud of the guys — we responded really, really well this week.”
Leadership and Accountability Drive the Turnaround
Klubnik’s postgame tone wasn’t about stats. It was about accountability — both his and the team’s.
“If you would’ve come to practice this week, you’d have no idea what our record was,” he said. “Guys just went to work. That’s the leadership of this team. It’s really special. Like I said earlier this week — we’re not going anywhere.”
The quarterback credited the offense’s execution on third down and sustained drives as turning points. Clemson converted 4-of-12 third downs and three fourth downs, dominating time of possession while keeping UNC’s defense off balance.
“I just felt like myself again,” Klubnik said. “We were great on first and second down, and really good on third. I just wanted to manage the game and stay intentional about keeping drives alive.”
Tight Ends and Trust: A Balanced Attack
Clemson’s tight ends were a revelation. Christian Bentancur caught two touchdown passes, and Adam Randall added two more scores, as Klubnik spread the ball to 11 different receivers.
“I’m super proud of Christian,” Klubnik said. “We actually joked in meetings yesterday that he was going to score — and he did, twice. He’s just gone to work since the day he got here. Same with Adam — he can run routes, block, do it all. Having guys like that makes my job easy.”
Williams, who both threw and caught passes, also provided an emotional spark for an offense that has struggled with rhythm. “It was fun to see Tone throw one,” Klubnik laughed. “He’s an energizer for sure.”
A Team Effort Built on Faith and Fight
Clemson’s offense piled up 488 total yards while the defense smothered UNC, allowing just 229 and one late touchdown. But Klubnik was focused on what comes next — consistency and continued accountability.
“This was about 11 guys doing their job,” he said. “It fires you up to see guys straining without the ball to go make plays for someone else. We’re going to celebrate this one and go right back to work on Monday.”
As the Tigers finally looked like themselves again, Klubnik’s leadership — calm, accountable, and unshaken — might be the biggest reason hope is back in Death Valley.