Clemson was able to get the 27-16 win over Troy after scoring 24 points in the second half. The Tigers overall performance in the game was not great though. It felt as if there was no sense of urgency to right the wrongs from the loss a week earlier.
Not to take anything away from a very good Troy program that can never be taken lightly, but that is not what we expect this Clemson team to look like. The Tigers definitely don’t look like a national championship contender right now. Especially not after the first half against the Trojans.
Much of this starts with Cade Klubnik who has not played up to standard to start the season. He’s making many of the same mistakes he did in his sophomore season.
The senior quarterback is rushing through everything. This includes his pre and post snap reads, his footwork, and even his throwing motion at times. He’s missing receivers on what should be easy pass attempts for a quarterback with his talent. Klubnik looks rattled to start the season and it's affecting his team.
Part of what makes Klubnik a great leader is his infectious personality. His attitude trickles through this Clemson team, especially the offense. When Klubnik is cool and confident on the field, the guys around him are too. That is when the unit performs at its best. When Klubnik begins playing jittery and trying to do more than he needs to, the offense plays lost and confused.
The Troy game was the best example of that.
In the first half when Klubnik went 11/16 for 97 yards and an interception, the offense was stagnant and couldn’t do anything right. In the second half, Klubnik completed seven of his eight pass attempts in the half for 99 yards and two two touchdowns. The offense was humming during that stretch.
The run game was able to get going with Adam Randall rushing for 112 yards and a touchdown. That helped get the offense moving. Klubnik’s demeanor changed once Randall got going. Suddenly the senior was standing in the pocket with more confidence and delivering balls with accuracy when taking his shots.
Klubnik looked much more convicted in what he saw and his ability to make the plays necessary in the second half
This team will go where Klubnik takes them. He and the front seven of the defense will be who determines how successful this season is for the Tigers. As much as some may say otherwise, Klubnik has shown he can perform in big spots.
Klubnik is a two time ACC Champion and won MVP in both games. He also earned the praise he received all offseason because of his performance in the road playoff game against Texas. Someone in the Clemson football building needs to remind him how good he can be when he trusts the abilities of himself and his teammates.