Clemson University has released its Friday availability report ahead of Saturday's 3:30 PM kickoff against SMU, and the team's biggest question mark has its official designation: Quarterback Cade Klubnik is QUESTIONABLE.
After a week of cryptic comments and fluctuating timelines, the report confirms that Klubnik's sprained ankle will make him a true game-time decision. The news leaves a fanbase on edge and an offense potentially on the brink of a major shift.
The week has been a roller coaster of information regarding the senior signal-caller. On Tuesday, head coach Dabo Swinney was cautiously optimistic, noting Klubnik was merely 'sore' and that his inclination was that he would play.
That tone shifted dramatically by Wednesday night.
"He's gone from day-to-day to hour-to-hour," Swinney revealed, indicating the intensity of the situation. "He's literally getting better every hour. We've been smart with him and he's been able to do what he needed to do."
While the constant improvement is a hopeful sign, the fact remains that Klubnik was "limited" in practice throughout the week. This forced the coaching staff to prepare for the very real possibility of playing without their starter, giving backups Christopher Vizzina and Trent Pearman a "ton of work."
Swinney has left no doubt about the chain of command should Klubnik be sidelined.
"If Cade can't go, [Vizzina] is the guy for sure and we've got to go get it done," Swinney stated earlier in the week. "We've got confidence that he could."
Klubnik is not the only Tiger whose status is up in the air. Veteran offensive lineman Tristan Leigh is also listed as QUESTIONABLE.
They join an alarmingly long list of players who have been definitively ruled OUT for the contest:
- RB Jarvis Green
- RB Peyton Streko
- RB Jay Haynes
- DE Armon Mason
- LB Billy Wilkes
- OL Elyjah Thurmon
- DT Makhi Williams Lee
- OL Easton Ware
- WR Tristan Martinez
- WR Zach Jackson
- DE Ari Watford
Now, all that's left is the wait. All eyes will be on the Clemson sideline during pre-game warmups Saturday afternoon to see if No. 2 is ready to go, or if the Tigers will have to navigate a crucial matchup without their leader under center.