Clemson-SMU spread plummets as Cade Klubnik's status gains uncertainty

Clemson’s once double-digit spread as the favorite over SMU for Saturday’s game fell to less than a touchdown by Thursday morning. 

Concerns about the ankle of Clemson starting quarterback Cade Klubnik are being reflected in the sports betting market, which has seen the line fall from Clemson -10 to =5.5. He was injured in the second half and didn’t return to last Saturday’s 41-10 victory at Boston College. 

Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney said on Wednesday that Klubnik has been managing the ankle while the coaching staff has been preparing for another option. 

"We've just been taking our time with him," Swinney said. "He's gone from day to day to hour to hour... literally, getting better every hour."   

However, a report from Tiger Illustrated on Thursday morning painted a bleaker picture. Klubnik could be a game-time decision, at best, and Clemson could have to turn to redshirt sophomore Chris Vizzina, who’s never made a collegiate start. 

In 10 games over the last two seasons as a backup, Vizzina has completed 54.2% of his 48 passing attempts for 227 yards with no touchdowns and one interception. 

Meanwhile, the spread teter-tottered between 10 and 9 over the last couple of days. But early Thursday, the line began plummeting and reached 5.5 points on FanDuel and DraftKings. 

As of around noon on Thursday, DraftKings reported that 65% of the money and 61% of the bets were on the Mustangs. 

Clemson’s first availability report will be released later on Thursday, with the team providing updates both Friday evening and Saturday. Rubbing the Rock will have updates on both Klubnik’s health status for Saturday’s 3:30 p.m. kickoff throughout the week and a betting preview on gameday.