The Clemson Tigers host SMU on Saturday at 3:30 p.m., looking for their first three-game winning streak of the season, but a major injury cloud looms over the game.
Starting quarterback Cade Klubnik (ankle) was listed as questionable in the team’s Thursday night availability report. He could be a game-time decision, and the betting market has reflected a potential loss of Klubnik at Memorial Stadium.
Still, the Tigers need a win over the Mustangs to have a bleak chance at staying in the ACC title race. Clemson (3-3, 2-2) reached .500 overall and in the ACC with a win last week at Boston College.
SMU (4-2, 2-0) has back-to-back conference wins over Syracuse and Stanford and is very much in the race to return to Charlotte in December. These two teams met for the first time in the 2024 ACC Championship Game, which Clemson won 34-31 on a 56-yard field goal.
Saturday is Clemson’s annual Breast Cancer Awareness game, which has a special meaning to head coach Dabo Swinney and his wife Kathleen.
On Saturday, we will wear pink accessories in support of all those who are affected by breast cancer. We are Stronger Together.
— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) October 16, 2025
Game Seven on deck. 🐅 pic.twitter.com/mW6Nxb9Bwk
Availability
Klubnik’s status isn’t the only one up in the air for this game. Starting left tackle Tristan Leigh was also listed as questionable against SMU. If Klubnik can’t go, Chris Vizzina is expected to make his first career start.
Check back with Rubbing The Rock later for injury updates.
Tiger time
Where: Clemson Memorial Stadium
When: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Kickoff time: 3:30 p.m.
Where to find the game: ACC Network
Parking lots: Open at 8 a.m.
Gates: Open at 1:30 p.m.
Tiger Walk: Begins at 1:25 p.m.
Predictions
Zach Lentz: The Clemson Tigers have been on the feel-good tour of their schedule, as they wrapped up a two-game winning streak against two of the worst programs in the entire CFB world. But now comes arguably the start of their toughest stretch of the season, starting with SMU. The Mustangs have yet to lose a regular-season conference game since joining the ACC last year – and that streak continues this week against a Clemson team that will be without (or have a very limited) Klubnik leading them.
Final score: SMU 31, Clemson 20
Brad Senkiw: Just as Clemson seemingly got back on track the last weeks offensively, the QB injury now clouds the situation and could halt that momentum. The Mustangs' defense has been good against the run, which means this might not be just a “line it up and run right at them” game, but Clemson’s receivers have really come on as of late. Whoever is at QB just has to get the ball out quickly and let the playmakers create yards in space. SMU’s weakness is pass defense. As for the Tigers’ stop unit, this would be an ideal time to have a game of the year and support the offensive situation.
Final score: Clemson 20, SMU 13