Clemson hasn’t been to the College Football Playoff since 2020, and a recent article from ESPN writers pointed out the biggest reason why from a positional play standpoint.
When listing your Biggest Question Marks for Post-Spring Top 25 Teams Heading into the 2024 season, ESPN named the quarterback position the Tigers’ biggest uncertainty.
According to writer David Hale:
“Here’s a mind-blowing statistic: From 2015 to 2020, Clemson had the best Total QBR in the ACC against FBS opponents. From 2021 to 2023, the Tigers ranked last. Cade Klubnik isn’t responsible for all of this, and there are certainly other factors at play (O-line, wide receiver), but if there’s one big overarching issue that has kept Clemson out of the playoffs the last three years, it’s the quarterback. Klubnik has had his share of strong moments in 2023, but he also made some questionable decisions against Duke and Florida State that likely cost the Tigers wins.
Klubnik has really shown promise in 2023, especially as the season has progressed and the Tigers have won their last five games after a 4-4 start that ended with a loss to NC State in Raleigh.
In his first full season as Clemson’s QB1, Klubnik started all 13 games and finished with 19 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He threw for 2,884 yards (290 completions on 454 attempts).
His best QBR rating (80.7) in ACC play came in the Tigers’ 31-14 Week 5 victory at Syracuse, when Klubnik threw for 263 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. Klubnik’s lowest QBR (29.1) came in the season-opening 28-7 loss to Duke.
Like many people, Hale sees an improved passing game as the key to Clemson returning to the playoffs.
“Klubnik and backup Chris Vizzina struggled in the Tigers’ spring game, raising concerns among an already nervous fan base. Of course, Klubnik was also a former five-star recruit, and Dabo Swinney continued to praise his quarterback. Could he make a big leap in his second full season as a starter? If he does, it could be Clemson’s ticket back to national title contention.
Clemson opens the 2024 season Aug. 31 in Atlanta against the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (noon ET, ABC). The Tigers are ranked 16th in ESPN’s post-spring Top 25 rankings.
