Dabo Swinney makes key decision ahead of Clemson's matchup with Tennessee in Orange Bowl
Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney has already made a key decision that will have a massive impact on his team's Orange Bowl matchup against the Tennessee Vols. After Clemson's win against the North Carolina Tar Heels in the ACC Championship game this past weekend, Swinney announced that true freshman Cade Klubnik will start at […]
Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney has already made a key decision that will have a massive impact on his team's Orange Bowl matchup against the Tennessee Vols.
After Clemson's win against the North Carolina Tar Heels in the ACC Championship game this past weekend, Swinney announced that true freshman Cade Klubnik will start at quarterback in the Tigers' bowl game.
Klubnik, a former five-star recruit, replaced D.J. Uiagalelei after two offensive series against the Tar Heels.
Clemson beat North Carolina 39-10 behind 279 passing yards from Klubnik
“Things have to happen the way they’re supposed to happen, and tonight, that’s the way it went, and Cade was ready,” said Swinney after the game (via ESPN). “You got a chance to see what he can do. He played in rhythm, guys made plays for him. He’s really, really fast. He can really make plays with his legs. It was a great night and a glimpse of our future and what it looks like at Clemson.”
Uiagalelei announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal after Swinney's decision, which means the former starting Clemson quarterback likely won't be with the Tigers for the Orange Bowl.
Klubnik is obviously the more talented player — and he played well against the Heels — but he's still a true freshman who doesn't have a lot of playing experience. He could certainly be prone to making some mistakes against the Vols due to that inexperience.
One advantage for Clemson, however, is that Tennessee won't have much game film of Klubnik to dissect. It'll pretty much just be the UNC game.
The last thing the Vols want to do is give Klubnik a memorable first start. Tennessee needs to win this game to get to 11 wins for the first time since 2001, so they'll need to make sure they're fully prepared for Clemson's young quarterback.
Featured image via Ken Ruinard / staff / USA TODAY NETWORK
