Joel Klatt, analyzing the College Football Playoff’s first round, highlighted the performance of Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik during the game against No. 5 Texas. The matchup took place in Austin, where Texas dominated early, taking a 28-10 lead by halftime. However, in the second half, Clemson slowly began to close the gap, thanks to Klubnik’s exceptional play. The Longhorns were held to just a field goal in the third quarter, while Clemson scored one touchdown in the third and another in the fourth quarter, narrowing the lead to 31-24.
Klatt, in his analysis on “The Joel Klatt Show,” credited Klubnik as the main reason Clemson was still in the game. He emphasized that without a strong running game, Clemson’s chances relied heavily on Klubnik’s performance. The quarterback delivered under pressure, turning into what Klatt described as “Superman” to keep Clemson in the contest. His impressive play and leadership in the second half were vital in pushing the Tigers to make a comeback.
Despite Klubnik’s heroics, Clemson’s efforts fell short as Texas extended their lead to 38-24. The Longhorns scored a crucial 77-yard touchdown by running back Jadon Blue and then managed to run out the clock, sealing the victory. Klubnik, who finished with 336 passing yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, put together a standout performance. His efforts were in line with a remarkable season, during which he set career highs with 3,639 passing yards and 36 touchdowns, leading the ACC in both categories.
Klubnik, a former five-star recruit in the 2022 class, had a significant high school rivalry with Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers. The two had faced each other previously in the 2021 6A Division II State Championship Game, where Klubnik’s team triumphed 52-34. This playoff game marked their first meeting since that high school matchup. Both quarterbacks were top prospects, with Klubnik ranked as the top quarterback in the 2022 recruiting class.
With this loss, Clemson’s season ended, and the Tigers were eliminated from the College Football Playoff. Meanwhile, Texas advanced to the next round and will face No. 4 Arizona State on New Year’s Day. Despite the defeat, Klubnik’s performance further solidified his status as one of the top quarterbacks in college football, and his future looks promising as he continues to develop at Clemson.
