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Clemson hasn’t been to the College Football Playoff since 2020, and a recent piece from ESPN staff writers named the biggest reason why from the standpoint of position play.
While listing their biggest question marks for post-spring Top 25 teams heading into the 2024 season, ESPN named the quarterback position as the Tigers’ biggest uncertainty.
Per staff writer David Hale:
“Here’s a mind-boggling stat: From 2015 to 2020, Clemson had the ACC’s best Total QBR against FBS opponents. From 2021 to 2023, the Tigers ranked dead last. Cade Klubnik isn’t responsible for all of that, and there are certainly other factors at play (O-line, wide receiver), but if there’s one big overarching issue that has kept Clemson from the playoff the past three years, it’s the quarterback. Klubnik 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 indeed showed promise in 2023, especially as the season went on and the Tigers won their final five games after a 4-4 start that ended with a lost to NC State in Raleigh.
In his first full season as Clemson’s QB1, Klubnik started all 13 games and finished with 19 touchdowns to nine interceptions. He threw for 2,884 yards (290 completions in 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 28-7 season-opening loss at Duke.
Like a lot of people, Hale sees an improved passing game as the key to Clemson making a potential return to the playoff.
“Klubnik and backup Chris Vizzina struggled in the Tigers’ spring game, adding more concern from an already nervous fan base. Of course, Klubnik was also a…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/espn-names-clemson-biggest-mark-185330974.html
Author : Clemson Wire
Publish date : 2024-07-21 18:53:30
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