Pregame with Tommy Bowden: Clemson’s Focus, Klubnik’s Pressure, and Tech’s Challenge
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Former Clemson head coach Tommy Bowden joined us on a Friday, and he put it best:
“Sometimes you hear the phrase ‘attitude adjustment,’ and I think a lot of us got that. When you’re as talented as Clemson, it takes one drive… and then the explosions start.”
That’s exactly what the Tigers showed last week — down 16–0 to Troy before halftime, only to storm back behind Adam Randall, who leads the team with 128 rushing yards and 2 TDs.
Quarterback Cade Klubnik has carried the weight of expectation since he stepped into the role — Bowden reminded us, “Not only were there high national expectations… but also pressure from Tajh Boyd, Deshaun Watson, Trevor Lawrence.” Through two games, Klubnik has posted 426 yards, 2 TDs, and 2 INTs, steady but still searching for rhythm behind an offensive line that’s been shuffled early.
Bowden drew a distinction Tiger fans should note:
“Cade is the most important player on offense, while Antonio [Williams] is the best playmaker.”
While Williams has been banged up, Bryant Wesco Jr. has stepped up as a breakout threat with 184 receiving yards and 2 TDs.
Defensively, the Tigers will need to contain Georgia Tech’s quarterback Haynes King, a dual threat who, as Bowden warned, “can beat you with his legs, extend plays, put pressure on the secondary.” Ronan Hanafin leads Clemson with 18 tackles and an interception, setting the tone for a unit that’s allowed big plays but tightened in the red zone.
And don’t forget the setting — Bobby Dodd Stadium in downtown Atlanta. Bowden called it “different,” saying:
“It’s not as impressive as Clemson or Florida State. Your players aren’t inspired walking in there two hours before kickoff.”
That makes this a pure focus test for Swinney’s group as they enter their first road game of the 2025 season.
