One More Win Matters: Why Cade Klubnik, Clemson Aren’t Treating the Pinstripe Bowl Lightly
For Cade Klubnik, the Pinstripe Bowl isn’t a victory lap or a consolation prize. It’s another opportunity. One more time to compete, to lead, and to finish the season the right way.
That mindset has been consistent throughout Clemson’s bowl preparation ahead of its matchup with Penn State in New York. Klubnik hasn’t sounded like a quarterback winding things down. He’s sounded like one still locked in on the task in front of him.
“We’ve got a job to do and the season’s not over,” Klubnik said. “Let’s go get another win.”
That tone reflects how Clemson is approaching bowl week. While December football can come with distractions, travel, sightseeing, and roster uncertainty, Klubnik made it clear none of that has changed the Tigers’ focus.
“We’re just focused on the guys that are playing. That’s what matters,” he said. “It’s still a business trip.”
The message is simple but intentional. Injuries and opt-outs are part of bowl season, but inside Clemson’s locker room, the emphasis hasn’t shifted. This game still carries meaning.
Klubnik didn’t hesitate when asked why finishing strong matters, pointing back to recent program history as proof.
“Looking back to what we did two years ago, that streak catapulted us into last year,” he said. “I want to finish well for the guys coming back and for the guys that are done.”
That perspective underscores why Clemson isn’t treating the Pinstripe Bowl as an exhibition. A win doesn’t just close one season—it helps set the tone for the next, particularly for younger players who will carry the program forward.
Statistically, Klubnik’s 2025 season hasn’t always drawn national attention. He enters the bowl game with 2,750 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, six interceptions, and a 62.9 QBR, placing him in the middle of the national rankings . But those numbers don’t fully reflect what he’s navigated along the way.
“I don’t think people understand what I’ve been through physically,” Klubnik said. “This year was tougher. My mentality has always been to chew it and keep going.”
That toughness has shown up in the details. Klubnik has practiced without sleeves in cold conditions to mirror game-day feel, and he’s embraced the chance to finally feel healthy again after grinding through the season.
“I love football. I want to play,” he said of the possibility to opt out. “There was never a question for me.”
Despite changes around him, Klubnik expressed complete confidence in Clemson’s offensive personnel heading into the bowl. He emphasized continuity over concern, noting that the next-man-up mentality has defined the group all season.
“One guy goes down, another steps up—that’s football,” he said. “I feel totally confident.”
His leadership also extends beyond this game. Klubnik spoke highly of freshman quarterback Chris Denson, praising his growth over the course of the year and the foundation he’s building for the future.
“He’s taken advantage of learning, attacking every day,” Klubnik said. “He’s going to be a great player and a great leader.”
At its core, the Pinstripe Bowl represents something simple for Klubnik—another chance to line up alongside the teammates he’s spent years with.
“I’ve got almost a month to heal up and get to play with my best friends one more time,” he said.
That sentiment captures why Clemson isn’t approaching this game lightly. It’s about finishing together, competing one more time, and making sure the season ends the right way.
One more game. One more opportunity. And for Cade Klubnik and Clemson, it still matters.
