The Deuce is Loose: Cade Klubnik leads No. 9 Clemson to ACC Title
From the moment that Cade Klubnik entered the ACC Championship, it felt like an entirely different Clemson team was on the field-- on both sides of the ball.
The true freshman quarterback sparked the Tigers to their seventh ACC Title in eight years, passing for 279 yards in Clemson’s 39-10 win over North Carolina while bringing home MVP honors. With the win, Clemson’s likely destination is the Orange Bowl-- unless something wild unfolds with the final release of the playoff rankings.
D.J. Uiagalelei, Clemson’s often-criticized starting quarterback, led the Tigers on back-to-back three-and-outs to open the ACC Championship. Trailing 7-0, Dabo Swinney pulled the trigger, placing the true freshman in the game, and Klubnik flipped the switch.
Klubnik completed his first ten passes of the night, dialing up a spectacular opening half going 10-11 for 149 yards, with a touchdown on the ground and through the air.
In the second half, Tiger defensive back Nate Wiggins added a 98-yard pick-six with 5:05 left in the third quarter giving Clemson a 32-10 lead and control against North Carolina in the Queen City. Wiggins also blocked a Tar Heel field goal and had a pair of pass breakups in the first half, adding to his stellar play.
The Tiger defense hounded North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye all night. The Tar Heels’ star quarterback finished the day 26-42 for 268 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions.
Klubnik finished 20-24 passing and led the Tigers in rushing as well, with 30 yards on the ground.
Clemson’s dominant performance left the Tiger faithful wondering what could have been-- and why it took so long for the freshman to get an opportunity to lead the team.
We will have more from Charlotte after Swinney’s time with the media.