Cade Klubnik injury update: 'Not a lot of optimism' Clemson QB starts vs. SMU

There is “not a lot of optimism” that Clemson QB Cade Klubnik will play on Saturday against SMU, per ESPN’s Pete Thamel. If he’s unable to go, backup Chris Vizzina is expected to earn the start.

Klubnik has started in 34 consecutive games for the Tigers. That streak is on the line on Saturday.

“He’s questionable, expected to be a game time decision. I’ve been told my sources, there’s not a lot of optimism Klubnik is going to be able to go,” Thamel said during ESPN’s College GameDay. “He injured his ankle late in Clemson’s game at Boston College.

“Look for Christopher Vizzina to get his first career start today. If Klubnik Can’t go, he’s a redshirt sophomore who’s waited his turn behind Klubnik. It’ll be interesting to see what Clemson has, perhaps a glimpse of the future.”

On Friday night, Thamel reported that Clemson had a ‘general feeling of pessimism over his availability.’ That appears to have carried over to Saturday.

The injury occurred early in the second half during Week 8 of the Tigers’ 41-10 win over Boston College. Klubnik put up over 300 yards of total offense against the Eagles before his injury.

Across six games this season, Klubnik completed 65.8 percent of his passes for 1,530 yards and 11 touchdowns to five interceptions. He’s also rushed for 104 yards and two touchdowns. During that stretch, Clemson has opened the season at a frustrating 3-3 and 2-2 in ACC play.

Earlier in the week, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney provided an update on his QB1’s status. He was limited down the stretch.

“We’ve just been taking our time with him and, like I said yesterday, he’s gone from day-to-day to he’s hour-to-hour,” Swinney said. “Hopefully, by tomorrow, he’ll be minute-to-minute, but we’ll put out a report tomorrow night. First one, and we’ll keep going. Getting better. Literally getting better every hour. We’ve just been smart with him and he’s been able to do what he needed to do.”

We won’t know whether Klubnik or Vizzina will earn the nod until closer to game time. Kickoff is slated for 3:30 p.m. ET and will air live on the ACC Network.

The matchup between Clemson and SMU is a rematch of last year’s ACC title game. Clemson would earn the victory late last year, though both programs would represent the conference in the College Football Playoff after the fact.