Klubnik calls offensive struggles 'self-inflicted'

CLEMSON — Clemson undoubtedly struggled last Saturday against top-ranked Georgia, and it’s hard to put a finger on why.

The Tigers, coming into their game against Georgia, hadn’t scored just a field goal in a game since 2021, which, coincidentally, was against the Bulldogs. History seemed to repeat itself there.

Many different parts of the team, especially the offense, seemed to fall behind against Georgia. While a challenge was expected from them, a constant flow of miscommunications, consistent failure to run the football and stalled out drives ensued in Atlanta.

Clemson’s season opener definitely didn’t end the way it had hoped.

Quarterback Cade Klubnik held a large chunk of responsibility for the offense, and, in conjunction, the struggles thereof. With only 142 yards and an interception, it seemed as though the Tigers could not find a flow against the Georgia defense. Additionally, their stream of play calls and miscues led to constant stall-outs and scoreless affairs.

“I like the way the game was called,” Klubnik said when asked about the effect of the play calling on the outcome of the game. “You can’t blame [Garrett] Riley when most of it is self-inflicted.”

A lot of things were self-inflicted. The Tigers were only 4-for-13 on third down conversions, with multiple unnecessary penalties and balls that should’ve been caught being dropped or missed to open receivers.

“My worst play of the game was the first play of the game,” Klubnik said of his own struggles that contributed to the loss.

However, while admitting there were miscues and self-inflicted wounds. Klubnik spoke highly of his performance and growth throughout the game.

“Overall, I feel like I made a big jump from last year,” he said. “At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how good I do, or any individual does, if we don’t come out with the win.”