Clemson entered the 2025 season with all the hype. Returning production, preseason Top 5, and then Week 1 struck against LSU. The Tigers lost three of their first four games. Since then, they have had a bit of a turnaround with back-to-back wins. They restricted their opponents to just 10 points. However, their QB1, Cade Klubnik, got injured during the Week 7 matchup against Boston College, and head coach Dabo Swinney is concerned.

The head coach, after the post-practice on Wednesday, provided an update that is not all positive. “He’s gone from day to day to hour by hour.” Chapel Fowler, Clemson beat writer, added more on X. “(Swinney) Says they’re being “smart” with Klubnik, expect him to play vs. SMU but are hoping he continues to make progress this week.”

Even if the 22-year-old QB is ready for the SMU game, there are chances he won’t be 100%. That’s why the next line of questioning for Swinney was around the backup QB. Against the Eagles, Klubnik left the field in the third quarter, which prompted Christopher Vizzina to get more minutes. This was just his third game playing, but Dabo Swinney has all the confidence in CV.

“He’s had limited playing time, and when he’s had a chance to play, he’s done fine.” Vizzina is Clemson’s likely successor when Klubnik’s eligibility ends after this season. However, that thought process of next year has not crossed the 55-year-old coach’s mind.

In his 18th year coaching the Tigers, Dabo Swinney is focused only on the next win. “Yeah, I ain’t worried about next year. I’m just worried about trying to beat SMU,” he said. “But I’m not worried about next year. I ain’t worried about next week. I’m worried about having a good Thursday and trying to win the game Saturday.” It’s understandable why there is an urgency, since Clemson’s recent wins have come against two of the conference’s weaker teams.

Plus, the team has lost its last four games against opponents in the Power Four. No doubt, they recovered with dominating victories the past two weeks, but it’s important for Swinney and his team to put their best foot forward against SMU. Offensively, the Mustangs are better as they score 15.5 more points per game (34) than Clemson surrenders (18.5). And the coach knows who to rely on ahead of the tough contest.

Dabo Swinney has other plans despite Klubnik and Vizzina’s issues

With the star QB, Cade Klubnik, not at 100%, there is a huge chance for Vizzina to make his claim. The limited minutes for the third-year player and former four-star recruit from Birmingham, Alabama, are not due to a lack of trust. Coach Swinney is “confident” that CV can get the job done against SMU. After all, he did not actively recruit any other QB this time around. However, the Tigers’ main concern, apart from choosing their QB, is performing in front of the passionate fans at Memorial Stadium.

Previously, the Clemson Tigers used to have one of the toughest home stadiums to play in college football. From 2016 to 2022, Clemson went undefeated at home in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021. They had an impressive 40-game home winning streak. This season, the record is 1-2, and they have already matched the record of 2 defeats at home from the previous season. So Dabo Swinney wants the advantage to be back. Calling it his big goal to create a winning record at home, Swinney was proud of previous efforts but acknowledged the recent failures.

“In my 17 years, we’ve been great. We’ve been great at home. You know, great, not good. We’ve been great.” Then, the honest assessment from the coach came in. “But as of late, we’ve stunk, and we’ve got to get that turned around.” The message from the 55-year-old coach is simple: “Earn the right to win.” For this, they have to start fast and play with swagger.