When was the last time we saw Clemson losing? 2010. So it’s hard to watch the Tigers undergoing a rollercoaster season. A College Football Playoff berth is already a fantasy, but Dabo Swinney isn’t letting his team curl up and hibernate just yet. “We’re ready to get back into the fight around here,” he said after the bye week. “Last week was a great week, great prep. I’m proud of the guys and how they got back to work.” And part of that confidence comes from the big Cade Klubnik news. 

On October 30, Clemson insider Jon Blau tweeted the update every orange-blooded fan was waiting for. Cade Klubnik is probable for Saturday’s home clash against Duke. “Clemson QB Cade Klubnik (ankle) listed as probable for the Duke game. LT Tristan Leigh not listed, so should be good to go.” That’s Clemson’s first mandatory ACC injury report and it’s a positive sign for a 3-4 team desperate to turn the corner.

Dabo Swinney revealed on Wednesday that Cade Klubnik “practiced a good amount” during the week and looked more comfortable moving around. “He’s getting better each day,” he said. “Proud of him.” That’s coach-speak for he’s going to give it a go, and with three wins needed to reach bowl eligibility, there’s little time left to play it safe. It’s the first positive signal since the Tigers QB rolled his ankle back on October 4 against Boston College. That injury sidelined him for Clemson’s 35-24 home loss to SMU and left fans skeptical. 

The Tigers desperately need him back. Before his injury, Cade Klubnik was averaging 255 yards per game through six starts, totaling 1,530 passing yards and 11 touchdowns while completing nearly 65% of his passes. Backup Christopher Vizzina was thrown into the fire against SMU and he delivered a gutsy debut, completing 29 of 42 passes for 317 yards and three touchdowns, becoming the first Clemson QB since Deshaun Watson to toss three or more TDs in his first start. 

“He was confident before, but there’s nothing like experience,” Dabo Swinney said of his backup QB. “And not only experience, but positive experience… He’s got a good week as well.” Whether it’s Cade Klubnik’s comeback or Chris Vizzina’s rise, the HC’s steady hand is all over this. Because somehow, he always knows how to keep his players believing again. Just like with his DE. 

Dabo Swinney’s sweet consolation amid the chaos

Clemson’s 35-24 loss to SMU still stings like a hornet. But during the bye week, something beautiful happened off the field. DE T.J. Parker tied the knot with former Clemson volleyball star Azyah Dailey. The Tigers’ locker room was buzzing again, but the defensive star’s competitive fire hasn’t dimmed one bit. Remember his wild promise to Dabo Swinney about scoring a touchdown before he graduates? Yeah, he hasn’t let that dream die yet.

Dabo Swinney, ever the master motivator, found a way to turn sentiment into spirit. “He hasn’t had the year he wanted, but he met his wife here… that’s a win,” the HC joked to reporters. T.J. Parker, who once lit up high school defenses with a 110-yard, three-catch performance at tight end, has been quieter this season with 24 tackles, 2 sacks, and a solid 84.0 PFF grade. But his story is a reminder that in a season where wins are scarce, the coach’s real job might be keeping his players’ belief intact.

Clemson is favored by 2.5 points against Duke, but the margin for error is thinner than ever. Dabo Swinney said they’re back in the fight and they’re chasing pride this time around. Whether it’s Cade Klubnik’s ankle or T.J. Parker’s dream, the message out of Clemson is clear. The Tigers are still swinging.