Clemson is on the list of the biggest disappointments this season, but they’ve begun work to come out of it. The Tigers seemed rejuvenated against North Carolina, and leading the front once again was Cade Klubnik. The QB hauled in an impactful 254 passing yards, completing 22 of his 24 passes. But these numbers come after a dark time he faced in the beginning of the season. Here’s what Dabo Swinney said about helping Klubnik and others come attack the haunting 1-3 record.

Cade Klubnik was not without faults in the UNC game. But he sure looked a lot better than what he showed in the last 4 games. Klubnik scored 4 times against the Tar Heels and had no interceptions. Dabo Swinney highlighted what the QB (and the rest of Clemson, really) needs to keep in check mentally to deal with a record as troubling as 1-3. “I think sometimes guys forget who they are, because everyone’s telling them they’re not, or they’re losing confidence,” Swinney said recently. He highlighted that the coaches worked on “resetting and building” Cade Klubnik and others, per The State’s Chapel Fowler.

Klubnik and the offense rallied to establish a 32-point lead before second half. The lead was comfortable enough for Swinney to roll out backup QB Christopher Vizzina in place of Klubnik. But the star QB also stumbled a few times. He made some bad decisions and nearly got intercepted twice. Thankfully, Klubnik didn’t let them get the best of him, after dealing with a rough start in the season. Dabo Swinney stressed that after going 1-3 with the Syracuse loss, the vibe in the team changed. The number made the Tigers uncomfortable, and pushed them into a different mindset. “If you watched us practice this week, you wouldn’t know if we were 1–3 or 4–0.” Swinney said after the UNC game. Cade’s Klubnik’s effort shows.

And this effort is all Dabo Swinney needs from his star QB. “Cade woke up today and remembered, ‘Oh, I’m Cade Klubnik,’” he told the press, lightening the mood. “He was amazing. That’s who he is. I just need him to be Cade,” he added. The QB still has a lot to do to get back to being the Cade Klubnik. But fans will just rejoice in the fact that he’s taken the first step. His numbers from the North Carolina game are reminiscent of those from his Appalachian State dominance from last season. That was the game that marked his comeback in 2024. Maybe the UNC game is that for the QB in 2025.

While Cade Klubnik looks sorted for at least the near future, Dabo Swinney also had a tough update injury update for the Boston College game.

Dabo Swinney updates injury status of promising OL Elyjah Thurmon

The Tigers’ O-line was already missing sophomore OL Elyjah Thurmon because of an injury. He was among the top 6 of seven O-linemen in Clemson, having pitched in 129 snaps so far in the season. The HC confirmed that Thurmon will also be out against Boston College, but he is on the road to recovery. “Dabo says Thurmon is ‘day to day’ but it’s not a long-term thing,” Fowler reported. Thurmon was looking to come back strong this season, recovering from a broken ankle. He had recorded 146 snaps and also had one start, but broke his ankle in this very game (Pittsburgh).

Thurmon was expected to be one of the starters at LG this year, replacing Marcus Tate. But the OL is known for his versatility throughout the line. Swinney was excited to see him develop this season. “There’s not many teams that have a blessing like that, where you got a guy that could literally start four positions for you and play at an elite level. And we think he can do that,” Swinney said in a presser in August. Thurman hasn’t been given that much time on the field, and was ready to play anywhere. “Anytime I get a rep, anytime, anywhere I can find a way to get on the field, I will do it,” he told TigerNet.com.

Dabo Swinney is finally making his way back up after a much-needed win in Week 6. He seems to be getting Cade Klubnik back for what should be an easy win, over Boston College. Though the squad seems to be on the mend, promising players like Elyjah Thurmon are missing out on some crucial action.