Clemson fans will be literally holding their breath as the Tigers (3-3, 2-2 ACC) will host SMU (4-2, 2-0) at Memorial Stadium. QB Cade Klubnik sprained his ankle during last week’s win over Boston College; thus, his availability for today’s game against SMU is still uncertain. Lately, Klubnik had just started to build rhythm this season with 11 touchdowns and 66% of his throws completed.

A recent X post by Chapel Fowler says Klubnik is “expected to be a game-time decision,” according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, who also stated that there is “not a lot of optimism that he’s going to be able to go” in his College GameDay report. The Tigers, who are looking to gain momentum in mid-season, did not want to hear that type of news.

Clemson’s preparations for this game have been somewhat hampered by Klubnik’s injury. The squad is now preparing for the potential of backup QB Christopher Vizzina taking over after Klubnik missed practice earlier in the week and returned later in a limited capacity. If that is the case, it would be the first time Clemson’s starting quarterback has missed a game because of injury since 2014. Missing out on QB1 will be a blow for the Tigers.

Against Boston College, before the injury, the 22-year-old was quite instrumental. He had 22-for-30 passing for 280 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Notably, Dabo Swinney’s team had 14 big plays (passes for 15 yards or more; rushes for 10 yards or more) with nine for 207 yards coming from Cade Klubnik’s throws.

Following a rocky September, Dabo Swinney’s team appears to be back on track after recording two consecutive wins. Last week, the offense looked energetic with 226 yards, with Cade Klubnik leading the charge. But QB’s ” game-time decision” due to an ankle injury may disrupt the Tigers’ flow just when things were beginning to click.

Clemson will face a key test against SMU without Cade Klubnik

The stakes are high, and a few questions are hanging in as Clemson heads into the game against SMU. The Tigers have some pride to protect because they haven’t lost consecutive home games since 2008. All eyes will be on backup Vizzina if Klubnik is unable to play. But the former four-star recruit hasn’t played much. Still, Swinney sounds confident.

The coach said, “He’s had limited playing time, and when he’s had a chance to play, he’s done fine.” And that he didn’t even search for another quarterback on the portal because of the trust in CV. But Memorial Stadium, national TV, and a focused SMU squad across the field can make things difficult. Clemson fans have been used to watching their team dominate at home. Following two defeats this season, Dabo Swinney accepted the team’s failure. “As of late, we’ve stunk, and we’ve got to get that turned around.”

On the flip side, SMU is confident going into this game since they have won 19 straight regular-season conference games. QB Kevin Jennings is a dual-threat player who may challenge Clemson’s defense in the same way that Haynes King did for Georgia Tech. The Tigers have given up the ball at least once in every game this season. Plus, the Mustangs have a way of forcing turnovers. Klubnik sitting or not being 100% might give SMU the advantage they needed. And as Swinney says, “Earn the right to win.” That starts today for the Tigers.