Coach Dabo Dances Around Klubnik’s Limping Ankle
Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney revealed on Tuesday that quarterback Cade Klubnik, who left late in the win over Boston College with an ankle issue, is “expecting to play” against SMU this weekend. Swinney stressed caution—“we’ll be smart with him”—but praised Klubnik’s resilience and grasp of the game plan. Despite the quirked-up ankle, Klubnik tossed for 280 yards and a touchdown, added 48 rushing yards, and looks poised to reprise his role as Clemson’s offensive spark. Backup QB Christopher Vizzina covered the closing drives but managed just one completion and an interception. Swinney says Klubnik will get incremental treatment over the week and should be ready when the Tigers host the Mustangs in a rematch of last year’s ACC Championship.
In a plot twist worthy of a reality show, Clemson’s golden boy appears to be starring in “Dabo Swinney’s Ankle Chronicles.” Swinney is treating Klubnik’s ankle like a top-secret government dossier—toned down, carefully managed, and drip-fed to anxious fans until game day. Meanwhile, the backup QBs get cameo roles with the glamor of a B-movie sidekick. One pass, one pick—that’s Vizzina’s claim to fame. Trent Pearman lurks in the background like an extra you forgot to put in the credits. As Klubnik limps back to the huddle, Tigers fans will hold their collective breath, clutching ice packs as if they’re golden tickets. Because nothing says “college football” like hyping an ankle taping into a feature-length event.
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