The 2023 season has come to a close after No. 22 Clemson came out with a victory in what might end up the best bowl game this year. While it’s hard to judge what next year will look like off such a performance, it gave a lot of context for the future.

Staff and roster changes had their first taste on the field as the Tigers took down Kentucky 38-35. Here’s the three things that stood out in the game that hold heavy hands for 2024.

Has Cade Klubnik turned the corner?

Through three quarters, most would say Clemson was in deep trouble at quarterback. Then Klubnik proceeded to enter a gear we haven’t seen.

Leading five scoring drives in the fourth quarter, kudos to the defense, and his lone interception coming as he was blindsided during a likely touchdown. On the final drive, he was 7-7 for 81 yards before running back Phil Mafah closed the door on the game.

This was Klubnik’s best football as a Tiger. He was decisive, often with anticipation that seemed to surprise a few of his receivers in the moment. The concern lies in this occurring in the final game of the season. If he carries it into a strong junior year, all is right but a strong offseason is necessary to make sure this isn’t an outlier.

Clemson’s RB room for 2024?

There was a time where Will Shipley heading to the NFL felt likely, but the injury sustained in the Gator Bowl will derail that train of thought. He was seen in crutches after the game and that tells the story.

If he can’t prepare for the draft, he shouldn’t enter it. Time will tell, but then that brings us to Phil Mafah. He was the MVP while shattering records with his four-touchdown day. While he’s expected to return, that brings us to the thought of how many running backs Clemson will have if both stars return.

Add in the development of Jay Haynes and Jarvis Green on top of the arrival of four-star David Eziomume. Talk about a stable.

What will the Tigers do at Defensive End?

The plays made by the defensive ends in Jacksonville came from two players that won’t wear the Paw again. Xavier Thomas and Justin Mascoll led the way, but what’s next?

TJ Parker is the North Star for this group after a strong freshman season, but Clemson is yet to follow through on the potentiality of a transfer pass rusher. Dabo Swinney also shut down that thought during his early signing day presser.

That leaves a young group on the edge and a lot of pressure on incoming freshmen Darien Mayo and Adam Kissayi to make waves early. Chris Rumph will have his work cut out for him in his first season back coaching the Tigers.