CLEMSON — Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik is in his second full year at the helm of the Tigers’ offense. After a rocky start last season, Klubnik led the Tigers to an undefeated stretch to conclude the year.

While doubts were silenced for a time, they are back in full swing following No. 25 Clemson’s season-opening loss to the top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs last Saturday. 

However, where many saw nothing but disappointment in the defeat, Klubnik is confident in his personal growth and his team’s development going forward. 

Klubnik described tangible improvements he believes he has made since last season and highlighted steps needed to attain victories in the future. He first shared how he’s personally shifted his job description to game manager.

“That’s kind of been my goal… just managing the game the best I can,” he said. “Overall I feel like I’ve made a a big jump from last year, but that doesn’t really matter if I don’t go do it again this week.

“I’m just trying to go be the best I can and go be even better than I was last week, because you know at the end of the day it doesn’t really matter how good I do if we don’t come out with a win.” 

To produce a win on Saturday (8 p.m., ACCN) against App State, Klubnik believes his offense needs to “fine-tune details” and cut down on the “self-inflicted” negative plays. He cited his first play against Georgia, an incomplete pass to Phil Mafah as a mistake to learn from, calling it his “worst play of the game.”

The cardinal mistake that marked Clemson’s season last year was turnovers. The Tigers gave up 31 turnovers in the 2023 season, including 22 fumbles. Clemson’s offense gave up an average of almost two fumbles a game, the 14th worst in the FBS.

Contrarily, the Tigers did not give up any fumbles and only one interception against Georgia. 

Klubnik is sure that turnovers, “Are not going to be a thing this year.”

Above all, the Clemson quarterback feels his mindset is far more clear this year, which he accredited to limiting social media and trusting his playmakers.

“In order to truly be successful you got to clear all that (noise) out all the time, so that’s been something that obviously I’ve done the last couple days,” Klubnik said. “I feel like I’ve been way more clear-headed after a loss like that.”

The Tigers have everyone they need to be successful. Now, the quarterback, his offense, and the Clemson defense have a chance to put it all together.