CLEMSON — Cade Klubnik says he came to Clemson to win a national championship.

Okay. What is the big deal?

Why is this a headline? Why are people acting like this is breaking news or shocked to hear it?

Why else would he be playing for Clemson? Of course he wants to win a national championship.

When Klubnik was growing up in Austin, Texas, as he went through middle school and high school, Clemson was winning ACC Championships, playing in the College Football Playoff with regularity (when it was a four-team playoff keep in mind) and playing for and winning national championships with regularity.

Granted it has been seven years since the Tigers last won a national championship and six years since they played in the title game, but in the grand scheme of things that is not that long ago.

When Klubnik committed to play for Clemson in high school, the Tigers had just completed their sixth consecutive trip to the CFP, something no one else has done.

Again, why are we acting shocked to hear Klubnik say he came to Clemson to win a national championship?

What was he supposed to say?

He came to Clemson to play quarterback. He came to Clemson to win an ACC Championship. He came to Clemson to make the CFP.

Klubnik has done all of those things, plus he and this year’s Tigers are close to winning a national championship.

It’s no secret what the expectations this year are at Clemson. The players, the coaches, the administration and the fans, they expect to be in the CFP. They expect to make it to the semifinals and they expect to win a national championship.

When you look at Clemson’s roster, it makes sense. Everything is in place to have great run, especially at quarterback.

Last year, Klubnik emerged as one college football’s top quarterbacks with more than 4,100 yards and 43 total touchdowns. He carved up two very good defenses in the postseason in SMU and Texas, as he combined to throw for 598 yards, 7 touchdowns and 1 interception, while completing 50 of 84 attempts.

Why are we supposed to be shocked?

I do not get it.

What else was he supposed to say?