Dabo Swinney remains confident that starting quarterback Cade Klubnik will suit up this weekend when Clemson returns home to host SMU.

Klubnik left the 41-10 win over Boston College last Saturday late in the third quarter with what Swinney said was a sprained ankle. The senior signal caller completed 22-of-30 for 280 yards, with one touchdown and one interception before leaving. He also added 48 yards on the ground with a rushing touchdown.

After practice on Wednesday, the head coach provided the latest on his quarterback’s status.

“Been limited, just been taking our time with him,” the head coach said. “Like I said (Tuesday), he has gone from day to day to hour to hour. Hopefully by tomorrow it will be minute to minute. Literally, getting better every hour.”

For the season, Klubnik has completed 65.8% of his passes for 1,530 yards with 11 touchdowns and five picks. He’s also rushed for 160 yards with two more touchdowns.

With Klubnik at the helm, the Tigers are averaging 278.8 passing yards per game, which ranks No. 25 nationally.

“Just being smart with him,” Swinney added. “He’s been able to do what he needed to do.”

Clemson and SMU will kick off at 3:30 p.m. in a rematch of last year’s ACC Championship Game. The game will be televised by the ACC Network. This will mark the first time SMU has ever played in Death Valley.

Photo by Bart Boatwright