Clemson fans have been begging to get a real look at backup quarterback Chris Vizzina, and on Saturday, they just might get their chance when SMU visits in a rematch of last year’s ACC Championship Game.

With Cade Klubnik nursing a sprained ankle, it’s looking unlikely that the Tigers’ starting quarterback will be able to go on Saturday. Even if he somehow can go, he’s likely to be extremely limited.

No Klubnik just might spell doom for a Clemson offense that appeared to be finally finding its groove over the past two games. Dabo Swinney insists that if Klubnik can’t go that Vizzina will get the start, and the little we’ve seen from him in mop-up duty over the past two weeks has left a lot to be desired.

This is an SMU team that can get after the quarterback. The Mustangs have 19 sacks in six games, which is Top 10 nationally and tops in the ACC, and Vizzina isn’t quite as mobile as Klubnik, although he’s probably a better runner than many think. Pass protection will be of the utmost importance, and with Tristan Leigh unlikely to be back this week, that means true freshman Brayden Jacobs will be protecting Vizzina’s blindside. Jacobs was outstanding against Boston College, but slowing this pass rush down will be a much bigger challenge.

Having said that, SMU has been extremely vulnerable on the backend. The Mustangs rank next to last in the country, allowing 315.8 passing yards per game. Only Air Force is allowing more yards through the air.

The question becomes, can Vizzina lead this team to a win over a legit opponent? Based on what he’s shown so far this season, albeit in limited action, I’m not confident he can. He’s only completed 50% of his throws, and he threw one pick in the end zone last week and came really close to throwing one in the end zone the week before.

If Vizzina is ineffective, would Swinney turn to third-stringer Trent Pearman? The former walk-on and redshirt junior was the star of the spring game in 2024, and ever since that performance, he’s become a fan favorite, so to speak.

Either way, not having Klubnik is absolutely disastrous for this Clemson team. Maybe Vizzina can do something similar to Chase Brice or Willie Simmons, two backups who etched their names into Clemson lore with stellar performances in similar situations.

However, seeing is believing, and we’ve just not seen enough good from Vizzina to instill confidence. If Tom Allen’s defense can shut down Kevin Jennings and the Mustangs’ offense, the Tigers will have a chance. That is much easier said than done, though.

Clemson has not beaten a Power-4 opponent at home since October 19 of last year, having dropped its last four to teams from power conferences. On Saturday, that streak will move to five if Klubnik can’t play, and it will have been more than a year since the Tigers have secured a victory over a P4 team on their home turf.

SMU 26 Clemson 13

But if Klubnik can go and he’s effective, Clemson wins.