CLEMSON – To the casual fan, Clemson’s offense might look a lot different than it did a season ago.

Garrett Riley’s first season leading the offense was littered with inconsistency, although by seasons end there were a lot of signs of improvement.

Fast forward a year later, and things are much different. Not so much because the scheme has changed, but more so because the personnel being used is more experienced and new pieces have been added to the puzzle.

Through the first seven games, Clemson’s offense is averaging 42 points and 487 yards per contrast. One of the biggest improvements has come in the passing game, which is averaging 290 yards per  game. A stark contrast to what was seen in 2023.

“Every team is different,” Riley said. “It’s always gonna be driven on personnel, what you got, and trying to position your team to be successful and have a chance to win a football game. And so we’re a lot different, and most of the time last year, from a personnel standpoint, we had to do what we had to do to have a chance to win. You’re not always going to stay the same and this team will probably be a lot different next year.”

While there are many reasons for the improvement, one of the biggest has to be due to the play of quarterback Cade Klubnik. The junior signal caller has seen significant growth since his first season as the full-time starter, and is currently playing as well as most any quarterback in the country.

Klubnik is completing 67% of his passes and has thrown for 1,836 yards with 20 touchdowns to just three interceptions. He’s added another 276 yards via his legs, with four more touchdowns.

“Anytime your quarterbacks playing pretty well, it’s going to be a big catalyst,” Riley said. “There’s no doubt about it. I don’t want to take anything away from Cade because he has done a lot behind the scenes.”

While Klubnik no doubt experienced some struggles in 2023, particularly with decision-making and turnovers, that adversity has helped propel him to where he is now. And where he is now entering the stretch run of the season has the Tigers in prime position to make a run back to the College Football Playoff.

“You got to go through the fire at times and that is how you really learn,” Riley added. “That is how you really gain experience. Good or bad. And he has approached it the right way.”

A limited number of signed replica road signs from Cade Klubnik are available!  Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!