CLEMSON – Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik was, above all, disappointed with himself after the No. 4 Tigers’ 17-10 loss to ninth-ranked LSU at Memorial Stadium Saturday. 

After the loss, the senior wanted to be anywhere but in a press conference discussing a loss.

“I hate losing and sitting in this room right now,” he said. “I appreciate all y’all (media) but yeah, I hate this. I’m a competitor and I want to win and didn’t feel like I played my best game. So, that’s frustrating.”

In the season-opening loss, Klubnik completed 19-of-38 passes for 230 yards, and added one rushing yard on eight attempts, after taking two sacks. Last season in his junior campaign, Klubnik averaged over 293 all-purpose yards per game. He also threw for 36 touchdowns in 14 games. Against LSU however, the Austin, TX., native was not responsible for any touchdown. 

Clemson’s singular touchdown came from a one-yard rush by Adam Randall thanks to a push from offensive lineman Braden Jacobs. Klubnik believes that offensive woes in week one came primarily from a lack of opportune situations.

“I didn’t play very well,” he said. “I got to play better and I didn’t put our offense and our team in the best situation to win.”

Head coach Dabo Swinney agreed with Klubnik’s sentiment.

“He’s got to be better and  he’d be the first one to tell you that,” Swinney said. He did some good things and had some contested plays that we need to make that we didn’t make that as we go

throughout the course of the season we’re going to need to make. He did some good things, competed his tail off, but did not  play as well as he’s capable of.”

Klubnik was able to connect on seven passes greater than 15-yds and two that were greater than 20, but it was not enough to secure scoring drives. Wide receiver Bryant Wesco led all Tigers in receiving yards, with 66 on four catches. T.J. Moore and Tyler Brown finished with 55 and 43 receiving yards, respectively.

Klubnik’s longest completion was a 26-yard pass down the middle to Moore for a gain of 26 yards. He also took off with his legs in the second quarter to secure two first downs.

While the Tigers’ offensive struggles were self-inflicted at times, like dropped passes, and penalties, Klubnik was quick to point out LSU’s defensive success as a key culprit for offensive stagnancy.

“Credit to them, man,” he said. “They played a great game. The linebackers played really well.

You know, they’re flying around and just giving me some problems.” 

LSU’s defense finished with four tackles for loss, two sacks, and six pass breakups. 

Klubnik and the Tigers will have their next chance to pick up a win on Saturday, Sept. 6, when Clemson will host Troy at Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m.