CLEMSON — Cade Klubnik has played in plenty of big venues in his Clemson career. But on Saturday, the senior quarterback will walk into college football’s oldest on-campus stadium for the first time.
Klubnik is set for his first career appearance at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta on Saturday, as No. 12 Clemson visits Georgia Tech to open the ACC season. It’s a long awaited debut after playing the Yellow Jackets late as a freshman at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in 2022.
Bobby Dodd Stadium, formerly known as Grant Field, was built by Tech students in 1913, as it sits in the middle of campus in Atlanta. It is named after the great Bobby Dodd, who posted a165-64-8 record in his 22 years as Georgia Tech’s head coach.
Dodd led the Jackets to a national championship and two SEC titles before the school left the SEC in 1964 to become independent.
“I have never been (to Bobby Dodd). I hear it is an awesome place,” Klubnik said. “I heard it is downtown and you can get a view of the (Atlanta) skyline whenever you are in there. It kind of reminds of a stadium I used to play at in high school. Obviously, I am not comparing the two. But it reminds me of House Park in Austin (Texas).
“It was a place we used to play, downtown Austin. You are kind of down on the field and you got all the skyline, so it will be cool. It is kind of similar to Charlotte (Bank of America Stadium), as well. I am excited to go out there. They have a great atmosphere.”
The last meeting between Clemson (1-1) and Georgia Tech came in 2023 at Memorial Stadium in Clemson. Then a sophomore, Klubnik completed 23 of 34 passes for 205 yards with four passing touchdowns.
This season has not been as smooth so far for the senior. Klubnik has faced scrutiny after a slow start, and he acknowledged that expectations are higher for him as Clemson’s senior leader.
“Everyone expects more out of me, and I expect more out of myself,” he said.
He pointed back to Clemson’s win over Troy last week as a moment that helped him settle in.
“That touchdown pass made me more confident,” Klubnik said.
Klubnik finished the Troy game by completing 18 of 24 passes for 196 yards and 2 TDs. He threw touchdown passes of 26 and 34 yards to Bryant Wesco, while completing 8 of his 9 throws in the second half. Both touchdown passes came in the second half.
However, Saturday brings a new setting. A new atmosphere and the Tigers’ first road game of the season. Clemson is looking for its sixth straight true road win in the regular season, which dates back to its win at South Carolina in 2023.
“I love road games,” Klubnik said. “It will be awesome.”
The Clemson quarterback welcomed the challenge that Georgia Tech presents and the target that comes with wearing orange.
“I wouldn’t want it any other way,” he said. “That’s why I came to Clemson.”
Georgia Tech (2-0) enters the game with one of the best offenses in college football through the first two weeks of the season, while its defense is much improved. Klubnik said the Yellow Jackets are built to make opponents work for everything.
“They are a physical football team, a bend, don’t break team,” he said.
Clemson’s plan is to get out quickly and stay efficient—the same formula that worked the last time the Tigers faced the Yellow Jackets.
For Klubnik, the challenge is clear, handle the atmosphere, execute early and stay sharp.
“The only thing we’re in control of is what we can control,” he said.