When Cade Klubnik first arrived at Clemson, he had no idea that before his college career ended, he’d be able to face off against the head coach he considers the best of all time.

On Saturday, Klubnik gets that chance, as the Tigers head to Chapel Hill to face off with Bill Belichick and his North Carolina Tar Heels.

Klubnik grew up watching Belichick win six Super Bowls as the head coach at New England, giving him a tremendous amount of respect for what the legendary coach has been able to accomplish. Belichick also was a part of two Super Bowl-winning teams as an assistant with the New York Giants.

“He is probably the GOAT of all coaches, so what an honor to be able to step on the field with him,” Klubnik said on Wednesday. “I actually got to meet him last year at the Manning Passing Academy. Got to chat it up a little bit. Now I am going to be playing him.”

With Clemson sitting at 1-3 and the Heels coming in at 2-2, both teams are desperate for a victory. Both teams were off last weekend, giving each an extra week to prep.

“They’ve got a great scheme, some great players,” Klubnik added. “Got a couple of really good disguises that we are going to have to be ready for and really watch. In terms of who they are, they play really hard. They are not going to quit. They are going to keep playing to the very end. We just have to play four quarters of good football. Complimentary football and 11 guys doing their job.”

Klubnik has thrown for 996 yards this season with six touchdowns and four interceptions. He only threw six picks all of last season. He’s also rushed for 98 yards, adding another score via his legs.

While much of the attention will be focused on the lackluster start from each of these teams, Klubnik is anxious to face off against a coach with the pedigree Belichick brings to the table.

“Obviously, a huge honor to be able to play somebody like that,” Klubnik said. “He is a legend. Never would have thought that whenever I committed here.”

Photo by Bart Boatwright