Coming off of a 28-7 beatdown by Duke last week, Clemson needed to make a quick, good impression this week against Charleston Southern, but that's not exactly what happened.
Knotted up at 7-7 in the first quarter, Clemson was driving when quarterback Cade Klubnik received some pressure on 3rd and 12 and was forced back in the pocket. Instead of throwing the ball away, Klubnik tried to hit a receiver on a rushed throw, but instead connected with Charleston Southern defensive back Leon Thomas.
Thomas returned the desperation throw 67 yards to the endzone to give Charleston Southern an early 14-7 lead over the No. 25 ranked Tigers, shocking the Clemson crowd and social media alike.
Cade Klubnik???
— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 9, 2023
A former 5-star recruit, Klubnik has struggled so far this season as Clemson tries to return to national prominence. That may be hard to do if plays like this continue to happen for the Tigers.
At the half, Clemson led Charleston Southern 24-17 despite the Bucs only having 44 yards of total offense in the first half of the game. The questionable interception by Klubnik is a big reason why this game is currently closer than the box score would indicate.
