Cade Klubnik previews Tennessee's defense

Cade Klubnik is prepping for his first college start in the Orange Bowl against Tennessee. The former five-star has a month to prep for a Top-50 defense in the nation as a freshman who will be Clemson’s QB1 for the very first time in the postseason. Considering the challenge they present, Klubnik says it should be a quality matchup for the Tiger’s offense to face.

Klubnik gave the Tennessee defense their props during his media availability on Wednesday. He said their speed and experience should make it a high-level competition.

“They’re a great defense. I think they’re Top-40 in the nation. They’re a great defense,” said Klubnik. “A lot of speed. They’ve got a lot of veterans on there. It’ll be a good matchup for us.”

The Tennessee defense allowed just 23.5 points per game this season, which was the 45th-best average in the country this season. However, Klubnik will need to be sharp as the weakness of the Volunteer defense was their coverage in the pass game. They allowed an average of 287 yards and 1.8 touchdowns per game on a 63.7% completion rate.

Klubnik’s first ‘full’ game in the ACC Championship saw him toss for 279 yards and a touchdown on an 83.3% completion rate. If they want to win their third Orange Bowl of Dabo Swinney’s tenure, it’ll take that kind of line from Klubnik again in order to take advantage of an often stout Tennessee defense.

Klubnik says becoming Clemson’s starter is ‘a dream come true’

Cade Klubnik looks like the next in a long line of tremendous Clemson quarterbacks. However, he’s simply enjoying the ride.

It was always a matter of when for Klubnik and Dabo Swinney finally gave him the keys to the car during the ACC title game. The move paid off handsomely for the Tigers. Now, Klubnik is Clemson’s new leader with DJ Uiagalelei off to the transfer portal.

When speaking with the media ahead of an Orange Bowl showdown with Tennessee, the Clemson quarterback explained how becoming the Tigers’ starting quarterback is so special to him.

“I think this week has kind of just made me realize and just kind of settle in a little bit,” stated Klubnik. “It’s been fun. It’s been awesome. A dream come true. I’m super excited about this team.

“I think we’ve got a real shot going into this game, and it’ll be fun.”

The Cade Klubnik era started with a bang and an ACC title. With that said, an Orange Bowl victory would fully anoint him.

Kickoff for the Capital One Orange Bowl vs. No. 6 Tennessee is set for Dec. 30 at 8 p.m. ET live from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. ESPN will carry the national broadcast.