Dabo Swinney on not playing Cade Klubnik against South Carolina: I have 'a lot of regrets' but not that

The world got to see what Cade Klubnik could do in the ACC Championship Game, but now it’s begging the question of where he was during Clemson’s loss to South Carolina.

If not for that disappointment, the Tigers could be in the College Football Playoff instead of the Orange Bowl. Speaking after Klubnik’s sparkling performance against North Carolina that captured an ACC title, Dabo Swinney stated his belief that quarterback DJ Uiagalelei was far from why the Tigers fell to the Gamecocks, and that he has “no regrets” regarding his decision.

“I’ve got a lot of regrets form the South Carolina game, but not really,” stated Swinney. “Again, DJ’s not why we lost. Hindsight’s always 20/20. There’s a lot of things I wish we could’ve done over, like 4th & 1 and not fumble the ball. There’s a lot of things I wish we had the chance to do over, but you don’t get the chance to do that. So it’s all about what’s next for us.”

Coming out of Westlake (TX) as a member of the Class of 2022, Klubnik was a five-star recruit, per the On3 Consensus. The Clemson star was the No. 18 recruit nationally, the No. 4 recruit out of Texas and the No. 1 quarterback in the entire nation. 

While Clemson will enjoy plenty of success with Cade Klubnik leading their team, it’s hard not to think about what could’ve been if Dabo Swinney made the switch sooner.

Dabo Swinney names Cade Klubnik starter for Orange Bowl

Continuing, with Clemson headed to the Orange Bowl, the Cade Klubnik era is off and running for the Tigers.

While Dabo Swinney gave quarterback DJ Uiagalelei every chance to fend off the superstar recruit, his patience ran out during the ACC Championship Game. Clemson switched to Klubnik and never looked back, capturing a title in dominating fashion and showing off why their future is more than bright. 

During his post-game press conference, the decision was easier than ever for Swinney — Klubnik will be their guy for the Orange Bowl.

“Cade man, he was ready. You got a chance to see what he can do, and he played with rhythm,” explained Klubnik. “Guys made plays for him. You see he’s really, really fast. Can really make plays with his legs. Think he might’ve been our leading — we didn’t really rush the ball very much, but I think he might’ve been our leading rusher on top of that. It was a great night, and again a glimpse to our future, and what it looks like at Clemson. So I’m really happy for him, and he’ll be — you know, he’s earned the opportunity to start. 

“We’ve got a few weeks here, whoever we play in the Orange Bowl. I’m excited to see him continue to build on it, and again build, have a great finish and build some momentum going into next year.”

While Klubnik made appearances sparingly throughout the season, Saturday’s showdown with North Carolina was his first extended action, and he delivered and then some. Klubnik completed 20-of-24 passes for 279 passing yards and a touchdown, while adding 30 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown to his total, as well.