Cade Klubnik will remain Clemson football QB in ACC Championship Game, Dabo Swinney says

Clemson football backup quarterback Cade Klubnik is starting in the second half of the Atlantic Coastal Conference championship game against North Carolina.

Klubnik took over for quarterback DJ Uiagalelei during the Tigers’ third possession in the first quarter and immediately capitalized with a touchdown pass to Davis Allen. He also executed a trick play in the second quarter with running back Phil Mata to give him a scoring opportunity to extend the lead.

© Ken Ruinard / staff Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney greets quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) after he scored a touchdown against North Carolina during the second quarter of the ACC Championship football game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina Saturday, Dec 3, 2022.

At the end of the first half, Clemson coach Dabo Swinney confirmed that Klubnik would start in the second half. ESPN sideline reporter Molly McGrath.

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“Yeah, it’s his game,” he said.

Regarding the decision to replace Uiagalelei, Swinney said, “Just missed some throws the first two drives. We knew we were going to put him in the third or fourth series, and he went in and he never came out. We tried to do that in the Notre Dame and he threw a pick. Hey, this was the time.”

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Through the first half of the ACC championship game, Klubnik completed a season-high 10 passes for 149 yards with a passing touchdown and rushing touchdown.

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Cade Klubnik will remain Clemson football QB in ACC Championship Game, Dabo Swinney says