Analyst criticizes Cade Klubnik and says Clemson needs “a quarterback”

There are some positive reports coming out of Clemson that suggest the offense could look a lot better this season compared to last year.

Cade Klubnik enters his second season as a full-time starter and must take the next step if the Tigers want to compete for the ACC championship and get back into the College Football Playoffs.

Another good sign was the emergence of the wide receiver room at Clemson.

With two new star rookies on the roster and a few veterans back in shape, this should be an impressive offense combined with Phil Mafah on the ground.

However, not everyone is convinced by Klubnik.

ESPN college football commentator Heather Dinich sharply criticized the junior quarterback during an appearance on “Get Up,” saying the Tigers are overrated.

“But they need to get a quarterback. Cade Klubnik is back. Until we see improvements on offense, I don't see why the Clemson Tigers should be so popular,” she said.

That's quite a statement.

Although the former five-star recruit has failed to live up to expectations so far, he still finished last year with 2,844 passing yards, 19 touchdowns and just nine interceptions, suggesting he has talent.

To say that Clemson doesn't have a quarterback is a huge overreaction to what happened.

Yes, Klubnik needs to continue to improve and produce better results when they're in the red zone, but that might not happen until 2024 when he gets to work under offensive coordinator Garrett Riley for another offseason.

However, Dinich did not stop her criticism of Clemson.

“Why so much love for the Clemson Tigers? They had four conference losses last year, as many as they've had in the last six seasons combined… People keep telling me their defense is going to be great – their defense is always pretty good,” she added.

More and more people believe that the Tigers cannot regain their status as one of the top teams in the country.

If Clemson can get consistent performances from its star quarterback, the team will be in an excellent position to prove the doubters wrong and send a clear message.