After a rough 17-10 season-opening loss to now-No. 3 LSU, now-No. 8 Clemson coach Dabo Swinney first called out his star quarterback, Cade Klubnik, for a poor performance.
But in the days that followed, Swinney shifted his tone, taking the blame himself and turning his attention to the next opponent: Troy and their second-year head coach, Gerad Parker.
Why Did Swinney Change His Tune on Klubnik’s Struggles?
Initially, Swinney did not mince words when discussing Klubnik’s role in the Tigers’ shocking home defeat. The veteran coach placed significant blame on his senior signal-caller’s shoulders.
“We talked about a lot of things, watched the film. We’ve just gotta do the little things,” Swinney said regarding his conversations with offensive coordinator Garrett Riley. He noted that the offense’s biggest issue was that “our best player didn’t play well, and 2 will respond.”
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney on conversations with OC Garrett Riley after the LSU game: “We talked about a lot of things, watched the film. We’ve just gotta do the little things.” Says the offense’s biggest issue was that “our best player didn’t play well — and 2 will respond”
— Chapel Fowler (@chapelfowler) September 2, 2025
The numbers certainly backed up Swinney’s initial assessment. Klubnik completed just 19 of 38 passes for 230 yards with zero touchdowns and one crucial interception. The quarterback also managed only one rushing yard on eight carries as LSU’s defense effectively contained him.
However, Swinney began to walk back his harsh critique. In a noticeable shift, he started to shoulder the responsibility for the offensive failures.
“We didn’t do a good enough job helping him,” Swinney acknowledged in later comments about Klubnik. “That’s where (OC Garrett Riley) needs to get better, and where I need to get better.”
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney on QB Cade Klubnik: “We didn’t do a good enough job helping him. That’s where (OC Garrett Riley) needs to get better … and where I need to get better.” Dabo says they “didn’t try” in the run game vs. LSU and that was disappointing to him
— Chapel Fowler (@chapelfowler) September 2, 2025
He also revealed a key tactical failure that contributed to the struggles. “We didn’t try in the run game vs. LSU, and that was disappointing,” Swinney admitted.
This represents a significant change from a coach who has previously been willing to publicly criticize his quarterback. The reversal suggests Swinney recognized that pointing fingers at one player was not the answer to Clemson’s offensive problems.
The context here is important. Klubnik is coming off an outstanding 2024 season where he threw for 36 touchdowns and led Clemson to an ACC Championship. He was the only FBS player to throw over 35 touchdowns in 2024 and return to college for this campaign.
Swinney’s evolved stance shows a mature approach to leadership. Instead of scapegoating his quarterback, he is acknowledging systemic failures in the coaching and game plan that led to the loss.
What Did Swinney Say About Troy’s Gerad Parker?
As Clemson prepares to face the Sun Belt’s Troy Trojans, Swinney has turned his attention to praising the opponent’s leadership. He had positive words for Troy’s head coach, Gerad Parker, who previously served as Notre Dame’s offensive coordinator.
“I’ve met Parker a few times in passing,” Swinney said, noting that Parker is doing “a great job.”
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney says he’s met Troy coach Gerad Parker (former Notre Dame OC) a few times in passing and Parker is doing “a great job.” Says Troy — a run-heavy team — keeps you guessing on offense and “might have more personnel groupings than anyone we’ll play”
— Chapel Fowler (@chapelfowler) September 2, 2025
Parker, who is in his second season at Troy, brings impressive credentials from his time coordinating Notre Dame’s eighth-ranked offense in 2023. Swinney highlighted Troy’s offensive complexity, calling them “a run-heavy team” that “keeps you guessing on offense” and “might have more personnel groupings than anyone we’ll play.”
That analysis is accurate. During the previous season, Troy utilized several running backs, and both RB Damien Taylor and WR Devonte Ross exceeded 1,000 yards rushing and receiving, respectively. Parker’s offensive scheme is built around versatility and misdirection.
MORE: How Did Garrett Nussmeier and Cade Klubnik Perform in LSU vs. Clemson Opener? Stats, Highlights, and the Winner in Intense QB Battle
The upcoming game against Troy on Saturday is a critical turnaround opportunity for No. 8 Clemson. The Tigers cannot afford another sluggish performance, especially after both their head coach and offensive coordinator admitted to failing to prepare Klubnik and the offense for LSU’s defensive pressure.
Swinney’s reaction, from public criticism to taking responsibility, shows the mindset of a coach who is now focused on finding answers, not assigning blame, after a tough season-opening defeat.