As Clemson grapples with the fallout from a rough season opener, national analyst Joel Klatt draws a striking comparison to another top program’s decline. According to Klatt, Clemson’s struggles mirror those of Texas in the waning years of Mack Brown’s tenure, attributing the downturn to issues at the quarterback position.
Klatt, FOX’s lead college football analyst, likens the current situation at Clemson to that of Texas during its final years under Brown. “Just like Texas, Clemson had elite quarterbacks who elevated the team to the top of college football,” Klatt explained. “But once those quarterbacks left and the roster began to slip, the reality of the situation became apparent. Clemson’s issues are not solely due to the transfer portal; it’s primarily about missing on key quarterback recruits.”
Klatt points out that while DJ Uiagalelei was once viewed as a potential star, and Cade Klubnik was seen as the future, neither has lived up to expectations. “We hoped DJ U would be the guy after stepping in for an injured Trevor Lawrence, and later, we turned our attention to Klubnik. But things haven’t panned out,” Klatt said.
Despite Klubnik’s recent struggles, including a 34-3 loss that dropped his record to 9-6 as a starter, Klatt remains hopeful. “Klubnik still has potential, and with a bit of development, things might turn around,” he added. “However, right now, Clemson’s situation is reminiscent of Texas after the departure of their star quarterbacks. The roster isn’t what it once was, and missing on high-profile quarterbacks has significantly set them back.”
In essence, Klatt argues that Clemson’s current woes are a result of the same pitfalls that plagued Texas in its later years, emphasizing the critical impact of quarterback play on a team’s overall success.