Cade Klubnik vs. Quinn Ewers: The Quarterback Duel in Clemson vs. Texas
Explore the thrilling quarterback matchup between Cade Klubnik and Quinn Ewers in the 2024 College Football Playoff.
The 2024 College Football Playoff first-round matchup between the No. 12 Clemson Tigers and the No. 5 Texas Longhorns is set to be an electrifying contest. One of the key factors that will determine the outcome of this game is the performance of the quarterbacks. For Clemson, Cade Klubnik has been a standout this season, throwing for 3,303 yards and 33 touchdowns with just five interceptions. His ability to make plays under pressure and his strong passing game have been crucial in Clemson's recent success, including their ACC Championship win over SMU.
On the other hand, Texas's Quinn Ewers has led a high-powered offense, completing 66.2% of his passes for 2,665 yards and 25 touchdowns. Despite his impressive statistics, Ewers has struggled with consistency, particularly in the Longhorns' recent loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship.
Background: The High School Showdown
Interestingly, this is not the first time these two quarterbacks have faced off. Back in early 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Klubnik and Ewers met in the Texas state championship game between Austin Westlake and Southlake Carroll. Klubnik, then with Westlake, outplayed Ewers, leading his team to a 52-34 victory. Klubnik's performance was particularly impressive, as he threw for 220 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 97 yards and two more scores, despite dealing with a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder[1][3].
Quarterback Performances This Season
Cade Klubnik (Clemson)
- Completion Rate: 63.7%
- Passing Yards: 3,303
- Touchdowns: 33
- Interceptions: 5
Quinn Ewers (Texas)
- Completion Rate: 66.2%
- Passing Yards: 2,665
- Touchdowns: 25
- Interceptions: 9
Recent Games
- Clemson: Won the ACC Championship against SMU with a 34-31 score.
- Texas: Lost to Georgia in the SEC Championship with a 22-19 score in overtime.
Injuries and Lineup Concerns
Texas's Kelvin Banks Jr. and Isaiah Bond are dealing with ankle injuries, which could impact their performance and potentially alter the dynamics of the game.
Spread and Odds
The current spread is Texas -13.5, with an over/under of 50.5 points. This suggests that Texas is favored to win, but the margin is not insurmountable for Clemson[4].
Expert Analysis and Predictions
Josh Nagel, a Nevada-based handicapper with over 25 years of experience, is 25-11 in his last 36 betting picks involving Texas and has critical insights into the game's dynamics. Additionally, the advanced model at SportsLine is leaning Under on the point total and has generated an A-rated point-spread pick that is hitting in 60% of simulations[2].
The Quarterback Duel: Key to Victory
The matchup between Klubnik and Ewers is not just about individual performance but also about how each quarterback can exploit the weaknesses of the opposing defense. Klubnik's ability to make plays under pressure and his strong passing game could be crucial in breaking down Texas's defense. On the other hand, Ewers's high-powered offense could test Clemson's defensive capabilities.
Conclusion
The Clemson vs. Texas game is shaping up to be one of the most exciting matchups in the 2024 College Football Playoff. The quarterback duel between Cade Klubnik and Quinn Ewers is a key aspect of this game, with both players having the potential to make game-changing plays. As the two teams prepare to face off, fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating how these two talented quarterbacks will perform under the spotlight.