CLEMSON — Clemson football quarterback Cade Klubnik and the offense had a huge day during the team's first scrimmage on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Coach Dabo Swinney said the offensive line was the biggest winner in the scrimmage, which was closed to the media, and Klubnik had an "outstanding day." The junior revealed Tuesday what was working well for him.

"It was definitely fun to get back in the valley and just envision it," Klubnik said. "The best part was just spreading the ball around and being efficient with the football."

Klubik said the offense gained momentum early in the scrimmage when running Phil Mafah earned massive gains on the ground against Clemson's defense. The quarterback added wide receiver Adam Randall had a strong scrimmage, making "big time" plays, and multiple receivers were involved in the passing attack. The offense was supported by its offensive line that dominated the trenches and helped it score a touchdown on the opening drive.

Clemson hopes this offense filled with explosive plays can return in 2024. It lacked explosiveness and committed too many turnovers and sacks that doomed it last year. Despite having the sixth-best scoring offense and fifth-best total offense in the ACC, it finished with a 9-4 record to miss the ACC championship and the College Football Playoff for the third straight season.

Klubnik recorded 2,844 passing yards with 19 touchdowns but threw nine interceptions and was sacked 28 times in 2023. He had the fewest passing yards per attempt (6.3) in the ACC with over 60% of his throws being nine yards or shorter.

Still, the junior is optimistic the Tigers' offensive fortunes can change with an improved mindset, maturity and another year in offensive coordinator Garrett Riley's system.

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"It's a team that's just a lot smarter," Klubnik said. "Not having to have your first fall camp in a new offense and get to run things you've already been running is just huge."

Clemson will scrimmage again Thursday at Memorial Stadium. Clemson is preparing for its first test on Aug. 31 vs. Georgia at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Bulldogs are ranked No. 1 in the preseason AP poll and US LBM coaches poll, while the Tigers sit at No. 14.

Derrian Carter covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at dcarter@gannett.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DerrianCarter00

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Clemson football: Cade Klubnik details scrimmage success or offense