CLEMSON – In the last two months Cade KlubnikThe post-match media meetings were full of joy and gave plenty to smile about.

There was nothing pleasant to read from the Clemson quarterback late Saturday. He walked to his usual spot in silence, not holding back much.

“We’re mad because we lost,” Klubnik said. “I'm angry because we gave so much. It's simply not acceptable. Our execution and effort in my game and everyone else's game just wasn't like us. Just angry. Not even sad, just angry.”

Although the Clemson offense outgained Louisville by nearly 100 yards, the result on the field told a completely different story.

The Tigers had several kicks blocked and had the defensive gear of the Cardinals Phil Mafah on a fourth-down stand.

Clemson had a 7-3 lead at the end of the first quarter, but that was the only positive momentum achieved.

This is the second time in Dabo SwinneyIn his career, the Tigers threw and rushed for over 200 yards and did not win the game.

From the start, the Clemson offense couldn't maintain a rhythm, especially not the rhythm that fans were used to in September and October.

The Tigers had 23 third downs Saturday night and converted 11 of them. Klubnik knows that it is difficult to maintain any kind of flow when faced with tough down and distance scenarios.

“We didn’t do particularly well on first downs,” Klubnik said. “Whenever you move into the second and third long positions. It's a difficult situation. In this respect it is similar to the first game of the year. We need to do better on first downs and drives and Ps and 10s. I think that’s it.”

Even in the face of defeat, the junior quarterback maintains a steady attitude. He promised his team in the Atlanta locker room that he could lead another team that would achieve lasting success.

On the whole, he stayed true to his word.

The Tigers have put together a six-week stretch reminiscent of the program's dominant days, but the unfortunate downside is that the mistakes are creeping back in.

Once again it was Klubnik who made a promise in the locker room to a team drenched in grief.

He had a simple message for his team: It's time to kick some ass.

“I just told the guys I’ll show up tomorrow,” Klubnik said. “I will be at a facility tomorrow from 12pm to 7am, getting my body in order, watching a movie, getting treatment and doing my recovery run. Then I show up on Monday, kick Monday's ass, show up on Tuesday, kick Tuesday's ass, show up on Wednesday, kick Wednesday's ass, and then I continue that and give ours the next Saturday Best.”

With the Tigers' season completely transformed, their resolve will be tested more than ever.

Klubnik hopes they can turn their anger into fuel for the rest of the year.