It was a picture-perfect day for football inside Clemson’s Death Valley were ideal, creating a picturesque setting for the sport. However, fans of the team will have to wait until September to witness another home game. The Tigers’ first scheduled home game will be against Charleston Southern, and it is set to take place on September 9th. Until then, supporters will have to show their enthusiasm from afar and eagerly anticipate the team’s return to their home field.
The white team managed to secure a victory with a score of 20-13. However, it was the defense on both sides that truly stood out, with a total of 7 sacks between the two teams and 4 interceptions. It’s clear that Clemson’s defense is shaping up to be a force to be reckoned with this year, as they displayed remarkable speed and physical prowess on the field. Fans can expect an exciting season ahead, with this formidable defense leading the charge.
The defensive line was without guys like Ruke Orhorhoro, Payton Page, and Tre Williams, but there was no lack of pass rush and physicality from the Tiger’s front seven. Newcomers like TJ Parker and Peter Woods had a very good showing in their first time playing in front of the fans (50,000 announced estimated attendance). TJ Parker finished with four tackles and one sack and one TFL. Peter Woods also added seven tackles also adding one sack and a blocked PAT. Woods lives up to all of the hype that was given to him during spring practice and you can expect him to be a major contributor this fall. TJ Parker will also earn very early playing time in this defense.
Barrett Carter and Jeremiah Trotter did their normal thing, being amazing at playing football. Andrew Mukuba seems to be back at full strength this season after battling injuries for a large part of last season. I think it is fair to expect Mukuba to be back to his freshman form where we saw him running around making plays all over the field. For other newcomers who had big games on the defensive side, we saw really good things from Khalil Barnes and Stephiylan Green. This team will get big-time contributions from veterans and freshmen alike and this side of the ball will be just as good as it has been in recent years.
As for the offensive side of the ball, there were bright spots and plenty of things to work on. The main thing that this offense needs is to get fully healthy over the summer and come back for fall camp at full strength. Missing players like Beaux Collins and Adam Randall as well as offensive linemen Walker Parks and Marcus Tate. Will Putnam was also out for the spring game but not due to injury, he was in his brother’s wedding today. Will Shipley was also out for the scrimmage today due to some nagging problems (tendonitis in his knee) not expected to be a lingering problem for him.
Cade Klubnik finished the day 18-33 for 190 yards and two interceptions. His two interceptions were both great plays by the defense. Running backs for the white squad were Phil Mafah, who had 11 carries for 42 yards and one touchdown; and Keith Adams Jr who had 11 carries for 50 yards and one touchdown.
Leading quarterback for the orange team was second-string QB Hunter Helms who went 8-18 for 112 yards, no touchdowns, and no interceptions. The leading rusher was Dominique Thomas who had 14 carries for 63 yards and added one touchdown.
Clemson’s spring game showcased a strong performance from their defense, with notable contributions from both veterans and newcomers. Despite missing key offensive players due to injuries or other reasons, there were still some bright spots on that side of the ball. With the return of injured players and incoming freshmen, Clemson’s team is poised for an exciting season ahead. Fans will have to wait until September to see the Tigers play on their home field again, but the team’s formidable defense will surely lead the charge.
