Written by Garin Turner
The Clemson Tigers wrapped up their spring game today with Team Orange coming out on top, 28-17. The Tigers return 17 starters from last year’s team. Head coach Dabo Swinney has 40 wins over the last three years. Last year, the Tigers made the College Football Playoff, losing to the Alabama Crimson Tide, the eventual National Champion, in the 2018 Allstate Sugar Bowl, 24-6.
It was a rough spring game for senior quarterback Kelly Bryant. Last year, Bryant finished the season with 2,802 yards in the air, with 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He also added 665 yards on the ground with 11 touchdowns. In the spring game, Bryant overthrew several receivers that had the throws been on target, they would’ve gone for touchdowns. Bryant went 8 of 15 for 35 yards.
Highly touted freshman quarterback Trevor Lawrence showed off his skills on the opening drive of the game. He led the Tigers down the field 75 yards in just three plays. Including a 50-yard touchdown pass to freshman wide receiver Tee Higgins. Lawrence showed poise in the pocket while extending plays when needed with his legs. He finished the game 8 of 13, for 113 yards and a touchdown.
Sophomore running back Travis Etienne Jr. scored on a run to give Team White their first touchdown of the game.
After giving up a touchdown on the opening drive, the defense for both sides settled down. In the second quarter, both defenses forced multiple three and outs. Clemson opted to have live punts and kickoffs and it played a major role as a miscue on a punt gave the ball back to the Orange.
Higgins caught his second touchdown of the game moments later from sophomore quarterback Hunter Johnston with 4:01 left in the half. This touchdown brought the score to 14-0, with the Orange leading. Johnson was 8 of 14, for 85 yards, one touchdown and an interception. Johnson also scored on a short run on the opening drive for Team Orange in the 3rd quarter to increase their lead to 21-10.
Defensive back Trayvon Mullen returned an interception 84 yards for a score to give the Orange a 28-10 lead in the fourth quarter. On the next drive, Team White responded with a 75-yard drive for a touchdown.
Because of how well both Lawrence and Johnson played, there may be a quarterback competition brewing. Bryant will need to improve between now and when the season begins if he wants to remain the starting quarterback. If he doesn’t, Swinney will not hesitate to replace him with a better option.
