Defenses impress as White beats Orange in Clemson spring game

It was fitting that a defensive play late decided the Clemson spring game Saturday afternoon at Death Valley.

Freshman Khalil Barnes picked off fellow freshman Christopher Vizzina and returned it 22 yards for a pick-six in the final minutes to lift the White to a 20-13 win over the Orange in the Clemson spring game.

The Tigers defense picked off starting quarterback Cade Klubnik and Vizzina two times each as both defenses impressed all afternoon.

The Orange led 10-7 at the half and 13-7 entering the fourth quarter, before the White outscored the Orange 13-0 in the final period.

Offensively, Klubnik was 18-33 for 190 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions for the White. He picked up a few critical third downs with his legs but was also sacked multiple times.

Hunter Helms and Vizzina were the quarterbacks for the Orange. Helms was 8-18 for 112 yards, while Vizzina was 3-9 for 9 yards, with two interceptions.

In addition to Barnes, running backs Phil Mafah and Keith Adams Jr. scored touchdowns for the White, while Domonique Thomas had a touchdown run for the Orange.

While most of the talk entering the spring game was about how the offense would look under new offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, it was Wes Goodwin’s defense that ruled the day.

Linebackers Barrett Carte and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. were all over the field when they were in the game, while several freshmen also impressed, including defensive tackles Peter Woods and Stephiylan Green.

Carter, Woods and Kylon Griffin led the way for the Orange with 7 tackles each. Carter had 2.5 tackles for loss, while Woods and Green each had a sack. For the White, Cade Denhoff recorded a pair of sacks.

In addition to Barnes, Bubba McAtee had an interception for the White team. Andrew Mukuba and RJ Mickens had picks for the Orange.

The Clemson offense was without several key players as starting offensive linemen Will Putnam, Marcus Tate and Walker Parks were out. Starting running back Will Shipley also didn’t play, and receivers Beaux Collins and Adam Randall were also sidelined.

The White offense outgained the Orange 313 to 171 as Klubnik played the majority of the game. Antonio Williams had 5 catches for 24 yards, while Banks Pope had 4 catches for 67. Brannon Spector had 4 catches for 25 yards and Jake Briningstool added 3 for 56.

Adams had 11 carries for 50 yards, while Mafah had 11 for 42.

For the Orange, Hampton Earle had 2 catches for 51 yards before going down with an injury. Josh Sapp had 2 catches for 28 yards, while Noble Johnson had 2 for 25. Thomas was impressive, finishing with 14 catches for 63 yards.