Clemson’s Spring Game Delivers Fireworks: Offense Shines, Defense Shows Grit
- Gavin James
- Apr 5
- 3 min read
The annual Clemson Football Spring Game had a fresh look this year, shifting from the traditional team-vs-team format to an offense-versus-defense showdown. The offense suited up in orange, the defense in white, and quarterbacks in their usual purple. Non-tackling players sported green (offense) and yellow (defense) jerseys. With blue skies over Memorial Stadium, the stage was set for an exciting display of talent and competition.
First Half: Defense Strikes First
The defense wasted no time making a statement, stopping the offense on a crucial 4th-and-1 and earning three points in the modified scoring system. Moments later, Jahiem Lawson’s sack forced a punt, and Khalil Barnes picked off Cade Klubnik to extend the defense’s lead to 6-0.
Christopher Vizzina provided a spark, delivering deep completions to Cole Turner and Tristan Smith, setting up a Nolan Hauser field goal to make it 6-3. The offense then found its rhythm, with Chris Denson and Gideon Davidson moving the chains before Peyton Streko capped off the drive with a touchdown run, putting the offense ahead 10-6.
Klubnik returned to lead another scoring drive, connecting with Bryant Wesco Jr. and Antonio Williams to set up another Hauser field goal for a 13-6 advantage. A holding penalty stalled Vizzina’s next series, allowing the defense to pick up a point before Hauser drilled a 49-yard field goal to close the half at 16-7 in favor of the offense.
Second Half: Offense Pulls Away
The defense came out strong after halftime, forcing consecutive punts and adding two more points to tighten the score to 16-9. Tyler Venables delivered a highlight moment, intercepting a pass in the end zone to bring the defense within four.
The offense responded in a big way. Keith Adams Jr. and David Eziomume powered the ground game before Eziomume punched in a touchdown, extending the lead to 23-12. Tristan Smith then hauled in a touchdown pass, stretching the margin to 30-12. The defense grabbed a late interception to chip into the lead at 30-15, but another Hauser field goal sealed the final score at 33-15.
Quarterback Breakdown
Cade Klubnik had an up-and-down day, flashing moments of brilliance but also throwing an interception. Christopher Vizzina impressed with his deep passing and mobility, showing promise as a reliable backup. Chris Denson and Trent Pearman had limited reps but contributed when called upon.
Defensive Standouts
Khalil Barnes and Tyler Venables both snagged interceptions, while Jahiem Lawson was a constant force in the pass rush along with Darien Mayo. Branden Strozier and Jeremiah Alexander also stood out in coverage and run defense. Despite the final score, the defense made big plays when it mattered most.
Offensive Playmakers
David Eziomume showed off his versatility as both a runner and receiver along with Gideon Davidson. Tristan Smith emerged as a legitimate deep threat, while Bryant Wesco Jr. and Antonio Williams provided reliable targets in the passing game as well. Kicker Nolan Hauser was automatic, drilling multiple field goals, including a 49-yarder.
Final Spring Game Thoughts
While the offense put up the bigger numbers, the defense had its moments, forcing turnovers and key stops. The new format brought fresh energy to the spring game, and Clemson fans got a glimpse of the depth and potential on both sides of the ball. With summer ahead, the Tigers look poised for an exciting season. Their next matchup will be an exciting one as LSU comes to town for the first game of the season on August 30th.
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