The annual Orange and White game at the end of spring football practice is the first time the new version of the football team showcases itself to fans each season. Coaches split the teams into two evenly -matched squads and they scrimmage in Death Valley for the enjoyment of the orange-clad faithful.
Spring games are often sluggish, as the offensive lines are split up and everyone is still rusty after only 14 practices. This year’s version was no different; the defense played solid football while the offense looked out of sync. The White team beat the Orange team 17-0 in front of a record 27,000 fans on a beautiful day last Saturday.
The Orange and White game last year was a chance for Kyle Parker and Willy Korn to have direct competition for the starting quarterback spot. Parker’s strong performance in the game put him on the inside track to the starting job, which he eventually won.
The quarterback position this year is under much less uncertainty, though the Tigers will look to red-shirt freshman Tajh Boyd to take the reins should Kyle Parker elect to enter the MLB draft. Though Boyd showed good poise for a freshman and flashes of the arm that made him such a highly valued prospect out of high school, Parker exhibited he is clearly the best option for the team this fall.
Parker was 7-15 for 79 yards and caught a 23-yard touchdown pass on a trick play from wide receiver Marquan Jones. Boyd threw the ball more than Parker, mostly due to the fact Parker’s White squad had a more consistent running game with Andre Ellington. Boyd finished the game 8-25 passing for 132 yards, completing three passes of over 20 yards to tight end Dwayne Allen.
Allen will have a much larger role in the offense this year with the graduation of Michael Palmer. Offensive coordinator Billy Napier clearly made a commitment to getting the tight end involved in the play calling last year, and he will look to Dwayne Allen to continue that trend.
Another big question for the Tigers is how they will cope with losing Clemson legend CJ Spiller at the tailback position. Running backs Andre Ellington and Jamie Harper look to be solid replacements, and Roderick McDowell is expected to get some playing time. Ellington finished the game with 86 yards on 16 attempts, including a 34-yard touchdown dash.
The biggest question going into next season for Dabo Swinney’s Tigers, though, is the wide receiver position. There is no go-to receiver with the loss of Jacoby Ford, and nobody stepped up in the Orange and White game. Of the wide receivers, Jaron Brown led the way with 33 yards on two receptions. This fall, the Tigers will need players like Brown to step up, along with Xavier Dye, Terrance Ashe. Expect red-shirt freshman Bryce McNeal to see the field as well.
The defenses for both sides looked strong. Both quarterbacks were pressured, and both sides recorded four sacks.
Linebacker Brandon Maye led all tacklers with eight for the Orange squad, while Quandon Christian added seven. Safety Rashard Hall had one interception. The White defense pitched a shutout as linebacker Corico Hawkins led the way with five tackles.
Linebacker will be a key position next fall. Swinney and staff are hoping they play with a chip on their shoulder, and that the entire defense plays with even more intensity than they did last year.
The depth at cornerback looked strong, which is a good sign after the loss of Chris Chancellor and Crezdon Butler.
The kicking game was decent, and the lineup looks like it will be similar to last year. Kicker Richard Jackson belted a 64-yard punt during the first half of the game.
Overall, the Orange and White game was uneventful.
No players got hurt, and nothing overly incredible took place.
But these scrimmages are invaluable to the coaching staff and the development of the players.
