Orange defeats White as young quarterbacks shine, 28-17

The Orange team defeated the White team 28-17 in the 2018 Orange and White Spring Game on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in Clemson.

All spring we heard all about the battle of Clemson’s quarterbacks and how it was a battle between the four guys.

For a good chunk of the first half, it was.

Hunter Johnson started at QB for the Orange team in the opening series and made a great completion to Tee Higgins, who had a spectacular day. The drive stalled, however, and the Orange team punted. The White team’s first possession stalled with Kelly Bryant starting for the White team.

All eyes for Clemson fans were on the freshman phenom, Trevor Lawrence. It only took three plays in 51 seconds for him to connect with Tee Higgins for a 50-yard touchdown to put the Orange team up 7-0.

The defense controlled things for the next few series after struggling in the early going.

A few drives later, Tee Higgins had a defender draped all over him and was able to make another great 18-yard TD catch from Hunter Johnson – one of four receptions on the day to put the Orange up 14-0.

Right before the end of the first quarter, Chase Brice entered the game and was able to drive the White team down for an Alex Spence field goal in a drive that featured a completion to freshman WR Derion Kendrick. The field goal cut the Orange team’s lead to 14-3.

Following that kick, a neat moment took place as Dabo Swinney invited Greg Huegel onto the field to attempt a few kicks in front of Clemson's faithful. 

The second quarter started with consecutive interceptions, the first came when Chase Brice was intercepted by K’Von Wallace, and then Hunter Johnson was intercepted by A.J. Terrell.

The defenses continued to hold their own in the second quarter until the White team with 2:23 remaining before halftime went on a drive that featured a 43-yard reception by Hunter Renfrow. Travis Etienne capped off the drive with an 8-yard run to make a four-point game with the Orange up 14-10.

In the second half, with a running clock, the defense continued to dominate things, but Trevor Lawrence connected with Tee Higgins on a completion that was ruled a sack. Diondre Overton had a 50-yard touchdown and Trayvon Mullen had an 84-yard interception returned for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Now, the dog days of summer approach and fall camp will be here before we know it.

Clemson will open the 2018 season on Sept. 1 against Furman.