It’s just a scrimmage, but it’s still a pretty big deal.
The Orange and White Game, the climax to spring football at Clemson, offers very healthy Tigers player a chance to play in front of family, friends and fans — crowd expected to exceed 50,000 — at Memorial Stadium.
It also gives those Tigers a chance to make a final impression on their coaches until camp begins in August.
There are plenty of storylines about this spring, but probably none with greater fan interest than the quarterback situation. Fans will get a fresh glimpse at returning starter D.J. Uiagalelei and a first one at freshman Cade Klubnik.
Uiagalelei’s struggles were well-chronicled during the 2021 season, when Clemson finished with a disappointing — yes, disappointing — 10-3 record and missed the College Football Playoffs for the first time in six seasons. Though Uiagalelei endured injuries and inconsistent play from the line and receivers, Tiger Nation directed most of its criticism at him. Klubnik, rated the nation’s No. 1 quarterback prospect by many recruiting analysts, enrolled early and has acquitted himself well in the spring, though coaches say Uiagalelei has maintained his grip on the starting position.
Spring game: 5 things to watch Saturday in Clemson football’s Orange and White Game
What else may unfold? Follow the developments here:
Again aided by great field position, the White team cashed in to cut the Orange’s lead to 7-6 in the third quarter.
A short punt by the Orange’s Jack Smith gave the White possession at the Orange 34. Hunter Helms completed a pass for 25 yards to Jake Briningstool to the 9, but a holding penalty on the next play pushed the ball back to the 19.
The White could get no closer, and Jonathan Weitz kicked a 36-yard field goal.
2:58 p.m. | Rushing game is a negative at Clemson football Orange and White game
How do you know it’s a spring game? Check out the first-half rushing stats:
Orange, 14 carries for -17 yards
White, 17 carries for -15 yards
Contact is not allowed on the quarterbacks, so any time a defender gets near, the play is whistled dead. That has led to a combined nine sacks for 77 yards in losses in the half.
The Orange leads at the half, and here’s Clemson beat writer Todd Shanesy’s update on how freshman quarterback Cade Klubnik is faring in his debut:
Cade Klubnik: How freshman QB looks in Clemson spring game
2:14 p.m. | Orange, Uiagalelei finally break through in Clemson football spring game
It took nearly the half, but there has been a touchdown in the Orange and White game.
Phil Mafah, the only scholarship running back participating in the spring game, scored on a 6-yard touchdown run with 6:33 left in the second quarter to give the Orange team a 7-3 lead.
The score was set up by probably the most impressive offensive play of the half. Quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei rolled right and threw on the run to walk-on wide receiver Hampton Earle, a redshirt junior who played at nearby Daniel High.
1:20 p.m. | White takes early lead in Clemson football Orange & White game
The White team takes advantage of outstanding field position — first-and-10 from the 11 — and took a 3-0 lead on a 29-yard field goal by Jonathan Weitz.
The series is notable as the debut of freshman quarterback Cade Klubnik, though the series netted no yardage.
1:08 p.m. | You know what’s cool as Clemson football holds the Orange & White game? The weather.
The cool weather is the hot topic in pregame.
Temperature at kickoff is 46 degrees, though the wind chill fact is 35 degrees.
The ACC Network broadcast team pointed out that the temperature in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, where Boston College was holding its spring game, was 11 degrees warmer than in Clemson.
“It feels like November,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said just before kickoff.
12:30 p.m. | Kickoff is scheduled in approximately 30 minutes. Here’s some pregame reading
• What to know about Class of 2023 high school recruits on campus today
• Why Dabo Swinney makes sure everyone gets play in the Orange and White game
• How to watch the Orange & White game on TV
• Five storylines for the Orange and White game