Clemson’s last memory of an otherwise successful 2011-12 season was an embarrassing 70-33 whipping at the hands of West Virginia in the Orange Bowl, a game that ultimately resulted -- directly or otherwise -- in the release of defensive coordinator Kevin Steele.
Enter Brent Venables. It’s no secret that the Tigers can score a lot of points in Chad Morris’ offense; it’s stopping the other team that seems to be an issue for Clemson. Today’s Orange and White game -- a 23-20 win by the Orange team for what it’s worth -- was the first real opportunity to see Venables in action.
But it won’t be until the fall that fans will get to see what the former OU DC has in store. Like all other spring games, Clemson’s defense was as plain and simple as it comes. The offense, on the other hand, looks like it hasn’t missed a beat. Quarterback Tajh Boyd struggled early before hooking up with DeAndre Hopkins for a touchdown. Hopkins, who Dabo Swinney said was the most improved player this spring, reeled in seven catches for 120 yards and a score.
Defensive back Robert Smith led all defenders with 10 tackles.
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Some other news and notes from around the ACC:
- Miami’s spring game was understandably going to revolve around Memphis transfer Ryan Williams, but the story of the Hurricanes’ 7-6 slugfest was the defense. That side of the ball is going to have the upper hand anyway in spring games, but even Miami’s second-team D was impressive early, not allowing anything deep in the passing game. Player of the game had to be safety Ray-Ray Armstrong, who had an interception and a fumble recovery.
- North Carolina begins the Larry Fedora era in 2012, and if the Tar Heels play anything like they did in a 44-21 win by the Blue team over the White team, UNC is going to be a lot of fun to watch. Bryn Renner had a decent day and North Carolina has plenty of athletes to make Fedora’s spread offense go.
- Outside of some injury news, there wasn’t much to expect from Florida State’s spring game. The difference between this Seminoles team and the one last season that failed to meet expectations is depth. Quarterback E.J. Manuel still couldn’t get comfortable today because of spotty O-line play, so that will have to continue to be a point of emphasis for coach Jimbo Fisher.
- Virginia’s Blue-Orange game resulted in a 20-17 win by the Orange team. Mike London‘s team was one game away from playing for an ACC championship last year, and the Cavaliers are looking to build that success this season. “It was good to see the guys competing. We are going to continue to make downfield throws and try to get the ball in the hands of as many guys as possible,” London said afterward. “There is an emphasis on explosive plays, plays that move the ball beyond 15 yards. We have guys that can run, that were athletes and track runners in high school, and we are going to find ways to get them the ball.”