Offense, Quarterbacks Shine in Clemson's Second Scrimmage

CLEMSON — Once again, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney liked what he saw from his offense, as the 14th-ranked Tigers scrimmaged for the final time in fall camp Thursday at Memorial Stadium.

“There was a lot of guys making some plays in the passing game at all levels, receiver, tight end and running back,” Swinney said. “There is just a noticeable level of confidence that I see coming out of these couple of scrimmages.”

This is what Clemson’s coaches were hoping for going into camp, seeing an offense that can play with confidence, drive the ball down the field and make big plays in the passing game.

Though the defense did force a couple of turnovers, Swinney said the offense, especially his quarterbacks took care of the football and did not make any bad decisions.

Last year, the Tigers were one of the most turnover prone teams in college football.

“All three of our quarterbacks, and I told the team that afterwards, that I have been really pleased with all three of those guys, and that is what I was hoping coming out of camp,” Swinney said. “We could come out of camp with three guys… But those three guys have all made steps and have gotten better.”

Those three guys are, of course, starter Cade Klubnik, backup Christopher Vizzina and third string quarterback Trent Pearman.

“I am really pleased with them,” Swinney said.

Though the first-team offense was matched up against the second-team defense on Thursday, as the coaches wanted to see who got exposed, Clemson’s head coach was pleased with the play of his defense overall.

After being outplayed in the first scrimmage by the offense last Saturday, it was a good bounce back scrimmage from the defense.

“It was much better. Much better,” Swinney said. “We did not have any offside. They did a much better job today. They created a couple of turnovers.

“Right out of the gate, first defense, it was great to see a couple of young guys make some plays today.”

The defense created a fumble and recovered it and then had an interception later in the scrimmage. The defense also got credit for forcing a fumble, though the offense recovered it.

The Tigers will continue to practice on Friday, as they prep for their season opener against No. 1 Georgia in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.