How Clemson football defense got the best of Cade Klubnik, Garrett Riley in spring game

CLEMSON — Clemson football concluded spring practice Saturday with its annual Orange and White spring game. The scrimmage was the last of the Tigers' 15 practices and fans' first chance to see the 2023-24 team.

The Orange team, coached by defensive tackles coach Nick Eason, was primarily made up of the first-team defense and second-team offense. The White team, led by running backs coach C.J. Spiller, was largely the first-team offense and second-team defense. Spiller's squad won 20-13.

Here's what stood out in the Tigers' spring game.

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Clemson defense impresses

While the spring game offered a chance for fans to see Clemson's new offense under coordinator Garrett Riley for the first time, the defense was the story of the game. The sides combined for four interceptions, seven sacks and 15 tackles for loss.

The first-team defense made some big plays, especially in the second quarter. The Orange team picked off Cade Klubnik on back-to-back drives.

Freshman linebacker Jamal Anderson tipped a fourth-down attempt from the Orange 2-yard-line, and it ended up in the hands of senior safety R.J. Mickens. The Orange offense went three-and-out on the ensuing drive.

On the first play of the White team's next drive, junior corner Nate Wiggins tipped a pass to junior safety Andrew Mukuba. Mukuba nearly ran it back for a touchdown but tripped at the 2-yard-line. Running back Dominique Thomas got the score on the next play to put the second-teamers ahead.

A third interception lifted the White team in the final two minutes of the game. Freshman safety Khalil Barnes picked off Christopher Vizzina and returned it 22 yards for the go-ahead touchdown.

Peter Woods leads young players

Players and coaches have talked throughout spring practice about five-star freshman defensive lineman Peter Woods. In the spring game, Woods showed why his peers have been bragging about him.

He was credited with seven tackles, a sack and a tackle for loss. In the fourth quarter, he blocked what would have been a go-ahead extra point.

Woods wasn't the only freshman defensive lineman with a notable performance. Stephiylan Green had a similarly strong debut with four tackles, three of them solo, a sack and two tackles for loss.

Cade Klubnik's day

In terms of personnel, the first-team offense wasn't what fans will see in the fall. Three returning starters on the offensive line were absent, running back Will Shipley was held out as a precaution, and seven scholarship wide receivers had to miss spring practice.

Leading that incomplete offense, Klubnik completed 18 of 33 passes for 190 yards with no passing touchdowns and two interceptions. Both of the White team's offensive scores came on the ground: a 2-yard run by Phil Mafah and a 1-yard run by Keith Adams Jr.

Christina Long covers the Clemson Tigers for the Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. You can follow her on Twitter @christinalong00 or email her at clong@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Clemson football defense, Peter Woods get best of Cade Klubnik