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Clemson football: In-depth analysis of Texas A&M and South Carolina spring games

By Tyreese Ingram

TALLAHASSEE, FL - NOVEMBER 24: Florida Gators head coach Will Muschamp shakes hands with Florida State Seminoles head coach Jimbo Fisher following a game at Doak Campbell Stadium on November 24, 2012 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TALLAHASSEE, FL - NOVEMBER 24: Florida Gators head coach Will Muschamp shakes hands with Florida State Seminoles head coach Jimbo Fisher following a game at Doak Campbell Stadium on November 24, 2012 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBIA, SC – SEPTEMBER 12: South Carolina Gamecocks mascot ‘Cocky’ leads the band onto the field before the start of their game against the Kentucky Wildcats on September 12, 2015 at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Mary Ann Chastain/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, SC – SEPTEMBER 12: South Carolina Gamecocks mascot ‘Cocky’ leads the band onto the field before the start of their game against the Kentucky Wildcats on September 12, 2015 at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Mary Ann Chastain/Getty Images) /

South Carolina

Passing offense 

Jake Bentley finished the game 15-of-25 for 174 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions behind a restructured offensive line that shifted starters Donnell Stanley and Zack Bailey from guard and tackle to center and guard, respectively. Scarnecchia, who was named the backup by Muschamp after the game, completed 9-of-20 passes for 146 yards and one touchdown while redshirt freshman Jay Urich and freshman enrollee Dakereon Joyner were a combined 4-of-16 passing for 45 yards and no touchdowns.

Urich and Joyner flashed mobility and had moments that showed their lack of experience. They rushed for 39 and 21 yards, respectively, but each threw an interception and Joyner fumbled.

As far as receivers go, the offense may have changed a bit but nothing has changed with Bryan Edwards. He continues to be the go-to guy. He caught seven balls for 117 yards and a 19-yard touchdown. Tight ends were a big part of the offense last season, but they had only four catches for 27 yards in the game. Seniors K.C. Crosby and Jacob August had two catches each and August caught an 8-yard touchdown pass.

Could sophomore receiver OrTre Smith be switching to tight end?

Smith was flanked inside a few times, which has prompted the media this spring to ask Bentley about a future move to tight end. He said despite the inside reps, Smith is a receiver and hasn’t taken any snaps as a tight end. With Hayden Hurst off to the NFL and Smith’s 6-foot-4 and 220 pound frame, a move could be imminent to add some size and explosion to that position. Smith isn’t a burner at receiver but at tight end, he would be a tough cover for linebackers.

And now the catch that wasn’t. The ‘old or ole ball’ coach, I’ve seen it written both ways, Steve Spurrier was back in Columbia to support his old team and to be the celebrity pass catcher. In past games, former alums Darius Rucker and Jadeveon Clowney and women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley have caught a touchdown, but Spurrier aka ‘old or ole butterfingers’ just couldn’t get it done.

Edwards was asked during the post game press conference if he had any advice for Spurrier.

“I think he had some golfing gloves on or something, I don’t know. Kind of rocked it like a baby and came out……I thought he won the Heisman or something, didn’t he?” Edwards laughed but continued. “You got to have some type of athletic ability. That one look bad though. You’ll probably catch him on [ESPN]Not Top 10 or something.”

Backs

There is talent here. Ty ‘Son Williams had a game-high 63 yards on four carries and A.J Turner had 37 yards on three carries. Williams and Turner both scored, Williams on a 27-yard rushing touchdown and Turner on a 49-yard reception from Scarnecchia.

Defense

This unit seemed to be behind the offense and struggled without some injured starters. Linebacker Rosendo Louis(Black), an early enrollee, and defensive back Steven Montac(Garnet) each had five tackles to lead the defenses. When asked about defense, Muschamp gave this assessment.

“I think we have a ways to go defensively. We have to get better in some areas.”

Intriguing player

I think a player worth mentioning is cornerback Israel Mukuamu. At 6-foot-4 and 196 pounds, his size alone is hard to ignore. But he can also cover and if he adds weight, he could see significant playing time in 2018. Mukuamu spent three years at Berkeley High(SC) before transferring to Parkway High in Louisiana. On Jul. 24, 2017, he held his commitment ceremony at Berkeley and picked Florida State. After committing, he was asked about playing Clemson in the ACC.

I can’t wait to play them[Clemson]” he told Noles247. “I’ve been waiting for that offer but it didn’t come. If you can’t get them, just go beat them.”

He made that comment as a future Seminole but on Dec. 9, 2017, he committed to the Gamecocks after previously decommitting from FSU, because Jimbo Fisher took the A&M job. So with either choice, he was going to face the Tigers. I have a gut feeling that he might see the above quote highlighted on a few posters when he gets to the “Real Death Valley” in November.

Mukuamu had three tackles and a pass deflection for the Black team.

Did not play(injury)

  • Randrecous Davis
  • Jaylin Dickerson
  • Rico Dowdle
  • Sherrod Greene
  • Tavyn Jackson
  • Chad Terrell
  • Bryson Allen-Williams
  • Malik Young
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