Tigers In the Pros: Three Debut In XFL

Former Clemson defensive end Corey Crawford puts up nice numbers in his debut with the Houston Roughnecks, who knocked off former Clemson offensive lineman Isaiah Battle and the L.A. Wildcats 37-17 in Week 1 of the XFL.

Three former Clemson players made their debuts in the new XFL on Saturday.

Here’s a look at each and their teams performed in Week 1:

Corey Crawford, Houston Roughnecks

The former Clemson defensive lineman had a big game to kick off his season with the Roughnecks. In front of an excited home crowd in Houston, Crawford had three tackles, two tackles for a loss, half a sack and one QB hurry.

He helped Houston keep the L.A. Wildcats scoreless in the second half in the Roughnecks’ 37-17 victory Saturday. The Wildcats were held 3.9 yards per play.

Next week: The Roughnecks host the St. Louis Battlehawks on Sunday at 6 p.m. on FS1.

Tavaris Barnes, D.C. Defenders

Barnes, the No. 2 DE on the Defenders depth chart, didn’t record any tackles in Saturday’s 31-19 win over the Seattle Dragons.

The Defenders kicked off the new era of the XFL with a dominating second-half performance.

Next week: The Defenders host the New York Guardians on Saturday at 2 p.m. on ABC.

Isaiah Battle, Seattle Dragons

The Dragons were unable to get a win Saturday, but Battle, who starts at left tackle, helped the offense outgain the Defenders 310-295.

Seattle’s offensive line allowed just one sack as the passing game produced 213 yards through the air. 

Next week: The Dragons host the Tampa Bay Vipers on Saturday at 5 p.m. on FOX.