Scouting Clemson’s next opponent: the Auburn Tigers
Game info
When: 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: Memorial Stadium, Clemson
TV: ESPN
Radio: 93.1
Line: Clemson by 6.5
Three story lines
1. Auburn defensive coordinator Kevin Steele gets another shot against Clemson, where he used to coach, after his defense nearly made enough plays in a home game last season to upset the Tigers. Auburn lost a lot up front off last year’s team, including Montravius Adams and Carl Lawson, but Steele still has plenty of talent.
2. Kelly Bryant passed his first test against Kent State, but will go from addition last week to algebra this week. The Golden Flashes didn’t provide much challenge after going 3-9 in 2016 and losing their top two tacklers. Bryant wasn’t asked to do much against Kent State but will have to make more plays against Auburn.
3. Clemson has been nearly unbeatable at home in big games, and this atmosphere certainly will provide a challenge. Yes, Auburn plays in the SEC and faces plenty of tough environments, but this early in the season, Death Valley will be a tough place to play.
Three players to watch
1. Quarterback Jarrett Stidham earned Auburn’s starting quarterback job after transferring in from Baylor. Stidham passed for 185 yards and two touchdowns in the opener against Georgia Southern. He is a former five-star recruit.
2. Kamryn Pettway missed Auburn’s opener against Georgia Southern but is expected to play against Clemson. The running back was first-team All-SEC last season after averaging 124.8 yards per game during the regular season. Pettway did not get a carry last season against Clemson.
3. Senior linebacker Tre’ Williams finished second on the team in tackles last season with 67 and led Auburn with 10, including two sacks, in the opener against Georgia Southern.
Scouting report
▪ Auburn played several quarterbacks against Clemson last season, and none were able to get into a rhythm. That shouldn’t be the case this year as Stidham is the clear starter.
▪ Auburn rushed for more than 270 yards per game last season and had 351 rushing yards last week against Georgia Southern.
▪ Auburn ranked No. 7 nationally in scoring defense last year, allowing 17.1 points per game. The Tigers held eight consecutive opponents without a rushing touchdown.
▪ Pettway entered the season as the nation’s top returning rusher after finishing with 1,224 yards last year.
▪ Auburn was ranked No. 12 entering Week 1 and should be around the top 10 for the game at Clemson.
This story was originally published September 3, 2017 at 5:44 PM with the headline "Scouting Clemson’s next opponent: the Auburn Tigers."