Clemson should win close battle in showdown with Auburn

Admit it.

The hairs on the back of your neck come to attention when the eagle circles above the field during pregame at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

So there’s little chance Clemson tiptoes into the season considering the expectations and the opponent. Auburn might not be the same team that’s played for two national championships in the past six years, but there’s a degree of respect among Clemson players and staff for the program and coach.

Both teams recruited many of the same players – remember Deshaun Watson’s stealth visit to The Plains? – and the schools often draw comparisons for their look and culture.

Though Watson alone makes Clemson the favorite, this won’t be a one-man show. Because Auburn won enough of those recruiting battles, like many games this season, the outcome might be require using all the talent at the Tigers’ disposal.

CLEMSON 45, AUBURN 31

This story was originally published September 2, 2016 at 9:51 PM with the headline "Clemson should win close battle in showdown with Auburn."