Clemson defense comes up big in victory at Auburn

AUBURN, Ala. – Clemson’s offense was expected to carry the load for the young and inexperienced defense early on in 2016, but it was Brent Venables’ unit that made big plays time-and-time again in Clemson’s 19-13 win over Auburn Saturday night.

Clemson limited Auburn to only 262 total yards and set the tone early by holding Auburn to 38 yards in the first half on its way to a hard-fought road win at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Clemson recorded 13 tackles for loss and forced three turnovers in the victory.

“We never question our defense. All we do is reload. The next man steps up,” Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson said. “Coach V makes sure those guys are prepared and ready. They came out fired up and did their job.”

Defensive lineman Christian Wilkins moved from defensive tackle to defensive end to replace the injured Austin Bryant and excelled, finishing with six tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, a sack and a fumble recovery.

He also broke up a pass and added a quarterback hurry.

“It was a good team win and I’m glad that we could pull it out. We were battled-tested tonight,” Wilkins said. “As far as defensive end goes, it was good. I was really happy to help out the team tonight.

True freshman defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence finished second on the team in tackles with seven, including a sack.

Senior Ben Boulware recorded an interception and forced a fumble, while safety Jadar Johnson also picked off a pass.

QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Entering the game, Clemson hadn’t named a starting defensive end opposite Clelin Ferrell and a starting cornerback opposite Cordrea Tankersley.

The defensive end spot was filled by Wilkins, who moved inside from defensive tackle. Scott Pagano started at defensive tackle in place of Wilkins. Ryan Carter got the start for Clemson at cornerback.

WILLIAMS RETURNS

Clemson wide receiver Mike Williams returned from his neck injury that cost him most of last season and made his presence known when Clemson needed him early on.

After Auburn took a 3-0 lead in the second quarter, Williams caught three passes for 51 yards on the ensuing drive, which ended with a touchdown, as Clemson took a 7-3 lead.

Williams looked as good as ever, beating his defender in man coverage on multiple occasions.

Later in the second quarter, he made another nice grab for 14 yards, but fumbled fighting for extra yardage.

Williams never let up and Watson kept looking his way. Williams finished the game with nine receptions for 174 yards, highlighted by a critical back-shoulder catch in the fourth quarter.

STAR SIGHTING

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton and fellow former Auburn great Bo Jackson attended the game.

ELECTRIC CROWD

The Auburn crowd was in the stands an hour prior to kickoff and made its presence known as Clemson jumped offsides on the first snap of the game.

This story was originally published September 4, 2016 at 1:34 AM with the headline "Clemson defense comes up big in victory at Auburn."