It’s another SEC versus ACC showdown on prime time television on Saturday night when the (13) Auburn Tigers get down with the (3) Clemson Tigers. The two ranked opponents are set to square-off on Saturday, September 9th at 7:00 p.m. EST. The high profiled event can be viewed on the ESPN Network. As of this write-up, the defending champs are -5 point favorites and the contest’s total is down a half point to 53.5.
The Auburn Tigers kicked-off their 2017 campaign with an 41-7 romp over Georgia Southern last Saturday night. The Clemson Tigers also opened their season by rolling past Kent State 56-3 at home last Saturday afternoon.
Overall, Auburn owns a 33-14-2 advantage in the all-time series but Clemson has taken down the last three match-ups. Most recently, was a 19-13 victory on the road in Auburn last season.
(13) Auburn Tigers (1-0)
The Tigers chewed up Georgia Southern, as they cruised to an easy blowout win. After only leading 10-7 at the end of the first quarter, Auburn scored the contest’s final 31 points to pull away convincingly.
Auburn has to do a better job of protecting the pigskin against a savvy Clemson Tiger’s outfit. Last week against Georgia Southern, the Tigers lost the turnover battle to the tune of three to one. Even with the mistakes, the Tigers dominated the total offense margin as they racked up 535 yards to the Eagles’ 78.
Baylor transfer Jarrett Stidham is looking pretty damn smart right about now. It appears that he left Waco just in the nick of time. The newly rooted quarterback performed quite well in his opening stint with Auburn. He completed 14 of his 24 tosses for 185 yards with two scores and a pick. Also, he found a 17 yard touchdown scamper fall his way as well.
There is no secret that the auburn tigers prefer to move the rock via the ground attack. Last week, they did just that by gaining just over 350 yards on the ground. Running backs Kam Martin and Kerryon Johnson were virtually unstoppable.
Kam Martin was efficient, running for 136 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown. Kerryon Johnson was not to be out done, rushing for another 136 yards on 16 carries and also a score. He is listed as questionable with a hamstring heading into this contest.
Through the air, wide out Will Hastings led the Tigers with four receptions for 68 yards plus a trip to the end zone. His partner in crime Ryan Davis, gathered in two more catches and also a score. Don’t forget about place kicker Daniel Carson. Carson booted an impressive 51 yard blast to go along with a 37 yarder as well.
The Auburn defense did all the was expected of them and more in their opening game of the season. Yes, they allowed Georgia southern to get a touchdown in the opening segment, but that was it.
From that point forward, the Tigers completely shut-down the rushing attack of the Eagles, allowing just 70 yards on 47 attempts (1.5 ypc). That is pretty good considering the Eagles held the ball for just a minute under the Tiger’s time of possession.
(3) Clemson Tigers (1-0)
Clemson also cruised to a win in their home opener with the 56-3 dismantling of Kent State. That’s the way to open the season as a team that looks to defend their first title since 1980. Of course, there is quite the difference between Kent State and the Auburn Tigers.
In last week’s game, the Tigers jumped up 21-0 after the first quarter and never looked back. Clemson piled on 665 yards of total offense while holding Kent State to 120 yards. In addition to the lopsided total yardage battle, the first down contest was even more disparaging. The Tigers picked up 34 first downs while giving up only five to the Golden Flashes’ offense.
Leading the way, was dual-threat greenhorn quarterback Kelly Bryant. Bryant was named the starter with Deshaun Watson now playing in the NFL. The newly crowned leader answered the bell, completing 16 of 22 passes for 236 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He also added another 77 yards via the ground with a trip to pay-dirt.
It was running back by committee against the Kent State Golden Flashes on Saturday. Three tail backs basically split the majority of the carries for the Tigers. Tail back Travis Etienne led Clemson with eight carries for 81 yards and a touchdown.
Tavien Feaster toted the rock another six times for 69 yards and a score. Lastly, C.J. Fuller took seven hand-offs for 51 yards and two trips to the promised land. Altogether, Clemson ran for 353 yards and six scores while averaging 8.2 yards per carry.
When the offense did decide to throw the football down the field, wide receiver Deon Cain and Milan Richard did most of the damage. Both wide outs caught two passes each and both were good for 70 yards apiece. Cain got recorded one of his in the end zone.
Just like their opponents this week, the Tigers defense absolutely dominated the Golden Flashes’ offense. The front seven came out swinging, holding Kent state to 119 net rushing yards on 44 carries (2.7 ypc). Although Kent State doesn’t pass the ball around much, their one completion for one measly yard is mind-boggling. Once again let me repeat myself, this is not auburn and things will not be that easy come Saturday night back in Death Valley.
Prediction
Both clubs coasted their way to victories over cupcakes in their opening games. This match-up should be a hard-hitting affair with plenty of big time ballers looking to make big plays.
Auburn is going to be fired up for a shot at taking down the defending national champions on prime time football on ESPN. Also, they will be looking for revenge from last year’s defeat at the hands of the Clemson Tigers. Clemson will be looking to prove that they are still a top flight program even though they have had to re-load their amazing offense from a year ago.
With all the expectations I have mentioned above, Las Vegas has given the Auburn Tigers a little room here with the four point spread. This could be huge, considering these clubs are evenly matched heading into the second week of the season.
The 53.5 point total proves that both of these team’s defenses are the real deal. Both are athletic and fast and can be disruptive upfront. Last year, neither squad managed to score in the 20’s and that was with DeShaun Watson on the field.
Playing the over can be a risky wager with a new signal-caller in the mix. Instead, listen to the sound of the dogs barking in the tunnel before game time and take Auburn to cover what will be a field goal affair.
Trends
The Auburn Tigers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 road games.
The Auburn Tigers are 10-4-1 ATS in their last 15 games overall.
The Under is 8-3-2 in Auburn Tigers last 13 non-conference games.
The Under is 18-7-3 in Auburn Tigers last 28 games overall.
The Over is 6-1 in the Clemson Tigers last 7 games overall.
The Under is 6-1 in Clemson Tigers last 7 games in September.
The Clemson Tigers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games.
The Clemson Tigers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
The Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
