Clemson vs. #21 Auburn-'Battle of the Tigers'

 By DraftNasty Staff Reports

Clemson Offense vs. Auburn Defense

De’Angelo’s Take:

For Clemson, it all starts with sophomore QB Taj Boyd.  The Tigers have struggled at the position over the last two seasons and this could be the game that Boyd begins to mark his stamp on the program.  Through two games, the Hampton, Va. native has 6 touchdown passes.   He’s been crafty when spreading the ball around and five different receivers have scored through just two games. 

Auburn is currently ranked last in the SEC in total defense.  They cannot afford to forget about Boyd’s safety valve in TE Dwayne Allen, who does a good job of making LBs account for him in the passing game. 

Auburn Offense vs. Clemson Defense

Corey’s Take:

The youth and inexperience at LB is a concern for Clemson.  Wofford was able to able to march up and down the field last week due to the uneven play of the LB corps.  In fact, the Terriers ran for nearly 300 yards last Saturday.  Much like Wofford, Auburn will bring a multi-faceted ground attack in terms of misdirection and pulling offensive linemen. 

Auburn’s speed could be too much for the Tigers to handle.  They have skill players that have been productive and explosive.  RB Onterio McCalebb may be small, but he’s a major league threat on fly sweeps.  The play-faking action between QB Barrett Trotter, RB Michael Dyer and McCalebb will test the eyes of the Tigers linebackers. Dyer has elite balance and will be tough to bring down on initial contact.  

The Tigers’ passing game could present an even greater challenge.  Who would have expected after two games that Trotter would be completing over 71% of his passes? Probably 2009 Auburn starter Chris Todd, who threw a very workmanlike 22 TD passes in his final year on campus.

WR Emory Blake has picked up right where he left off in 2010, when he averaged nearly 19 yds/catch and scored 8 times.  His run after the catch ability could become a problem across the middle of the field vs. zone coverage.  Particularly if the LBs bite too much on misdirection play action fakes.   Blake already has scored twice and is averaging 20.3 yds/catch. 

Clemson DL vs. Auburn OL

Key Matchups

Clemson DT Brandon Thompson and DE-LB Andre Branch will need to play big this Saturday.  Each has All-ACC potential.  It will be important for Branch to play well vs. Auburn OT Brandon Mosley.  

Corey’s Take: 

Mosley has looked good in space thus far and seems to have added some weight in the offseason.  He’s adept at getting full extension with his long arms vs. DE’s aligned in a Wide 5 or Seven technique.  

De’Angelo’s Take:

Branch’s versatility off the edge could pose problems for Mosley because he has a tendency to let his hands hang low and expose his chest.  Branch’s underrated strength when bull rushing could test Mosley’s ability to anchor. 

Safety Jonathan Meeks leads the team in tackles and he will be relied upon to make plays in the alley and lend a hand to both of his cornerbacks.   They should be aided by the return of fellow safety mate Rashad Hall.  Hall missed last week’s game due to a knee injury, so it will be interesting to see if he’s back at full strength. 

Predictions

Corey’s Take:

Clemson’s inability to stop the run the first two weeks of the season will open up the play action passing game of Auburn.  Trotter has played within himself and looked confident in the process.  Their ability to win in the fourth quarter has carried over from last season.

Auburn 35 Clemson 31

De’Angelo’s Take:

Clemson put up over 400 yards of total offense in last year’s 27-24 overtime loss in Jordan-Hare Stadium.  Now the they come to Clemson Memorial, where home field is an advantage.  This is a desperation game for the Tigers.  If Clemson loses, it could be another December bowl game for Dabo Swinney.  Thompson and Branch will be major factors

Clemson 34  Auburn 28