Scouting report: Clemson

[WFE12 9,191]

Auburn opponent early scouting report: Clemson

 

Updated on July 18, 2017 at 9:32 AMPosted on July 18, 2017 at 9:30 AM

 

By James Crepea

jcrepea@al.com

We're taking an early look at Auburn's opponents for the 2017 regular season. This 12-part series will feature analysis and occasional insight from beat reporters who cover the 12 teams Auburn will play this year.

Clemson

Game date & time: Memorial Stadium, Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN

2016 record: (14-1, 7-1 ACC), College Football Playoff National Champions

Coach: Dabo Swinney, tenth year (89-28)

Betting line: Clemson by 7

Returning starters: 4 offense, 7 defense, 1 specialist

Most important returning players: WR Hunter Renfrow, DL Dexter Lawrence, DL Clelin Ferrell, DL Christian Wilkins, LB Kendall Joseph

Most critical departures: QB Deshaun Watson, RB Wayne Gallman, WR Mike Williams, WR Artavis Scott, LB Ben Boulware, CB Cordrea Tankersley

Auburn story lines:

• How Jarrett Stidham handles road environment
  No matter how he plays in the season opener, Jarrett Stidham's first true test will come on the road against the defending national champions.
• Defending against pass rush
  Clemson averaged 3.27 sacks per game last season and even without Carlos Watkins (10.5 sacks), there shouldn't be a massive drop off with three returning starters on the defensive line. Dexter Lawrence had seven sacks last season and will be one of the best linemen Auburn's offensive faces this fall.
• Early impressions of edge rushers
  After facing a triple-option team in the opener Auburn's defensive line will get more of a chance to pin its ears back and rush the passer in this game. Unless someone has a breakout performance, it'll be too early to jump to conclusions about the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of the defensive front. Clemson is replacing two starters on the offensive line, including at right tackle.
• Defensive takeaways
  The Auburn defense is prioritizing takeaways this fall and while it would be unfair to take interceptions for granted in this game, a veteran secondary against a new quarterback in his first major game is a favorable scenario on paper.
• Kevin Steele returns to Clemson
  This will be Steele's first trip back to Clemson for a game since he was fired after the 2012 Orange Bowl.

Clemson story lines:

• New offensive skill players
  The Clemson offense lost its top skill players from last year's national championship team. Gone are Deshaun Watson, Wayne Gallman, Mike Williams and Artavis Scott. They accounted for all but seven yards rushing and 36 receiving yards in last year's game on the Plains.
• Reload or rebuild
  Clemson's defense had to reload before last season and was able to do so. But offense is usually a harder task, particularly at quarterback. Against a defense that ranked in the top 15 in numerous categories last year, this will be a huge test. But if Clemson struggles and loses, perception nationally will be that the ACC is open for the taking, particularly if Florida State wins its opener with Alabama.
• Dabo versus Auburn
  Clemson has won the last three meetings of the series and Swinney is 3-1 against Auburn.

An Auburn win would mean:

A massive resurgence on the national scene. Defeating the national champions on the road would instantly vault Auburn into the conversation of championship contenders, particularly if it were in authoritative fashion. The hype train would be in full effect and have no reasonable reason to slow down until a trip to Baton Rouge on Oct. 14.

An Auburn loss would mean:

That a team with a lot of key pieces and seemingly on the rise is not ready to compete with the best in the sport. While Clemson is a touchdown favorite at home, this is a very winable game for Auburn. A loss would do nothing to hurt Auburn's chances in the SEC, but nationally few would pay attention to Gus Malzahn's crew again until the LSU game after a loss.

 

[corchjay 5,311]

2 Fairly equal teams.  Dabo has been the better coach in big games as far as coaching goes.  Home game for Clemson.  Both advantages is what puts this game on equal footing in my opinion.  Auburn is the more experienced team.  Should be deeper across both lines of scrimmage and I think that plays huge in our favor.  I expect a sloppy first qtr for both teams trying to feel out what works and what doesn't after that I expect the winner of this game to be the team that moves the ball consistently and picks up first down.  On a hot September night facing 80 plays for a defense could be the difference maker in the 4th quarter.  

So the difference for me in the game isn't about individual players it's about overall team play.  Whoever turns the ball over the most will probably lose, after that it's special teams play field position and mistakes, then offensive execution.  Who controls the ball and tempo probably wins.  Have a feeling there is gonna be a lot of "hate" built up in this game.

 

[ValleyTiger 2,894]

20 minutes ago, corchjay said:

2 Fairly equal teams.  Dabo has been the better coach in big games as far as coaching goes.  Home game for Clemson.  Both advantages is what puts this game on equal footing in my opinion.  Auburn is the more experienced team.  Should be deeper across both lines of scrimmage and I think that plays huge in our favor.  I expect a sloppy first qtr for both teams trying to feel out what works and what doesn't after that I expect the winner of this game to be the team that moves the ball consistently and picks up first down.  On a hot September night facing 80 plays for a defense could be the difference maker in the 4th quarter.  

So the difference for me in the game isn't about individual players it's about overall team play.  Whoever turns the ball over the most will probably lose, after that it's special teams play field position and mistakes, then offensive execution.  Who controls the ball and tempo probably wins.  Have a feeling there is gonna be a lot of "hate" built up in this game.

 

I agree 100%. It's going to be a tough test no doubt. I expect our boys to be ready, but we'll get to face plenty of adversity against Clempson especially along our OL. How those Auburn OL fair up front against their DL will prolly tell the tale of our season. Sure our OL got their asses handed to them week 1 last year and rebounded nicely, but those problems reared their ugly head again and again against good edge rushing teams.

 

Side note - Why the hell hasn't anyone hired Venables as a HC yet?? Dude is legit amd worked under some damn fine coaches....Snyder, Stoops, and even Deebo.

[Gowebb11 9,305]

Daniel Carlson is an incredible weapon and will be a difference maker in games like this. Having a kicker like him for a road test like this is a gift. 

[corchjay 5,311]

8 minutes ago, Gowebb11 said:

Daniel Carlson is an incredible weapon and will be a difference maker in games like this. Having a kicker like him for a road test like this is a gift. 

I like your thought process but I'm not sure I ever remember Daniel kicking a game winner when it was do or die.  Now He's won games for us don't get me wrong but I don't remember him doing the kicks Byrum did over his career.  That's not a knock on Daniel at all he just hasn't been in that spot.  

[ArgoEagle 1,767]

He left off imo one of their top 3 players from last year (Leggett)

[ValleyTiger 2,894]

10 minutes ago, ArgoEagle said:

He left off imo one of their top 3 players from last year (Leggett)

The TE? He's a New York Jet now. 

[ArgoEagle 1,767]

35 minutes ago, ValleyTiger said:

The TE? He's a New York Jet now. 

Yes and this guy left him off of their most important departures. Not good reporting.

[Gowebb11 9,305]

2 hours ago, corchjay said:

I like your thought process but I'm not sure I ever remember Daniel kicking a game winner when it was do or die.  Now He's won games for us don't get me wrong but I don't remember him doing the kicks Byrum did over his career.  That's not a knock on Daniel at all he just hasn't been in that spot.  

 I would be happy if that didn't change if it means we are winning by big margins. ?

[boomstick 1,315]

3 hours ago, corchjay said:

I like your thought process but I'm not sure I ever remember Daniel kicking a game winner when it was do or die.  Now He's won games for us don't get me wrong but I don't remember him doing the kicks Byrum did over his career.  That's not a knock on Daniel at all he just hasn't been in that spot.  

I can only think of two instances where Carlson has been put under big time pressure: The Outback Bowl in 2015 in OT to extend the game (he missed) and the Arkansas game in Fayetteville at the end of regulation to get us to OT (he made). I hope his form from last year continues this season. He was almost automatic, and I think he'd handle a pressure kick well as a senior.

[ArgoEagle 1,767]

Everyone please listen to these facts, and then tell me why we shouldn't beat Clemson by at least 10-14 points.

Last year Clemson was loaded with NFL talent at all the skilled positions on offense. They had a very talented defense to go along with the O. We ran the most spastic looking offense I have ever seen with the whirly bird, etc. We did not have a proven qb. We had a stud running  back playing fb or hb (whichever, doesn't matter). Imagine if KP had run the ball 25-30 times last year against Clemson. What kind of difference would that have made? Look at the difference in the outlook of our offense this year with JS coming in at qb, and the development of our young wr's. The defense should be as good if not better than last years, which held the same o that scored all those points against Ala. to just 19 points. We only lost the game by 6 points. We have the best fg kicker in America and loads of new talent coming in this year. Why should we not be confident that we should beat Clemson? I have a very good feeling about this game. The only drawback is it is played in Death Valley. That could make some difference. This is not pumping sunshine, it's making a determination from the facts. What do yall think?

[AUld fAUx@ 2,584]

39 minutes ago, boomstick said:

I can only think of two instances where Carlson has been put under big time pressure: The Outback Bowl in 2015 in OT to extend the game (he missed) and the Arkansas game in Fayetteville at the end of regulation to get us to OT (he made). I hope his form from last year continues this season. He was almost automatic, and I think he'd handle a pressure kick well as a senior.

One might consider all 6 FGs vs LSU, all game long, do-or-die sort'a pressure.

[AUIH1 1,515]

8 minutes ago, ArgoEagle said:

Everyone please listen to these facts, and then tell me why we shouldn't beat Clemson by at least 10-14 points.

Last year Clemson was loaded with NFL talent at all the skilled positions on offense. They had a very talented defense to go along with the O. We ran the most spastic looking offense I have ever seen with the whirly bird, etc. We did not have a proven qb. We had a stud running  back playing fb or hb (whichever, doesn't matter). Imagine if KP had run the ball 25-30 times last year against Clemson. What kind of difference would that have made? Look at the difference in the outlook of our offense this year with JS coming in at qb, and the development of our young wr's. The defense should be as good if not better than last years, which held the same o that scored all those points against Ala. to just 19 points. We only lost the game by 6 points. We have the best fg kicker in America and loads of new talent coming in this year. Why should we not be confident that we should beat Clemson? I have a very good feeling about this game. The only drawback is it is played in Death Valley. That could make some difference. This is not pumping sunshine, it's making a determination from the facts. What do yall think?

I like your facts.  However; you are leaving out Clemson's biggest advantage.....coaching.

 

wde

[C'viewTiger 242]

12 minutes ago, ArgoEagle said:

Everyone please listen to these facts, and then tell me why we shouldn't beat Clemson by at least 10-14 points.

Last year Clemson was loaded with NFL talent at all the skilled positions on offense. They had a very talented defense to go along with the O. We ran the most spastic looking offense I have ever seen with the whirly bird, etc. We did not have a proven qb. We had a stud running  back playing fb or hb (whichever, doesn't matter). Imagine if KP had run the ball 25-30 times last year against Clemson. What kind of difference would that have made? Look at the difference in the outlook of our offense this year with JS coming in at qb, and the development of our young wr's. The defense should be as good if not better than last years, which held the same o that scored all those points against Ala. to just 19 points. We only lost the game by 6 points. We have the best fg kicker in America and loads of new talent coming in this year. Why should we not be confident that we should beat Clemson? I have a very good feeling about this game. The only drawback is it is played in Death Valley. That could make some difference. This is not pumping sunshine, it's making a determination from the facts. What do yall think?

Argo, While i understand what you are saying, when you insert the word 'Imagine' you remove fact. This game last year is where i stepped off the bus and will remain on the outside looking in until shown something.  I would have loved to have seen what KP could have added to that game.  However, i agree with your comments, with all the other pieces in place, we should be in great shape.  let's hope they perform to the expectations.

[ArgoEagle 1,767]

1 minute ago, AUIH1 said:

I like your facts.  However; you are leaving out Clemson's biggest advantage.....coaching.

 

wde

You are correct from last year; we were out coached badly. This year we have a new offensive mind and philosophy, which I screamed for last year. I hope this helps even up the odds on coaching a bit.

[ArgoEagle 1,767]

2 minutes ago, AU04ever said:

Argo, While i understand what you are saying, when you insert the word 'Imagine' you remove fact. This game last year is where i stepped off the bus and will remain on the outside looking in until shown something.  I would have loved to have seen what KP could have added to that game.  However, i agree with your comments, with all the other pieces in place, we should be in great shape.  let's hope they perform to the expectations.

Yea, nothing is certain until they play the game.

[WFE12 9,191]

20 minutes ago, ArgoEagle said:

Everyone please listen to these facts, and then tell me why we shouldn't beat Clemson by at least 10-14 points.

Last year Clemson was loaded with NFL talent at all the skilled positions on offense. They had a very talented defense to go along with the O. We ran the most spastic looking offense I have ever seen with the whirly bird, etc. We did not have a proven qb. We had a stud running  back playing fb or hb (whichever, doesn't matter). Imagine if KP had run the ball 25-30 times last year against Clemson. What kind of difference would that have made? Look at the difference in the outlook of our offense this year with JS coming in at qb, and the development of our young wr's. The defense should be as good if not better than last years, which held the same o that scored all those points against Ala. to just 19 points. We only lost the game by 6 points. We have the best fg kicker in America and loads of new talent coming in this year. Why should we not be confident that we should beat Clemson? I have a very good feeling about this game. The only drawback is it is played in Death Valley. That could make some difference. This is not pumping sunshine, it's making a determination from the facts. What do yall think?

Exactly why I'm as confident as I am but am still worried about it being at Death Valley and their talent. They don't have do-it-all Deshaun or Go-up-and-get-it Mike Williams anymore but they do have Deon Cain and other underrated players on offense as well as a nasty d-line. 10-14 points is a reasonable range I think because we are loaded as well and more than likely have the better qb situation. Should be a very fun night.

[corchjay 5,311]

39 minutes ago, ArgoEagle said:

Everyone please listen to these facts, and then tell me why we shouldn't beat Clemson by at least 10-14 points.

Last year Clemson was loaded with NFL talent at all the skilled positions on offense. They had a very talented defense to go along with the O. We ran the most spastic looking offense I have ever seen with the whirly bird, etc. We did not have a proven qb. We had a stud running  back playing fb or hb (whichever, doesn't matter). Imagine if KP had run the ball 25-30 times last year against Clemson. What kind of difference would that have made? Look at the difference in the outlook of our offense this year with JS coming in at qb, and the development of our young wr's. The defense should be as good if not better than last years, which held the same o that scored all those points against Ala. to just 19 points. We only lost the game by 6 points. We have the best fg kicker in America and loads of new talent coming in this year. Why should we not be confident that we should beat Clemson? I have a very good feeling about this game. The only drawback is it is played in Death Valley. That could make some difference. This is not pumping sunshine, it's making a determination from the facts. What do yall think?

Couple of things on this.  Road game.  New starting QB expectations are different at Auburn then at Baylor.  Clemsons DL will be the best we face this year including Alabama.  You talk about the players Clemson lost but don't mention our own.  Monty and Carl were both all Americans as well.  Do I think our roster is better yes.  But only slightly and that's just because we have more depth on the lines.  Skill positions they are right with or maybe a little ahead. The loss of bouleware might be the biggest loss in that team. 

Beat frickin Clemson.  And if I were a betting guy I'd take AU plus the 7 now.

[Gowebb11 9,305]

2 hours ago, AUld fAUx@ said:

One might consider all 6 FGs vs LSU, all game long, do-or-die sort'a pressure.

Indeed. And keeping us in the Bama game until late. 

[jAUSon 2,836]

Best two points I've read on this thread: 1. It's a road game, early 2. Forget last year. It looks like a wash to me. Blood pressure is already going up for this one. Question though: Am I now supposed to believe Clemson is a perrenial powerhouse? 

[LKEEL75 2,566]

8 minutes ago, jAUSon said:

Best two points I've read on this thread: 1. It's a road game, early 2. Forget last year. It looks like a wash to me. Blood pressure is already going up for this one. Question though: Am I now supposed to believe Clemson is a perrenial powerhouse? 

I don't know about "perennial", but they are going to be reloading and not rebuilding as long as Dabo is there.

[AUIH1 1,515]

16 minutes ago, jAUSon said:

Best two points I've read on this thread: 1. It's a road game, early 2. Forget last year. It looks like a wash to me. Blood pressure is already going up for this one. Question though: Am I now supposed to believe Clemson is a perrenial powerhouse? 

Clemson's Won-Loss Records since D. Swinney became coach from wikipedia:

2009 9-5

2010 6-7

2011 10-4

2012 11-2

2013 11-2

2014 10-3

2015 14-1

2016 14-1

Looks like a pretty decent trend to me.  One that I would take in a heartbeat. Also, 3-0 in the last three meetings against us.  I was surprised to see that our National Championship team barely beat Dabo's worst team.  I thought Clemson was better than that in 2010.

 

wde

[jAUSon 2,836]

4 minutes ago, AUIH1 said:

Clemson's Won-Loss Records since D. Swinney became coach from wikipedia:

2009 9-5

2010 6-7

2011 10-4

2012 11-2

2013 11-2

2014 10-3

2015 14-1

2016 14-1

Looks like a pretty decent trend to me.  One that I would take in a heartbeat.

 

wde

Yeah that's pretty strong. Guess I could've looked it up. Thanks for the replies. War Eagle

[DAG 33,955]

16 minutes ago, AUIH1 said:

Clemson's Won-Loss Records since D. Swinney became coach from wikipedia:

2009 9-5

2010 6-7

2011 10-4

2012 11-2

2013 11-2

2014 10-3

2015 14-1

2016 14-1

Looks like a pretty decent trend to me.  One that I would take in a heartbeat. Also, 3-0 in the last three meetings against us.  I was surprised to see that our National Championship team barely beat Dabo's worst team.  I thought Clemson was better than that in 2010.

 

wde

Facts vs emotions. Facts win every time. Not to mention, the ACC was arguably the strongest conference last year.

[Gowebb11 9,305]

1 hour ago, jAUSon said:

Best two points I've read on this thread: 1. It's a road game, early 2. Forget last year. It looks like a wash to me. Blood pressure is already going up for this one. Question though: Am I now supposed to believe Clemson is a perrenial powerhouse? 

Back to back Natty appearances following several other 10+ win seasons qualify in my opinion. AU can get there too if we ever develop consistency. Hopefully that starts this season.