Here’s how the Clemson Tigers went into Jordan-Hare Stadium to beat the Auburn Tigers, 19-13 in Week 1.
The Clemson Tigers entered their Week 1 matchup as the No. 2 team in the nation. Last year’s National Runner-Ups had lofty expectations entering 2016. Clemson’s first test of the year came in a hostile road environment at Jordan-Hare Stadium against the Auburn Tigers. Clemson took care of business by beating Auburn, 19-13 to move to 1-0 on the year.
This game with a ton on the line for both schools got off to a very slow start. Neither Tigers team did much offensively in the first quarter, as it went scoreless into the second frame. The Auburn defense held Clemson Heisman hopeful quarterback Deshaun Watson to 4-9 passing in the first quarter.
To generate some offense in the second quarter, Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn put in Jeremy Johnson at quarterback over Sean White and John Franklin, III to help set up the first scoring drive of the game: a 53-yard field goal from Daniel Carson.
Clemson would respond with a 13-play drive going 84 yards, capped off by a Wayne Gallman touchdown run on fourth and goal. Greg Huegel would later sink a 30-yard field goal to make 10-3 Clemson at the half.
Watson would continue to feed wide receiver Mike Williams early in the third quarter. Clemson’s first drive in the second half resulted in another Huegel field goal, this time a 40-yarder to make it 13-3.
Clemson defensive back Jadar Johnson would pick off Auburn’s Johnson on a terrible throw by the Tigers quarterback. Watson made a poor decision almost immediately after Johnson got him the ball back by getting picked off by Auburn’s Joshua Holsey.
Auburn would push for on offense more than it had up to that point all game, but Brent Venables’ Clemson defense wouldn’t budge on a fourth and goal line stand. Auburn would get the ball back again, but would still be down, 13-3 at the end of the third quarter. Carlson would sink another field goal early in the fourth quarter to make it 13-6 Clemson.
Watson was pedestrian for most of the game, but was able to connect with wide receiver Hunter Renfrow for an impressive 16-yard touchdown at the back of the Auburn end zone. Huegel would shank the PAT, but Renfrow’s touchdown reception would put Clemson up 19-6 inside of 10 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
White would come back in to try to orchestrate a must-score drive for Auburn. He made some solid throws of varying length, but he did throw an interception at the goal line to Ben Boulware with a little more than six remaining in the game.
Clemson would try to milk the clock, but went three and out. A pair of dumb penalties set up a touchdown run for Auburn running back Kerryon Johnson to make it 19-13 Clemson after the point after attempt.
The Tigers took the game clock down to 40 seconds deep inside territory, electing to go for it on fourth down to give Auburn horrid field position. White would convert a pair of first downs to get into Clemson territory. He would throw into the end zone on consecutive attempts, but came up short both times in defeat, 19-13.
Three Stars
- Mike Williams: Williams was Watson’s favorite receiving target. While he didn’t have a touchdown reception, Williams had nine catches for 174 yards.
- Wayne Gallman: Gallman provided the Tigers with their first touchdown of the game. He had 120 rushing yards on 29 carries for a touchdown, as well as one catch for eight yards.
- Kerryon Johnson: Auburn’s saving grace on offense was Johnson. He had 94 rushing yards on 23 carries for a touchdown.
Highlights
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Next Game
Clemson will host the Troy Trojans at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 10th. Auburn will host the Arkansas State Red Wolves at Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday, September 10th.