Fansided

College Football Week 2 schedule and predictions

By Akash Anavarathan

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 02: Jalen Hurts
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 02: Jalen Hurts /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
CLEMSON, SC – SEPTEMBER 2: Players for the Clemson Tigers walk to the end zone during pregame warmups before their game against the Kent State Golden Flashes on September 2, 2017 at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Todd Bennett/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SC – SEPTEMBER 2: Players for the Clemson Tigers walk to the end zone during pregame warmups before their game against the Kent State Golden Flashes on September 2, 2017 at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Todd Bennett/Getty Images) /

No. 13 Auburn Tigers at No. 3 Clemson Tigers

Kickoff: Saturday, Sep. 9, 7 p.m, ESPN

A matchup of the Tigers is set for Saturday. There’s always a debate of the best conference in college football. Well this weekend, Clemson and Auburn can prove that their respective conference happens to be the best in the entire nation.

After winning the National Championship last season, Clemson experienced no hangover in their Week 1 victory over Kent State. Auburn had a similar showing, taking down Georgia State in their opener. Both teams are facing tougher tests this week, with championship aspirations on the line.

Auburn at Clemson: Three Things to Watch

1. Clemson QB Kelly Bryant

The biggest departure for Clemson during the offseason was QB Deshaun Watson. It felt like their identity and leader just walked out the door. The biggest question mark was going to be if Bryant can step in and be a sufficient quarterback.

Bryant passed the mini-quiz against Kent State with flying colors. The Junior showed glimpses of Watson, throwing for 16-of-22, 236 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He had a big touchdown play to Deon Cain that was a highlight. Bryant will need to step up and be pivotal in this matchup against Auburn for a chance to win.

2. Clemson’s offensive skill players

Not only did the quarterback walk out of the door this past season, they also lost WR Mike Williams, RB Wayne Gallman and TE Jordan Leggett. These were highly productive players that were also strong locker room presences.

But RB Travis Etienne had a fine day in his debut as the lead back, carrying eight times for 81 yards, while WR Deon Cain caught two balls for 70 yards, including a touchdown. These skill players will have to step up against Auburn to have a strong chance to win at home.

3. Auburn QB Jarrett Stidham

Now that we took a look at Clemson’s QB situation, the Auburn situation is similar. Stidham was a transfer quarterback that has a new starting role with the Tigers — of Auburn — and impressed in his debut. Against Georgia Southern, Stidham went 14-of-24 for 185 yards, including two touchdowns and an interception.

He’ll need to have a better performance against a much better defense in Clemson. Keep your eyes on Stidham and how he reacts in his first tough road test.

Prediction:

I think Clemson has the better coach, better skill players around their young quarterback and are at home. Death Valley isn’t an easy place to play on a Saturday night and it’ll be difficult for Stidham and Co. I think it’ll be closer than most expect, but Clemson pulls away late.

Clemson 27, Auburn 20

Home/College Football