SEC Kickoff: Everything you need to know about Auburn vs. Clemson

Published August 31, 2012 - 1:00pm

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Here’s everything you need to know about Auburn vs. #14 Clemson.

When: Saturday, September 1st
Where: Atlanta, Georgia – Georgia Dome
Game Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN

Game Buzz: This is a sexy matchup, especially if the Tigers can pull the upset against #14 Clemson. These two teams matched up last year, and Clemson came out on top 38-24 and racked up over 600 yards of offense. If Auburn can find a way to play a good defensive game, I like their chances.

Auburn Tigers

• Official Depth Chart
• Game Notes

Players to watch:

• QB Kiehl Frazier
• RB Onterio McCalebb
• WR Emory Blake
• DE Corey Lemonier
• DE Nosa Eguae
• LB Daren Bates

Freshmen to watch:

• OL Avery Young
• DB Joshua Holsey

One glaring weakness: Wide Receiver

Team Buzz: Auburn very well could pull a shocker in Atlanta and upset Clemson. After all, CU doesn’t have Sammy Watkins and his big-play ability, and he provided so much to that offense last year. We’ll see the difference in a Brian VanGorder-coached defense Saturday night. Will it be enough of a difference? We’ll find out. But I think Auburn has a good opportunity to expose Clemson’s offensive line with the talent and depth AU’s boasts, led by DE Corey Lemonier. New QB Kiehl Frazier will make his debut, and he’ll need to identify some receivers in the passing game, as only senior Emory Blake is proven.

#14 Clemson Tigers

• Official Depth Chart
• Game Notes

Players to watch:

• QB Tajh Boyd
• RB Andre Ellington
• WR DeAndre Hopkins
• LB Tony Steward
• LB Stephone Anthony
• DB Rashad Hall

Freshmen to watch:

• DE Shaq Lawson
• DE Martin Aiken
• WR Germone Hopper

One glaring weakness: Offensive Line

Team Buzz: Clemson enters 2012 as a national title favorite, with one of the most explosive offenses in the country led by offensive coordinator Chad Morris. QB Tajh Boyd and RB Andre Ellington are a dynamic duo to contend with. And even with WR Sammy Watkins out, DeAndre Hopkins can pick up the slack, as he caught 72 passes for 978 yards and five touchdowns last year. The one glaring weakness is the offensive line, and the Tigers will be breaking in three new starters against a very good Auburn front four.