Overview:

On Saturday, September 3rd, at 9:00 P.M. the #2 Clemson Tigers will be on the road to take on the Auburn Tigers.

“The Crowd” projects a final score of Clemson 33.0 – Auburn 30.5 with an over/under of 63.5.  The Vegas Line has a final score of Clemson 34.5 – Auburn 27.5 with an over/under of 62.0.

Prizing:

1st Place: $50 Amazon gift card

2nd-10th Place: $10 Starbucks gift card

2015-16 Statistics (127 total teams):

Last season Clemson finished with a (14-1) record and lost 45-40 to Alabama in the 2016 College Football National Championship Game.  Auburn was (7-6) last season including their 31-10 victory over Memphis in the 2015 Birmingham Bowl.

Passing offense: Clemson 291.5 YPG > Auburn 173.6 YPG

Rushing offense: Clemson 223.0 YPG > Auburn 196.4 YPG

Scoring offense: Clemson 38.5 PPG > Auburn 27.5 PPG

Scoring defense: Clemson 21.7 PPG > Auburn 26.0 PPG

Passing defense: Clemson 187.7 YPG > Auburn 222.5 YPG

Rushing defense: Clemson 125.3 YPG > Auburn 182.7 YPG

Turnover Margin: Auburn +2 > Clemson -2

Summary:

Auburn really struggled last season but they did play a brutal schedule in the SEC.  Auburn returns 14 starters from last year so there is certainly reason for optimism.  The burden of expectations will be heavy for JUCO transfer quarterback John Franklin III though he will have leading rusher Jovon Robinson returning.  The defense is young but led by preseason All-American defensive end Carl Lawson.

Clemson is the better team in nearly every category.  They are returning Heisman frontrunner Deshaun Watson at quarterback who was the first player in FBS history to throw for 4,000 yards while also rushing for 1,000.  Wayne Gallman returns at running back after rushing for 1,527 yards and 13 touchdowns.  Watson has weapons everywhere and should put up monster stats again.  The defense lost some key pieces but still have preseason All-Americans in defensive tackle Carlos Watkins and linebacker Ben Boulware.  I think Clemson sends a statement by winning big on the road.

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Note:

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