The offseason didn't bode well for the Tigers either. 5 star running back and rising Sophomore, Mike Bellamy, was dismissed from the team after being ruled academic for the Spring semester. Only a few months later All-American Wide Receiver Sammy Watkins was arrested for possession of marijuana and suspended two games.
For Clemson fans, the season couldn't have come any sooner. They had been living a nightmare for the past 7 or 8 months. Now came the actual football. A chance to set aside last year, the speculation of the coming year, and play some football.
The Tigers were ready to reestablish themselves to their early-season form of last year. After the humiliating loss in the Orange Bowl, Clemson fired defensive coordinator Kevin Steele. They then went and snatched defensive coordinator Brent Venables, who led the Oklahoma Sooners to the best defense in the Big 12 last year. (Which isnt saying much cause it's the Big 12, but hey its gotta ount for something). The Tigers returned most of their players, losing a few offensive and defensive linemen to the NFL. Andre Ellington was coming off a nagging foot injury that had bothered him for the past two years.
Early on both teams tried to establish their offensive rhythms, while the defenses tried to disrupt it. Auburn and Clemson both went 3 and out on their first two possessions. On the ensuing possession Clemson drove down and ended up settling for a field goal.
About 2 plays later Auburn QB Frazier went play action and launched a bomb down the center of the field to wide receiver Emory Blake, who had not a defensive back anywhere in his zip code. Yes. He was that wide open. That made it 7-3 Auburn. Slowly and surely it became a game of field goals.
Clemson running back Andre Ellington looked to be back in highest form, which was shown by an unbelievable run in the 2nd quarter. Ellington was headed to the sideline and seemed to be tackled, when he spun over on his defender, put his hand on the ground and propelled himself up and on his feet, without his knee ever touching the ground. The play went for 68 yards before Andre was forced out of bounds. Ellington finished the night with 231 yards on 26 carries. The drive was capped off by a 7 yard TD run by 3rd string running back Roderick McDowell (also known as "Hot Rod").
As a supporter of Clemson, it's so nice to know you have a kicker who is as consistent as Chandler "Catman" Catanzaro proved to be. He was 4/4 on field goals, making kicks from distances of 40, 24, 37 and 18.
All Clemson fans can breathe a sigh of relief with me. He's only a Sophomore and doesn't look to be going anywhere but up.
The star of the game was DeAndre "Nuk" Hopkins (Why he is called Nuke. http://clemson.greenvilleonline.com/content/story/7425/deandre-hopkins/). DeAndre set the Clemson record for most receptions and one game catching 13 passes for 119 yards and an incredible over the shoulder catch on a fade route to give Clemson the go ahead touchdown. Hopkins was a very adequate filler in the absence of Sammy Watkins.
With one final gasp down 26-19 in the fourth quarter Auburn lined up and QB Kiehl Frasier was sacked by DE Vic Beasley.
Game Over.
By winning this Clemson has erased an entire offseason of abysmal memories. Clemson fans have a new team, new players, a new hope.
They still have a long ways to go, but I'm looking forward to watching them grow the rest of the season.
Clemson should look to improve in their defense under Brent Venables. Improvement was obvious as the game progressed but there were still many instances where linebackers were nonexistent and defensive backs were burned. The offensive line also has room for concern. THey came out extremely passive early, but toughened up as the game wore on.
Biggest stat of the night: Clemson had one 3 and out.
Next week Clemson hosts Ball St.
Oh, and just as a reminder. Watkins watch=1 week
Early on both teams tried to establish their offensive rhythms, while the defenses tried to disrupt it. Auburn and Clemson both went 3 and out on their first two possessions. On the ensuing possession Clemson drove down and ended up settling for a field goal.
About 2 plays later Auburn QB Frazier went play action and launched a bomb down the center of the field to wide receiver Emory Blake, who had not a defensive back anywhere in his zip code. Yes. He was that wide open. That made it 7-3 Auburn. Slowly and surely it became a game of field goals.
Clemson running back Andre Ellington looked to be back in highest form, which was shown by an unbelievable run in the 2nd quarter. Ellington was headed to the sideline and seemed to be tackled, when he spun over on his defender, put his hand on the ground and propelled himself up and on his feet, without his knee ever touching the ground. The play went for 68 yards before Andre was forced out of bounds. Ellington finished the night with 231 yards on 26 carries. The drive was capped off by a 7 yard TD run by 3rd string running back Roderick McDowell (also known as "Hot Rod").
As a supporter of Clemson, it's so nice to know you have a kicker who is as consistent as Chandler "Catman" Catanzaro proved to be. He was 4/4 on field goals, making kicks from distances of 40, 24, 37 and 18.
All Clemson fans can breathe a sigh of relief with me. He's only a Sophomore and doesn't look to be going anywhere but up.
The star of the game was DeAndre "Nuk" Hopkins (Why he is called Nuke. http://clemson.greenvilleonline.com/content/story/7425/deandre-hopkins/). DeAndre set the Clemson record for most receptions and one game catching 13 passes for 119 yards and an incredible over the shoulder catch on a fade route to give Clemson the go ahead touchdown. Hopkins was a very adequate filler in the absence of Sammy Watkins.
With one final gasp down 26-19 in the fourth quarter Auburn lined up and QB Kiehl Frasier was sacked by DE Vic Beasley.
Game Over.
By winning this Clemson has erased an entire offseason of abysmal memories. Clemson fans have a new team, new players, a new hope.
They still have a long ways to go, but I'm looking forward to watching them grow the rest of the season.
Clemson should look to improve in their defense under Brent Venables. Improvement was obvious as the game progressed but there were still many instances where linebackers were nonexistent and defensive backs were burned. The offensive line also has room for concern. THey came out extremely passive early, but toughened up as the game wore on.
Biggest stat of the night: Clemson had one 3 and out.
Next week Clemson hosts Ball St.
Oh, and just as a reminder. Watkins watch=1 week
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