Auburn Football: Tigers Catch Break with Suspension of Clemson's Sammy Watkins

The status of Clemson star wide receiver Sammy Watkins for the season opener vs. Auburn was the subject of much debate this offseason. The rising sophomore was arrested in May for possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana.

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney confirmed on Friday that Watkins will be suspended for the first two games of the season, which includes the opening-night showdown with the Auburn Tigers at the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game in Atlanta.

Watkins torched Auburn last season to the tune of 10 catches for 155 yards and two touchdowns, and just for good measure, he tossed in seven rushes for 44 yards.

It was Watkins' coming-out party, and it ended Auburn's 17-game winning streak.

Despite the scars from last season, Auburn's defensive backs were disappointed to learn of Watkins' absence, according to Charles Goldberg of al.com.

"Aww, don't tell me that. We want him to play, because you want the best players on the field," said cornerback T'Sharvan Bell. "I'm kind of upset that you just told me that."

"He had a great season last year," said defensive back Jermaine Whitehead. "He's a great player and I would love to play against him. If he's not playing, that's a sad thing. We wanted to play against the best players and that's a great player."

That's noble for Auburn's players to say that, and there's probably a lot of truth to it on a lot of levels.

Make no mistake, though: Watkins' absence is a huge break for Auburn.

Auburn's defense will be much better with the addition of new defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder, but it's still a work in progress. Watkins has the kind of big-play ability that can set progress back and demoralize any defense, especially one that is undergoing a change in philosophy.

Four of Auburn's first five games are against Clemson, Mississippi State, LSU and Arkansas—all of which are losable. It's imperative that Auburn get off to a good start in 2012, if for no other reason to prevent the culture of losing from creeping into that locker room.

Auburn players may be disappointed that Watkins won't be there, and they're probably telling you the truth. But a win just got a little more attainable too, and they have to be happy about that.

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