College Football Week 3: 10 Things Clemson Must Do To Upset Auburn
One of the bigger matchups on this weekend's college football schedule is Clemson hitting the road to take on Auburn.
It's a big non-conference matchup, and both teams come into the game undefeated at 2-0.
Auburn is ranked No. 16 in the nation. A victory will be a big statement win for Clemson and a bit of a feather in the cap of the ACC, which has seen its reputation tarnished by bad losses, especially Virginia Tech's loss to James Madison.
It's going to be a tough test for Clemson, and here are 10 things the Tigers have to do to walk away with the victory.
No. 10: Get The Big Play
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This year, Clemson's biggest pass and running plays are 60 and 70 yards, respectively.
While those have come against lesser opponents, the Tigers need to find a way to get a breakdown in coverage somewhere to get a big score. Those types of plays are momentum shifters; when you're an underdog, that type of punch in the face can knock a favorite back on their heels.
If Andre Ellington or Brandon Clear get out into the open field, look out.
It could be the start of an upset special.
No. 9: Force Auburn To Pass
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In the early going, Auburn has been a running team.
After two games, they have three rushers who have run for at least 100 yards this season.
While Cameron Newton has been solid in the early going here, you have to test him. You have to try and force him to throw it more often than Auburn wants to and make a play on it.
If you can pressure him, a turnover is inevitable.
That's not to say Newton is a turnover waiting to happen, but if you pressure any quarterback long enough, they'll cough it up and give it to you.
Clemson needs to put the pressure on.
No. 8: Avoid Penalties
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In Clemson's two games this year, it has combined for 11 penalties for 107 yards.
You simply cannot do that on the road in a big game against a tough opponent and walk away with the victory. The best way to get a road win is to play disciplined football and try to win the field-position battle.
If you're pinning yourself deep to start every drive and pushing yourself back with dump penalties, it's going to cost you sooner or later.
That fact that the Tigers have done that against weak competition is a reason for concern for Clemson fans. The penalties have to disappear if the Tigers want to walk away with the win on Saturday.
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No. 7: Own Third Down
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In Clemson's two games this season, it is 4-of-19 on third down.
That's awful when you think about the fact that it was against North Texas and Presbyterian.
Those are teams where you should be able to get the tough yards on third down and move the chains. If the Tigers were tested by those teams on big downs, they're going to be in a different world against Auburn.
Third-down conversions are psychological victories for whoever wins them. Those are where true toughness is tested, and Clemson will have to be tougher than Auburn on those downs to win on Saturday.
No. 6: Control The Clock
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Clemson has yet to win the battle of the clock this season.
It will have to this week to beat Auburn.
The Tigers are going to have their defense tested, and if they can't get off the field, Auburn will wear them down until they're going to be pushed back on the line of scrimmage on every play.
Clemson needs to control the pace of the game and dictate how it's played. If Auburn can control the clock, the Tigers won't be able to keep up for very long.
It's going to be a struggle, and the playcalling will have to dictate clock control.
No. 5: Keep The Defense Honest
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One of Clemson's biggest challenges will be keeping Auburn honest by having success in the passing game.
Kyle Parker will have to make some plays down the field with his arm to get the defense on its heels and off-balanced so Clemson can find room to run. The Tigers can't rely on the running game to get the job done, and Parker will have to make plays while protecting the ball.
If Parker can't get the job done, Clemson will be awfully one-dimensional, and Auburn will turn the heat up on Clemson's offense.
That can't happen if the Tigers expect to win this game.
No. 4: Protect The Ball
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The Tigers haven't struggled with turnovers this season, only committing two this season.
But when you're playing a big game on the road, you have to protect the ball.
As someone who's been in attendance for big college football games, turnovers are something that sends the crowd into a frenzy.
If you protect the ball, it's going to keep the momentum from shifting against you. If Clemson can avoid giving the ball over to Auburn, it'll go a long way towards them winning the game.
While it's not a great barometer for success, if Clemson can win the turnover battle, it'll put them in a great position to walk away with the upset.
No. 3: Quiet The Crowd
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One thing Clemson can't do is let the crowd get into it.
If that crowd starts to feel it and they get loud, it's going to cause problems for the Tigers.
If Clemson can impose its will on Auburn, it's going to shut the crowd down.
A crowd can shift the tide of a game and rattle visiting players; the Tigers will have to take them out of it early. With a quick score, the fans are going to be looking at each other wondering what's going on.
If Auburn makes a big play or two early, it could be the beginnings of a rout.
No. 2: Stop The Run
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Auburn has a dangerous running attack led by Cameron Newton.
The Tigers average 5.9 yards per carry, and Clemson is going to have to stop the run. Otherwise, Auburn will be able to set up playaction and beat Clemson over the top.
Slowing the running game is key to slowing down Auburn's offense, and it has to be done.
It's a matter of toughness, and Clemson cannot let Auburn impose its will on them. If the running game is slowed, it's a big step towards winning the game.
No. 1: Run The Ball
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Clemson's strength is running the ball. The Tigers know that, and so does Auburn.
Despite that, Clemson has to find room to run against Auburn's defense.
Running the ball will accomplish a lot for the Tigers. They'll be able to dictate the pace of the game and take the crowd out of it, and it's going to wear down Auburn's defense.
The longer Auburn's defense is out on the field, the better shape Clemson will be in during the later stages of the game.
Football is a process, and if you can slowly wear down your opponent, you're going to have the advantage in the moments that matter the most.
Clemson needs to accomplish that.
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