Auburn vs Clemson: Game Preview, Over/Under, Spread, Predictions and TV Info

The battle of Tigers commences as No. 21 Auburn heads to Memorial Stadium to take on Clemson in a game with a lot at stake.

Auburn has been living on the edge this season. They needed a couple of late scores against Utah State to open. Then they had a miraculous goal-line stuff to halt then-No. 16 Mississippi State last week. 

If Auburn is to be taken seriously as a top-10 contender, they are going to need some convincing wins.

Saturday may not be the time to get such a win. Auburn has been dreadful against the run, something Clemson does very well. The game will once again go down to the wire, something Auburn has practice in dealing with this season.  

Where: Memorial Stadium, Clemson, South Carolina

When: Saturday, Sept. 17 12:00 PM ET

Watch: ABC 

Spread: Auburn +3, Clemson -3 Courtesy of Bodog.eu

There is not a lot of wiggle room, mostly because the game will indeed be tight. Auburn has been living too far on the edge to not get burned at some point. Clemson is as good as any team to do it to them. The game will be razor thin, or go out right to Clemson. Take the home Tigers. 

Over/Under: Not Available as of Thursday Night

Auburn is not going to beat Clemson with defense. This game will at least reach the 40 points mark. As of Thursday night, Bodog had not yet released an over/under for the game. 

Key Injuries: 

Auburn: DE Joel Bonomolo (Questionable), OL Aubrey Phillips (Questionable), DE Justin Delaine (Questionable)

Clemson: No Serious Injuries, Rashard Hall (knee) Probable for game 

BCS/Top-25 Poll Implications

This game matters more for Auburn who has the most to lose. Their standing in the top 25 is already tenuous, a loss to Clemson would see this borderline team drop from the good graces of the polls.  

Keys to Auburn Win

Auburn simply can't continue to make a game of it at the end. Gene Chizik needs to have his boys prepared for an early lead they can hold onto. 

That will have to start with a better defensive effort. Auburn has given up far too many yards. It will catch up to them eventually. 

Keys to Clemson Win

Clemson knows the way, and they will surely follow the path to victory. Auburn can't stop the run. 

The goal is to give the ball to Andre Ellington at every turn, pummeling an immature Auburn defense. This will be a game that is won or lost on the ground. I have more confidence in Clemson winning that battle. 

Prediction: Clemson 24, Auburn 23