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Clemson at Auburn: 3 Things to Watch

By Justin Melton

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The Auburn Tigers kick off their 2016 at home against Clemson. Below we share our “three things to watch”. These are things that will be a factor not just in today’s game, but will also show signs of things to come over the course of the season. Let’s begin.

1. Can the Tiger Defense Contain Deshaun Watson?

Nov 14, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Carl Lawson (55) walks on the sidelines during the first quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Carl Lawson (55) walks on the sidelines during the first quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports /

Over the course of the season Auburn will face a few mobile quarterbacks. With that said, none of them will be as mobile, or as dangerous, as Deshaun Watson. Coming into the national championship game last season, Alabama’s defense was being lauded as one of the best ever.

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And then Deshaun Watson happened. The Tide couldn’t stop him running or throwing. Alabama was the best team on the field that night, but Watson was by far the best player. If Auburn wants to contain him they will have to play sound, assignment football. If they over-pursue Watson will burn them. We will see how Carl Lawson and friends handle the challenge.

2. Will John Franklin III Play?

Dec 30, 2015; Birmingham, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Sean White (13) drops back to pass against the Memphis Tigers in the 2015 Birmingham Bowl at Legion Field. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2015; Birmingham, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Sean White (13) drops back to pass against the Memphis Tigers in the 2015 Birmingham Bowl at Legion Field. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /

Sean White is going to get the start at the quarterback position. However, that doesn’t mean that John Franklin III won’t see the field. Malzahn loves a quarterback who can run, and Franklin can certainly do that. I wouldn’t be surprised to see wildcat packages with JFIII as the quarterback. Gus Malzahn will want to take advantage of his elite speed and elusiveness.

3. Who Steps up at Receiver?

Nov 7, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Auburn Tigers wide receiver Marcus Davis (80) makes a reception for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Auburn Tigers wide receiver Marcus Davis (80) makes a reception for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Auburn lists four starting receivers on its initial depth chart: Marcus Davis, Ryan Davis, Stanton Truitt, and Darius Slayton. Of those four, only Marcus Davis has significant experience. Over the course of three seasons he has caught 66 passes for 490 yards and 3 touchdowns. Those aren’t great numbers. He, or one of the other three, is going to have to step his game up and be a reliable target for Sean White to throw to.

Conclusion

Dec 30, 2015; Birmingham, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Kerryon Johnson (21) catches a pass during the game against the Memphis Tigers at the 2015 Birmingham Bowl at Legion Field. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2015; Birmingham, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Kerryon Johnson (21) catches a pass during the game against the Memphis Tigers at the 2015 Birmingham Bowl at Legion Field. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /

Thank you for reading. Is there a key factor you think we missed? Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to “like” us on Facebook and “follow” us on Twitter.

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