What: Chick-fil-A-Bowl
Who: No. 15 Clemson (9-3) vs. No. 22 Auburn (8-4)
Where: Georgia Dome, Atlanta
When: Monday, 7:30 p.m.
WagerWeb.com line: Clemson -2.5
The ACC's Clemson Tigers meet the SEC's Auburn Tigers for the 45th time since 1899 on Monday night.
Both teams boast stellar defenses, ranking among the nation's top 10 in points allowed.
But Clemson's defensive challenge is made more difficult by the losses of two of the team's top three tacklers to academic problems. Outside linebackers Nick Watkins and Tramaine Billie were declared academically ineligible earlier this month. Watkins led the team with 118 tackles. Billie was third with 79. Another senior starter, offensive tackle Christian Capote, also was declared ineligible.
With the defenses even, the offensive differences should make the difference in this game, where there will be plenty of orange in the stands.
Auburn ranked 101st in the nation in total offense this season, so coach Tommy Tuberville hired a new offensive coordinator, Tony Franklin, away from Troy a few weeks ago.Auburn averaged 24.3 ppg and 327.8 total ypg during the season, with 32 offensive touchdowns this season, 21 of which have been rushing scores. And the ground average of 154.2 yards per game is good, but the 3.7 yards per carry is not. Ben Tate has been the most effective runner, racking up 856 yards and seven touchdowns.
Senior QB Brandon Cox has been inconsistent, as he has completed 58.8 percent of his passes for 1,869 yards and nine touchdowns with only 12 interception. In fact, freshman quarterback Kodi Burns, who Franklin says has a good future in the new offense, could share time with Cox.
Rod Smith has made 48 catches for 660 yards and five touchdowns, as he is the most dangerous receiver on the roster.
Clemson has one of the best running back tandems in the nation in James Davis and C.J. Spiller, who combined for 1,648 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns.
QB Cullen Harper threw a school-record 27 touchdown passes as Clemson led the ACC in scoring. Harper completed 67 percent of his passes for 2,887 yards with only six interceptions. His favorite target was receiver Aaron Kelly, who had 84 catches for 1,045 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Clemson is making its 30th bowl appearance, and is 2-4 in the Chick-fil-A Bowl. If Clemson can beat Auburn, it will mark the program's first 10-win season since 1990. Auburn will be making its 34th bowl appearance, and the Tigers are 4-3 in bowl games under Tuberville.
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