Clemson, S.C. (EETV) - Auburn fans knew their defense had to play out of their minds tonight as they traveled to No. 3 Clemson in their first true road test of the season. And, Auburn's defense did not disappoint.
Death Valley is known for its loud and proud fans, who kept Memorial Stadium rocking all night.
On Auburn's first drive of the game, Jarrett Stidham drives Auburn down the field 69 yards. On third and goal, Stidham shovel passes the ball to Chandler Cox who cannot push his way into the
Auburn comes away with a 24-yard field goal from Daniel Carlson.
Late in the first quarter, Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant finds Ray-Ray McCloud who fumbles the ball only to have Jeremiah Dinson recover for Auburn.
In the second, Auburn up 6-0, Clemson driving, Bryant takes off for a 3-yard touchdown to cap an 88-yard drive to put Clemson up 7-6 to go into the half.
On Clemson's first drive of the second half, Bryant takes off again and rushes for the 27-yard touchdown to give Clemson the 14-6 lead.
But that was all the scoring Auburn would allow. In the third, Bryant hands off to CJ Fuller who is shut down immediately by Marlon Davidson.
In the fourth, Clemson driving again. Bryant uses his legs again to escape Auburn's Jeff Holland only to be hit hard by Carlton Davis.
Auburn's last chance to close the gap and get Auburn on the board, Stidham drops back and looks too long before Clemson's Dorian O'Daniel takes him down for the sack.
Auburn cannot convert in the
Clemson added the pressure early to Stidham, sacking him 11 times, and not allowing him to get the offense started.
“You gotta be able to run the football, you gotta have yourself in manageable third down situations where its not third and long, they can pin their ears back," said Gus Malzahn. “Our defense already knew that they were an outstanding defense. Clemson’s a very good offense, they help them to 14 points. Played their guts out, gave us a chance to win.”
“Our defense they had one heck of a game," said Stidham. "You know, we gotta help them out a little bit more.”
Despite Auburn's defensive domianace, the Tigers will look to improve their offensive struggles when they return home next Saturday to face Mercer.
