Another ACC-SEC match up on 9/18. This game is being played in Auburn. Both teams did better than expected last season, but both teams lost 5 games. Could this be a "two ships passing in the night" scenario?
Clemson returns 6 starters on offense, but loses super RB C.J. Spiller to graduation. You simply do not replace talent on that level. The offensive burden now rests on the shoulders of Sophmore QB QB Kyle Parker. The passing game is going to have to improve, and with the loss or WR Jacoby Ford, that will not be real simple. Last season Clemson scored 34 or more points in 8 of their 14 games. Even with most of the offensive line coming back, Clemson will be hard pressed to equal that in 2010. The defense also returns 6 starters, but must replace two starting corners and DE pass rush specialist Sapp. This defense ran hot and cold last season, holding the opposition to 14 or less points 6 times, but allowing 30 or more points 4 times. They must become a more coesive unit.
Auburn was the suprise of the SEC last season, winning 8 games. Much of Auburn's success happened early on, when their new offense reeled off 5 straight wins, 4 of which were at home. Then the team hit the wall, losing 5 out of their next 7 games. One of those two wins came against FCS Furman. Auburn had a very young team last season, and will reap the benefits from that. 7 starters return on an offense that scored 33 or more points 7 times last season. Scoring should be no problem for the War Eagles. The defense returns 8 starters, but was a major problem last year, allowing 30 or more points in 7 games. For Auburn to challenge in the SEC this season, major improvment will be needed.
This is a tough game from a wagering standpoint. Clemson loses a lot of firepower on offense, but Auburn's defense can be very weak. Auburn should have no problem scoring points on offense, but Clemson's defense can hold teams down. Clemson also has the added advantage of having their bye the following week. Right now, I would look for a total play. Clemson plays absolutely no one in their first two games (home to North Texas and Presbyterian, which I though was a religion) but Auburn must play at Miss. State the week before they host Clemson. Miss. State had a defense that had it's moments last season, and 8 of those starters return. If Auburn can score at will against Miss. State, then an over play here may be in order, but if Auburn has problems scoring, caution is advised. As far as the spread is concerned, I can not see Clemson keeping up with Auburn, so anything less than a 7 point favorite will probably lead to an Auburn play for us. The bottom line is that the Auburn offense is improving and the Clemson offense is headed in the other direction. Like two ships passing in the night.
Clemson returns 6 starters on offense, but loses super RB C.J. Spiller to graduation. You simply do not replace talent on that level. The offensive burden now rests on the shoulders of Sophmore QB QB Kyle Parker. The passing game is going to have to improve, and with the loss or WR Jacoby Ford, that will not be real simple. Last season Clemson scored 34 or more points in 8 of their 14 games. Even with most of the offensive line coming back, Clemson will be hard pressed to equal that in 2010. The defense also returns 6 starters, but must replace two starting corners and DE pass rush specialist Sapp. This defense ran hot and cold last season, holding the opposition to 14 or less points 6 times, but allowing 30 or more points 4 times. They must become a more coesive unit.
Auburn was the suprise of the SEC last season, winning 8 games. Much of Auburn's success happened early on, when their new offense reeled off 5 straight wins, 4 of which were at home. Then the team hit the wall, losing 5 out of their next 7 games. One of those two wins came against FCS Furman. Auburn had a very young team last season, and will reap the benefits from that. 7 starters return on an offense that scored 33 or more points 7 times last season. Scoring should be no problem for the War Eagles. The defense returns 8 starters, but was a major problem last year, allowing 30 or more points in 7 games. For Auburn to challenge in the SEC this season, major improvment will be needed.
This is a tough game from a wagering standpoint. Clemson loses a lot of firepower on offense, but Auburn's defense can be very weak. Auburn should have no problem scoring points on offense, but Clemson's defense can hold teams down. Clemson also has the added advantage of having their bye the following week. Right now, I would look for a total play. Clemson plays absolutely no one in their first two games (home to North Texas and Presbyterian, which I though was a religion) but Auburn must play at Miss. State the week before they host Clemson. Miss. State had a defense that had it's moments last season, and 8 of those starters return. If Auburn can score at will against Miss. State, then an over play here may be in order, but if Auburn has problems scoring, caution is advised. As far as the spread is concerned, I can not see Clemson keeping up with Auburn, so anything less than a 7 point favorite will probably lead to an Auburn play for us. The bottom line is that the Auburn offense is improving and the Clemson offense is headed in the other direction. Like two ships passing in the night.