Atlanta, GA – It’s Game Day in Atlanta where No. 14 Clemson will battle No. 25 Auburn in the Chick-Fil-A Kickoff Classic.
Location: Georgia Dome (73,000) – Atlanta, GA
Kickoff: 7:05 PM
Television: ESPN
Announcers: Brad Nesller, Todd Blackledge, Holly Rowe (Sideline)
2012 Record: Clemson 0-0 Auburn 0-0
ACC Record: Clemson 0-0
Series History: Auburn leads the series 34-12-2
Last Meeting: Clemson won 38-24 last season in Death Valley
Last Game in Georgia Dome
Clemson and Auburn met on December 31, 2007 in the Georgia Dome in the Chick-Fil-A bowl. Auburn won in overtime 23-20. Kodi Burns scored on a seven-yard touchdown in overtime to give No. 21 Auburn the victory.
Clemson score ten points early in the fourth quarter to take a 17-10 lead, but Auburn rallied with a game-tying drive.
Chizik Coached at Clemson
Auburn head coach Gene Chizik was a graduate assistant coach at Clemson under Danny Ford in 1988 and 1989. Clemson went 10-2 in both seasons. Chizik worked with the linebackers at Clemson.
Fifth Straight Game Away from Death Valley
When Clemson plays Auburn in the Georgia Dome it will be the Tiger’s fifth straight game away from Death Valley. That is the longest streak on the road since 1964.
Clemson with Just 12 Seniors
Clemson has one of the youngest teams in the nation with just 12 seniors. This is the fewest seniors on the roster since 1999.
Clemson 14th in Preseason Polls
Clemson is No. 14 in the preseason AP Poll and the USA Today coaches poll. The top 15 ranking is the first time for the Tigers since 2008. The Tigers finished last season ranked No. 22 in both polls.
Tigers from Georgia
Clemson has 11 players on the roster from the state of Georgia. The list includes seven players who are on the two-deep. David Beasley, Grady Jarrett, Darius Robinson, Corico Wright are all expected to start Saturday night. Vic Beasley and Corey Crawford are listed as co-starters at defensive end.
TCI Prediction
Heath – Clemson 27 Auburn 20
Will – Clemson 24 Auburn 13
Robert – Clemson 34 Auburn 23