Clemson’s offensive line is considered one of the best in college football, and the same can be said of Auburn’s defensive line.

So, as Clemson turned its full attention to Auburn on Monday in practice for the first time this preseason, the offensive line began preparing for what should be a heavyweight clash with Auburn’s defensive line.

“This is big-time Division I football, so everybody you play, you have to prepare like you’re going into a heavyweight bout,” Clemson center Jay Guillermo said after practice. “These guys are no different. They’re a great group of guys and have quality depth at the tackle position and defensive end, as well, so we really have to focus on us and do what we can do to give us the best chance to win.”

Over the summer, Guillermo watched “bits and pieces” of film on Auburn.

He’ll watch much more in the coming days leading up to the game on Sept. 3, but he already has a good idea of what to expect from Auburn’s front four.

“They really jump out at you,” Guillermo said. “They’re go-hard guys. They’re guys that have high motors that you have to really focus on finishing because if you don’t, they’ll get off and make a play.”

Senior defensive tackle Montravius Adams and junior defensive end Carl Lawson anchor Auburn up front.

Despite missing six games because of a hip injury in 2015, Lawson had 17 tackles, three tackles for loss, a sack and 11 quarterback hurries. Adams, meanwhile, posted 44 tackles, three tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.

Guillermo described Adams and Lawson as “big, powerful dudes.”

“They’re not just powerful, but guys who can move,” Guillermo said. “They’ve played a lot of football, so you’re not going to throw a lot at them that they haven’t seen. It’s going to be a really good challenge. That’s going to be our first game and really the test to see how we’ve done over the summer.”

Entering the national title game against Alabama, Clemson’s offensive line faced questions about how it would handle the Crimson Tide’s vaunted front seven, but more than held its own.

Guillermo said that provides his unit with some additional confidence heading into the Auburn game.

“I guess it gives you some confidence because you can gauge where those guys will be since they’re on par with those guys from Alabama last year,” Guillermo said. “Those guys are going to be top-round picks after the season. I guess it gives you a little bit, but last year was last year, and both teams are really improved. Each unit has really improved, so it’s going to be a good one to watch.”

Clemson’s first day of practice preparing for Auburn went well, according to Guillermo.

“I feel like we had a really good practice up front,” Guillermo said. “I felt like we came out with a lot of excitement and finished the day off well.”

Though Clemson is focusing on playing Auburn in 12 days, the ACC’s Tigers are still focused on themselves, as well.

Therefore, Swinney’s message has remained the same as it’s always been.

“Focus on Clemson,” Guillermo said. “Do what we can control. We can’t control anything they’re doing, so we just have to focus on us and prepare like we’re going to play tomorrow. Prepare like it’s your last day, and embrace the target.

“Guys want to knock us off, and that’s how it should be. Auburn is definitely a team that is capable of doing it. They’re a really solid team, so we are embracing the target, coming out every day and preparing with a purpose. Preparing like we’re playing tomorrow.”