Led by Heisman Trophy candidate Deshaun Watson, and surrounded by elite skill players such as Wayne Gallman and Mike Williams, Clemson’s offensive line might not get much attention, glory or praise from the general public.

But from within Clemson’s program, the offensive line gets credit where credit is due.

“We try to make sure within our building and within our program, that everybody knows the success we had last year on offense was because of the offensive line’s play,” Clemson co-offensive coordinator Tony Elliott said after practice on Thursday. “The skills guys cannot do what they do without the big boys up front, and they get challenged every day.”

Clemson’s performance up front is essential to the offense’s overall success, and it will be no different against Auburn’s stout defensive line on Sept. 3.

Auburn’s defensive line presents a formidable challenge for Clemson, but Elliott feels that Clemson’s O-line is up for the challenge after facing the defensive line every day in practice.

“There’s a lot of talk about Auburn’s defensive line, and rightfully so,” Elliott said. “They have some very highly recruited and highly talented guys, and they play in a league that is known for running the football and playing physical.

“But our guys go against a very physical and tough defensive line every day in practice, so I’m excited to see that challenge. Our guys are going to be ready for it.”

After watching film on Auburn, Elliott said defensive end Carl Lawson stands out because of his speed as a pass rusher.

“He’s as fast as anyone we’re going to see coming off the edge,” Elliott said. “I know he’s going to be anxious to play. He got hurt early in his career and missed some games last year, so he’s going to be excited. But he’s going to be as fast as anybody we see come off the edge.”

The ACC’s Tigers rushed for 200 yards or more in a school-record 11 games, rushed for 300-plus yards in three games and 400-plus yards on one occasion (against Miami on Oct. 24).

Clemson also allowed only 18 sacks, the fewest in the ACC, despite playing 15 games.

So, Clemson’s offensive line should have plenty of confidence heading into the Auburn game after last season, especially after more than holding their own against Alabama in the national title game.

“They were tested all year, and then to be able to go out on that stage at the end — when people didn’t expect them to play the way they did against Alabama — gives them confidence,” Elliott said.

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney talks all the time about his program’s core values, and being the most physical team on the field each week is one of them.

“Coach Swinney preaches it all the time,” Elliott said, “and that’s what our guys have to do to be successful.”

With that said, expect Clemson’s offensive line to be ready for Auburn’s defensive line in nine days.

“They know that in order for us to have success,” Elliott said, “that for Deshaun, Mike, Wayne and all those other guys to be who they are, they have to do their job.”