Auburn, Ala. – It’s Game Day at Jordan-Hare Stadium where No. 2 Clemson battles Auburn to open the 2016 season.

Location: Jordan-Hare Stadium

Kickoff:  9:00 PM

Television:   ESPN

Announcers:  Brent Musburger, Jesse Palmer, Kaylee Hartung

2015 Record: Clemson  14-1  Auburn 7-6

ACC Record: Clemson 9-0

Series History: Auburn leads 34-13-2

Last Meeting:  Clemson won 26-19 in 2012

Clemson in Openers

Clemson has won 24 of its last 31 openers.  In the last 16 years the Tigers are 11-5 in the first game of the season.  All four of Clemson’s recent losses in the opener have been against top 25 teams.  In 2002, 2003 and 2014 the Tigers lost to Georgia to open the season.  Alabama defeated Clemson in 2008 in the first game.

Five Straight Away Games

The Tigers open the season on the road at Auburn and that will be Clemson’s fifth straight game away from home.  Last season the Tigers finished the regular season at South Carolina and then played in Charlotte for the ACC Championship.  The Orange Bowl victory was next leading to the national championship game in Arizona.

Watson Has Top Winning Percentage

Deshaun Watson has the top winning percentage in history for Clemson quarterbacks.  Watson is 18-2 as a starter.  One of those losses came against Georgia Tech when Watson left the game early with a torn ACL.

Clemson Well Represented in Herbie Awards

Clemson players were well represented in ESPN’s annual Herbie Awards.  DeShaun Watson won the 4000/100 award while Hunter Renfrow won the Unsung Hero award.  Mike Williams was a finalist for the Welcome Back award while Ben Boulware made the finalist list for the Throwback Player.  Watson was also a finalist for the Ultimate Game Changer and Ultimate Herbie awards.

Open and Close with SEC

For the fourth time in the last five years Clemson will open and close the regular season against SEC teams.

Back to the Plains

Clemson will return to the Plains to play Auburn for the first time since 2010.  Clemson jumped out to an early lead but lost the game to the eventual champs in overtime in 2010.

Record Number of Returning All-ACC Players

Clemson had a record 17 players make the All-ACC team in 2015.  A record 11 return for the 2016 season.

TCI Predictions 

Robert – Clemson 45 Auburn 31

Gavin – Clemson 41 Auburn 24

Will – Clemson 38  Auburn 17

Qualk – Clemson 41 Auburn 17