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Yes, there are some things to clean up. Yes, they had a chance to win on the final play of the game. But Auburn held its own in its 2016 season opener, losing in a one-score game to Clemson on Saturday night at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Here is an analysis of Auburn’s 19-13 loss.
5 Takeaways
• Kevin Steele’s surprising defense: In Steele’s debut as defensive coordinator, Auburn held Clemson to 399 yards of total offense, limited Deshaun Watson and company to four scoring drives and their lowest point total since they lost to Georgia Tech, 28-6, on Nov. 15, 2014. AU also got two turnovers – Darrell Williams’ forced fumble and Josh Holsey’s interception. Auburn had only three tackles for loss and didn’t record a sack, but considering Watson’s mobility, those numbers aren’t bad. It’s possible that the defense – a major weakness for Auburn the last two seasons – could be its strength in 2016.
• The offensive line needs work: From left to right, Austin Golson, Alex Kozan, Xavier Dampeer, Braden Smith and Robert Leff yielded 3 sacks, 4 QB hits, a whopping 14 tackles for loss and allowed a few passes to be batted down near the line of scrimmage. The fact that Auburn rotated three QBs probably didn’t help this group, but it must improve.
• The 3-QB experiment didn’t work: Auburn has three different quarterbacks running three different offenses. Sean White, a pocket passer, went 10-for-21 for 140 yards and was intercepted at Clemson’s 1-yard line. Jeremy Johnson – a dual-threat QB – was even worse. He completed 4-of-6 passes for 38 yards while also throwing an INT. He also ran for minus-18 yards John Franklin III, a run-first QB, saw his lone pass go backwards three yards.
• Kerryon Johnson might be a workhorse back: Johnson was the lone bright spot of Auburn’s running game. He ran 23 times for 94 yards – both career highs – and scored Auburn’s only touchdown. What made his performance even more impressive was the fact that as a team Auburn rushed 41 times for only 87 yards, just 2.1 per attempt. Johnson had 84 of his yards in the second half.
• The secondary is a primary concern: Mike Williams is a very good wideout, which he showed by burning Auburn for 174 receiving yards. But he was playing his first game in two seasons, and once the game got going, everyone knew he was Watson’s primary target. The defensive backfield is definitely on notice.
Report card
Offense: F – The quarterbacks were a mess, and other than Johnson, the running game was a disaster. Plus going 3-for-17 on third downs didn’t help.
Defense: B – Holding the Watson-led offense was impressive. Remember, he burned Alabama for 478 total yards in last season’s CFP National Championship Game.
Special teams: A – In addition to Carlson scoring nearly half of Auburn’s points by himself, Kevin Phillips was solid, averaging 44.4 yards on five punts and no returns. His 68-yard punt was AU’s longest in 10 years. Plus, Auburn held Clemson to 16 yards on one kickoff return.
Coaching: C – Steele’s defense kept Auburn in the game. We’re still not sure what Gus Malzahn and offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee were doing with the three-quarterback rotation.
Overall: C – Thanks to the defense, and in spite of the offense, Auburn still had a chance to win the game on the final play.
Game plan
Auburn tried to attack Clemson with its “power” running game. The three-QB approach was probably meant to confuse Brent Venables and Clemson’s defense, but in the end, it seemed to confuse Auburn’s offense the most.
Game balls
• RB Kerryon Johnson: It’s a shame he didn’t get going until the second half. But that’s because he had only five carries in the first half.
• WR Marcus Davis: The senior had a career-high 56 receiving yards on 5 catches. Auburn is going to need his production throughout the season.
• WR Kyle Davis: In his first college game, the true freshman caught a 43-yard pass from White. Unfortunately for Auburn, it was his only catch of the night.
Stan Chrapowicki is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers SEC football, Alabama and Auburn.
