Bryant duo gives Clemson a spark
Quarterback Kelly and defensive end Austin, no relation, help sink Auburn.
CLEMSON, S.C. — The new starting quarterback had an easy way for thirdranked Clemson to keep winning the next several years — recruit more Bryants.
Kelly Bryant, Clemson’s first-year starter, ran for two touchdowns after a scary hit knocked him to the ground and defensive end Austin Bryant had four of the team’s 11 sacks in a 14-6 victory over No. 13 Auburn on Saturday night.
“The Bryant guys were pretty good,” said Kelly, who is not related to Austin. “We’ve got to keep it going.”
If they do, defending national champion Clemson (2-0) might be playing in its third consecutive title game.
The game was hyped as an early-season test of power between two of the country’s best teams with hopes of the College Football Playoffs. But Clemson’s defense showed its strength early before Kelly Bryant got the offense rolling right before halftime.
Bryant, facing his first Power 5 opponent after sitting behind two-time Heisman Trophy finalist Deshaun Watson the last two years, went down hard on a tackle by lineman Dontavius Russell.
The quarterback lay on the ground motionless before his legs flapped around, looking to most of the 80,000 at Death Valley that he was badly injured.
Instead, Bryant just needed to regain his breath and find his resolve.
Once Bryant returned, he led an 88-yard drive right before halftime that he ended with a three-yard scoring run to give Clemson the lead for good 7-6.
“That drive,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said, “was a thing of beauty.”
The defensive Bryant was nearly unblockable much of the night, chasing quarterback Jarrett Stidham all over the field.
Auburn finished with 117 yards, only 13 on the ground. Stidham’s longest throw was 23 yards.
Austin Byrant sacked Stidham on Auburn’s final two plays as the Baylor transfer tried to get the ball downfield.
Kelly Byrant threw for 181 yards on 19-of-29 passing. He rushed for 68 yards.