Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Clemson sacks Auburn QB 11 times
NO. 3 CLEMSON 13, NO. 13 AUBURN 6
CLEMSON, S.C. — Kelly Bryant ran for two touchdowns after getting knocked hard to the ground and defensive end Austin Bryant had four of Clemson’s 11 sacks in the No. 3 Tigers’ 14-6 victory over Auburn on Saturday night.
This was billed as an early showcase between elite teams with dreams of the College Football Playoff. Instead, Clemson’s Bryants never gave Auburn (1-1) much of a chance.
Kelly Bryant, making his second career start at quarterback for defending national champion Clemson, appeared to be seriously hurt after he remained on the ground on a hit by Dontavius Russell. But after a few moments in the medical tent, he returned to direct a pair of touchdown drives that gave Clemson (2-0) the lead for good.
Bryant’s 3-yard run right before halftime put Clemson ahead 7-6. He finished the next possession with a spinning, 27-yard burst.
Clemson’s d e fense squashed any chance of an Auburn comeback. Bryant was nearly unblockable and created havoc for quarterback Jarrett Stidham and Auburn, which was held to 117 yards.
Austin Byrant sacked Stidham on Auburn’s final two plays as the Baylor transfer desperately tried to get the ball downfield. Bryant threw for 181 yards on 19 of 29 passing. He also rushed for 68 yards.
Clemson’s running game struggled to get going, and the team made too many mistakes to keep drives going. But Clemson’s defense did as advertised, shutting down Auburn’s offense with its bevy of new skill players.
Auburn played without tailback Kerryon Johnson, who nursed a hamstring injury all week after getting hurt Sept. 2 against Georgia Southern. Clemson was minus starting safety Van Smith, who had a knee sprain.
Auburn has one last game before SEC play starts, taking on Mercer at home Saturday.
Clemson starts ACC play with perhaps its toughest remaining test, at No. 17 Louisville on Saturday.