No. 2 Clemson will begin its 2016-17 campaign much like it finished last season: With a matchup against an SEC team from the state of Alabama.
This time around, Heisman contender Deshaun Watson and the No. 2 Tigers will begin their path back to the national championship with a matchup at Jordan-Hare Stadium against Auburn, who’s looking to bounce back after a disappointing 7-6 campaign last year.
Clemson fans will notice a familiar face on the opposite sideline, as former defensive coordinator Kevin Steele, who was fired following the 2011 Orange Bowl, has made his way to Auburn after stops with Alabama and LSU.
“(Firing Steele) was very difficult because I have a tremendous amount of respect for Coach Steele,” said Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney. “He is a great football coach, a great man with a great family. Coach Steele was a huge part of us laying a foundation here in ’09, 10 and 11. He helped us win our first ACC Championship in 20 years.”
Steele’s first game as a defensive coordinator since his D surrendered 70 points in that ’11 Orange Bowl won’t be an easy one. Clemson, which scored 37.5 points per game last year, returns seven all-conference offensive players, and that’s not even including WR Hunter Renfrow, who had 88 yards and two scores in the national championship.
Here’s everything you need to know to watch:
Clemson vs. Auburn Viewing Info
Date: Saturday, September 3, 2016
Start Time: 9 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN or Sling TV
Line: Clemson (-8), per OddsShark
Over/Under: 63
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