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Clemson vs Auburn recap: 2 things we learned

By Jerran Anderson

Sep 3, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Clemson Tigers running back Wayne Gallman (9) carries the ball up the field against the Auburn Tigers during the first quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Clemson Tigers running back Wayne Gallman (9) carries the ball up the field against the Auburn Tigers during the first quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Clemson Tigers started out a bit slow on offense but Deshaun Watson found a groove in the second half to pull off the 19-13 win.

The Clemson Tigers started the season off with a victory on the road in a tough SEC environment. It certainly didn’t come easy for quarterback Deshaun Watson and the Tigers either.

Deshaun Watson passed for 248 yards and a touchdown in what was a relatively quiet day for much of the Clemson offense. Watson didn’t throw a passing touchdown until the fourth quarter.

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Watson connected with wide receiver Hunter Renfrow on a 16 yard strike on a third and goal play. Watson showed his playmaking ability as he was under major pressure before making the throw.

Their other score came in the first half at the hands of their workhorse, Wayne Gallman.

The Auburn Tigers, on the other hand, seemed a bit indecisive on the offensive side of the ball. They played three quarterbacks in rotation for the whole game and their offense lacked any rhythm. They did set the tone by scoring first with a 53-yard FG.

After that, things just seemed to get away from Auburn.

Wayne Gallman is going to carry Clemson in some key games this season.

Sep 3, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers head coach Gus Malzahn reacts during the first quarter against the Clemson Tigers at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers head coach Gus Malzahn reacts during the first quarter against the Clemson Tigers at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports /

It was a bizarre turn of events for Auburn’s offense as they couldn’t seem to find a rhythm on offense all game.

The Tigers were 3-17 on third down conversions and but did convert three out of five fourth down conversions. They were held to 87 rushing yards and turned the ball over three times.

Gus Malzahn’s seat certainly has to be heating up as the Auburn Tigers have struggled since winning a National Championship in 2013.

Clemson Has A Lot of Receiver Options for Deshaun Watson This Season

Mike Williams led the way for Clemson receivers with a career high nine receptions and 174 receiving yards. Artavis Scott caught three passes for 30 yards and Hunter Renfrow caught three passes for 27 yards and a touchdown. Williams had quite the game, including this spectacular catch that came in the third quarter.

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It was unclear whether Williams would be able to return to form this season after suffering a season-ending neck injury in 2015. But it seems Watson has plenty of weapons to get this Clemson offense going as the season progresses.

Watson threw to six different receivers in their season opener.

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