College Football Playoff: Projected top 4 after Week 2

3. Clemson Tigers

The Clemson Tigers saw the emergence of their leader Kelly Bryant and their defensive line in their game against the Auburn Tigers. They’ll move up a spot in this week’s College Football Playoff projections as their quarterback and defense face a tough Week 3 matchup.

Quarterback Kelly Bryant didn’t have a passing touchdown in Clemson’s 14-6 victory, but he did have two rushing touchdowns, both of the Tigers’ touchdowns in the game.

Bryant ran for a 3-yard and a 27-yard touchdown on his way to 59 rushing yards on the day for the Tigers. It wasn’t much but it proved to be enough to defeat Auburn. He seemed quite adjusted in replacing the team’s unsung leader from last year’s national championship squad.

The Clemson Tigers defense was even more impressive, forcing 14 tackles for loss, 11 sacks and holding Auburn to 117 total yards of offense.

Defensive end Austin Bryant led the way for Clemson with four sacks, Christian Wilkins had two sacks and linebacker Dorian O’Daniel finished with 1.5 sacks. O’Daniel also led the defense with 14 tackles in the game. Wilkins finished with 10 tackles in the game.

Dominant was the operative word in describing the Clemson Tigers defense. They made plays all over the field to hold the Auburn offense to only six points and no touchdowns in the game.

This week, their hands are full with Pocket Lamar (Lamar Jackson) and the Louisville Cardinals. Pocket Lamar went for six touchdowns (three passing, three rushing) on his way to the team’s first victory in ACC play, 47-35 over North Carolina.