Week 2: Auburn vs. Clemson
This was a tough one to choose, as Stanford visits USC and Oklahoma visits Ohio State in Week 2. In the end, we went with Auburn heading into Death Valley because both teams will have so much yet to answer at this point in their seasons with so much on the line. Additionally, we’ll be getting our first peek at a couple of new quarterbacks under the spotlight of a big game.
Auburn will likely be rolling with Jarrett Stidham this year behind center. The former Baylor transfer should beat out Sean White to run Gus Malzahn’s offense, and we’re excited to see what he can do. It’s still unknown who will be behind center for Clemson (junior Kelly Bryant, redshirt freshman Zerrick Cooper and true freshman Hunter Johnson all have a legit chance to start), which has the tall task of replacing Deshaun Watson.
Clemson’s defense is a force, with sophomore Dexter Lawrence — one of the most dangerous defenders in the nation — leading the way.
How Auburn comes out of this one will tell us a lot about the Tigers’ chances of living up to Malzahn’s expectations they can contend for a title this season.