Focus turns to Clemson

AUBURN | Auburn will turn its full focus to No. 2 Clemson Tuesday even as its quarterback competition remains unresolved.

Most of the position battles have been decided, rotations set and the scout teams established. The Tigers must now begin implementing a game plan to knock off a team that is projected to win the ACC for a second-straight year and return to the College Football Playoff.

“We will get to game week routine for the next two weeks as far as getting ready for Clemson and really focusing everything on Clemson,” Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said.

Malzahn emphasized special teams in Auburn’s scrimmage last Saturday and that emphasis will continue this week.

“First games you are always concerned about special teams,” Malzahn said. “You look at the history of first games there is always a big play or two on special teams that usually has a direct outcome in the game.”

The first three weeks of practice have also given the staff an opportunity to evaluate a talented freshmen class and determine which ones are ready to play this season. Players compete every day but more of the focus this week, especially for the freshmen, will be honing their responsibilities within the game plan.

“The young guys that will be on the field helping us this first game as we condense things down, I’m really looking for those guys to get more confidence and be more reactive instead of having to think,” Malzahn said.

Malzahn expects the majority of the 18 true freshmen that are enrolled this semester to play.

Auburn hosts Clemson Sept. 3 at 8 p.m. CT on ESPN.