Clemson (9-3) vs. Auburn (8-4)

Conference match-up: ACC vs. SEC
Date: Dec. 31, 2007
Location: Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
Spread: Clemson -2

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This is a storied rivalry, especially considering both play in separate conferences. However, the 46th meeting in this all-Tigers collision might be one of the best yet. The first-ever matchup dates all the way back to 1899, and this time around it's the impenetrable force against the immovable object. Clemson boasts one of the nation's most balanced offenses, while Auburn's defense remains the team's strongest fixture. However, the biggest news coming into this matchup will be the talk of departed offensive coordinator Al Borges suddenly resigning due to the team's lack of success with the ball. He will not coach against Clemson, and the newly signed Tony Franklin will take over duties in Auburn's final game of the season.

Clemson can cover if: they keep Auburn's defense off-balanced. Clemson is armed with arguably the best rushing duo of electric tailbacks in the country in James Davis and C.J. Spiller; both are game-breakers and can be utilized in the passing game as well. But yards on the ground will not be enough. First year starter Cullen Harper must attack down the field and create a need for Auburn not to stack eight men in the box and jam the rushing game at the line of scrimmage. Clemson averages over 430 total yards and 34 points per game. Those numbers will be tough to achieve against a feisty Auburn D. However, considering the inconsistencies the SEC's Tigers have had, it might not take more than 20+ points to emerge victorious.

Auburn can cover if: it takes away one facet of Clemson's offense. If they allow the ACC's Tigers to cash in both on the ground and through the air, well, there is no way Brandon Cox and the inept Auburn offense can match more than 24 points without help from the special teams and defense forcing turnovers. So, that's probably what the Tigers defense will have to do: get Cullen Harper out of sync with Will Muschamp's blitz schemes and force him into some poor mistakes. If Auburn wins the turnover battle and can cash in on special teams, they will make it out with their ninth win of the season.

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General notes: Both teams met in Atlanta for the 1998 Peach Bowl, with Auburn coming out with a 21-17 win. However, a Clemson win would be the school's first 10-win season in 17 years and it's only second time they have won nine games during the regular season since 1992. Clemson's head coach actually served as an assistant for Auburn from 1991-1996 before eventually finding his current job in 1999. The SEC rep has won 12 straight over Clemson. This will be only the teams second meeting since 1971.