CLEMSON, S.C. _ Clemson's defense was expecting a much tougher challenge against Auburn than it got in its opener against Kent State, but Brent Venables' unit put together the same dominant effort.
Clemson held Auburn to 117 total yards, three less than Kent State managed last week, as Clemson earned a 14-6 victory in a slugfest.
Auburn kicked a pair of field goals in the first half, one that was set up by a turnover, to take an early 6-0 lead but did not score on its final nine drives.
Despite being outplayed for the majority of the first half, Clemson took a 7-6 lead into the locker room thanks to an impressive drive by Kelly Bryant and the offense late in the second quarter.
Clemson had a 12-play, 88-yard drive that was capped by a 3-yard touchdown run by Bryant to take a 7-6 lead at intermission.
The lead increased to 14-6 on the first drive of the third quarter as Bryant led the offense on an eight-play, 79-yard touchdown drive. Bryant also had the finishing touch on this possession, breaking a pair of tackles and dashing to the end zone for a 27-yard score.
That was all the points Clemson needed as Dorian O'Daniel, Christian Wilkins, Austin Bryant and the rest of Clemson's defense shut down Auburn's offense.
O'Daniel finished with a career-high 14 tackles, while Bryant had four sacks and Wilkins had two. Clemson finished with 14 tackles for loss and 11 sacks.
Kelly Bryant was 19-for-29 passing for 181 yards and also led Clemson in rushing with 68 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Hunter Renfrow had nine catches and 62 yards for Clemson.
