Clemson's D holds on down the stretch

By Pete Iacobelli

Associated Press

Published: Sunday, Sept. 2 2012 5:35 p.m. MDT

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Clemson linebacker Jonathan Willard (46) reacts at the end of a 26-19 win over Auburn in a NCAA college football game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Saturday, Sept. 1, 2012.

Dave Martin, Associated Press

Summary

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney saw plenty of good signs from his defense this week, things that give him hope the Tigers can make a similar jump on that side of the ball as they did last year on offense.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Clemson coach Dabo Swinney saw plenty of good signs from his defense this week, things that give him hope the Tigers can make a similar jump on that side of the ball as they did last year on offense.

The 14th-ranked Tigers opened the year with a 26-19 victory over Auburn at the Georgia Dome on Saturday night and needed plenty of sound of defense down the stretch to do it.

Auburn had taken a 19-16 lead early in the fourth quarter and was moving the ball well throughout the game. But Clemson choked off Auburn's final two drives to snap a six-game losing streak in Atlanta.

Swinney said his defense played its soundest ball down the stretch, giving new coordinator Brent Venables plenty to build on this season.

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