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Last year's trip to Auburn wasn't the most pleasant experience for Clemson fans even though they walked out with a win. The offense sputtered and missed some plays that could have created separation, and the heart rates were sky-high at the end when Auburn heaved two desperation passes into the end zone.

The 19-13 victory did bring one revelation, though: With Dexter Lawrence and Christian Wilkins serving as lead blockers for a Wayne Gallman touchdown, the Tigers boasted a formation that was going to be a nightmare for defenses in short-yardage situations.

As it turned out, short yardage was more of an adventure than anticipated after that opening victory. After Pittsburgh blew up the Beef Brigade for a pivotal short-yardage stop to hand Clemson a loss in the 10th game, the staff scrapped it and went with more varied looks in short yardage.

When it was time for the staff to stop celebrating the national title and take a hard look at some things on offense that needed correcting, short yardage was at or near the top of the list.