(1) Auburn has a better 4 year recruiting average. So on paper they are the more talented team.
(2) The game is at Jordan-Hare. That makes a huge difference. Especially to open a season.
(3) College football has a way of surprising us every year. And Auburn has been at the forefront. When you least expect it, they'll have a great season.
Other than Saban at Alabama, no one should have the benefit of the doubt heading into next season. We've seen too many preseason juggernauts flop. Last year both Oregon and Auburn were top 10 teams. Auburn finished unranked and Oregon nearly did as well.
I have Clemson losing 3 games.