Auburn's QB quandary

Certainly there are reasons for concern on Clemson's side as it gears up for the opener against Auburn.

But as much as everyone will be justifiably preoccupied over the offensive line going up against Auburn's talented, deep defensive front, Clemson has to feel good about matchups elsewhere.

Namely, quarterback.

Of course, it's not really a matchup because Tajh Boyd won't be directly facing whatever quarterback Auburn throws out there.

But experience at quarterback is huge, and Clemson has a quarterback who won 10 games and a conference title last year. If this game comes down to one or two plays made or not made by quarterbacks, as many games do, then you have to give Clemson the edge there.

Kiehl Frazier and Clint Moseley are battling for the starting job, and so far Gene Chizik has not dispensed glowing reviews.

With no practices scheduled for Sunday or Monday, coaches had time to review practice film and scrutinize the performance of the quarterbacks and other players fighting for jobs.

"We're going to have to really do a great, thorough evaluation of this past week," Chizik said. "And some probably over the next week as well. We're definitely going to name a starter before game day. That's going to happen."

Chizik was critical of both quarterbacks' play Friday evening.

"I'm not sure exactly what he wants, but he was not pleased with us," Frazier said. "He's the one that makes the decision, so we have to come out and do better."

Frazier is a sophomore who attempted just 12 passes last year. Moseley is a junior who started the last six games of 2011, but he's dealt with shoulder soreness since spring practice. Both guys have imposing stature (Frazier is 6-2, 228 and Moseley is 6-4, 233).

More on the QB competition here.

Our friends at the Auburn Rivals site give some insight into the new duties of receivers under coordinator Scot Loeffler.

Though offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler hasn't offered even token insight into how his attack will work this fall, wideouts clearly are concerned about the Tigers' new strategy affects them. It has nothing to do with statistics.

Loeffler uses frequent shifts and motions to create an advantage, which has taxed receivers in new ways since spring practice. Thriving as a receiver no longer is all about blocking and catching passes.

"I've never had to motion before, so that's a whole new part of the game that we've all had to master," senior wideout Emory Blake said. "I can handle it. It's not a big deal to me. I just think it's a challenge for some guys, mostly the younger guys, to know exactly where to be in this offense. If you miss something, you'll be on the sideline."

And a look at heralded left tackle Greg Robinson, who's grown up over the last year.

The physical tools have always been there.

Robinson arrived on campus last fall under the weight of high recruiting rankings and all of the pressure that comes with those ratings. Expected by some to contribute immediately, Robinson wasn’t ready.

Between going to class and learning the playbook, Robinson felt overwhelmed. He needed the redshirt year.

"I matured in my classes and all that, managing my time with football," Robinson said. "As a freshman, I was so new to it. Now I’m really used to it."

Expected to be Auburn’s starting left tackle, Robinson has been tossed into the burning barrel this offseason.

No matter who Auburn’s coaching staff chooses to be the starting quarterback, Robinson will be tasked with protecting his blind side against players like Georgia’s Jarvis Jones and LSU’s Sam Montgomery.

"I don’t like to be beat," Robinson said.


LW