CLEMSON, S.C. (WOLO) -- Clemson kicks off the 2012 season tonight at 7 p.m. against Auburn on ESPN. The Tigers say they are ready to show the world they are much better than the last time they had the national spotlight.

Clemson football had to live with the worst defensive performance ever in a bowl all offseason. West Virginia's 70-point Orange Bowl outburst led to the hiring of Oklahoma's Brent Venables to replace Kevin Steele as Clemson's defensive coordinator. Clemson Head Coach Dabo Swinney can't wait to unleash his new defense on Auburn in Saturday night's season opener in Atlanta.

At his weekly press conference Tuesday, Swinney was asked about coaching his first game with Venables. "I am looking forward to getting on the field with him," Swinney responded. "He's kind of like a caged animal. It's like, we just got to get this game to gameday. He's excited He really is."

Venables added, "I have a sense of urgency, and the guys around me do as well, but gameday will get here soon enough. I'm excited for it like everybody, but I understand again the process it takes to get ready for the game."