ATLANTA — The last play of Auburn's 2007 season should give the Tigers good reason to look forward to the start of 2008.

Freshman quarterback Kodi Burns, receiving an expanded role in Auburn's new spread offense, scored on a 7-yard run in overtime to give the Tigers a 23-20 victory over Clemson in the Chick-fil-A Bowl last night.

Burns, who shared snaps with senior starter Brandon Cox, threw a 22-yard touchdown pass to Mario Fannin in the third quarter and led Auburn with 69 yards rushing on 13 carries.

Just like that, Auburn may have found its next starting quarterback.

"He'll go in as No. 1," Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville said. "He's earned that. He's a gamer. You look at him on the sideline and he looks like a third- or fourth-year player."

After Mark Buchholz kicked a 25-yard field goal on Clemson's opening possession of overtime, Burns scored on a spinning run on a third-and-3 play.

Burns said the winning run may have been his most challenging, right from the snap from center Jason Bosley.

"It was real low," Burns said. "Bos was perfect all night. That was the only low one."

Burns remembered advice from new offensive coordinator Tony Franklin, who instituted the new offense in bowl practice after he was hired Dec. 12.

"Like Coach Franklin said, there's never a bad snap, so you have to keep driving and make the play," Burns said.

Auburn (9-4) gained 423 yards on 90 plays — a winning performance in the debut of the new scheme.

While Auburn prospered with its two-quarterback attack, Clemson (9-4) struggled with junior quarterback Cullen Harper, who was only 14-for-33 passing for 104 yards. Clemson was held to 12 first downs and 293 yards.

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