Clemson will travel to Raleigh Thursday night to take on an NC State team looking to make a statement. The last time the Tigers played at Carter-Finley Stadium they were blown out 37-13. The Tigers overlooked the Pack that day and the same result could happen again if Clemson has a lackluster performance.
Clemson's Offense vs NC State's Defense
Last season Clemson was able to put up 62 points on NC State. Tajh Boyd will be licking his chops heading into this matchup. NC State returned only one starter from last season's team so lack of experience will hamper them. State has 0 interceptions through 2 games and have no one on the team with more than 1 pass break up. Sammy Watkins and Martavis Bryant should have plenty of opportunities to make plays. This is also a matchup where Adam Humphries, Germone Hopper, or Mike Williams could get plenty of chances to show their talent in front of a national audience.
The front 7 for the Pack have been solid. Linebacker Robert Caldwell leads the team in tackles and strong safety Hakim Jones has been good in run support. Nose tackle Thomas Teal has 3 tackles for loss already and weighs over 300 pounds. The Clemson offensive line and running back Rod McDowell will be challenged in the running game. Look for them to be on point in order for the Tigers to be successful on the ground.
NC State's Offense vs Clemson's Offense
First year NC State head coach Dave Doeren is employing a spread high powered offensive system. His offense took a blow when QB Brandon Mitchell broke a bone in his foot. He since has used 2 quarterbacks; Pete Thomas and Bryant Shirreffs. So far Thomas has not thrown any touchdowns while throwing 3 interceptions. The Clemson secondary, though it has yet to prove it can be dependable, could have opportunities to build some confidence. Shirreffs is a dual threat QB. He can make things happen with his feet if he gets the opportunity. Clemson's LBs Stephone Anthony and Spencer Shuey will be major factors in stopping Shirreffs. Don't be surprised to see Doeren play Shirreffs more than Thomas as Thomas has played poorly so far. Running backs Tony Creecy and freshman Matt Dayes of NC State have done good so far. Creecy is a consistent every down back while Dayes is a big play waiting to happen type back. Clemson will need to be good in the trenches to slow these 2 down and stop Shirreffs.
Special Teams
Both, Clemson and NC State have kickers that have shown they can make field goals with the game on the line. If either Chandler Catanzoro or Niklas Sade have the opportunity to win the game late with their foot you have to like their chances. Also Clemson Punter Bradley Pinion and kickoff specialist has been great so far. He is 27th nationally in punt average. He kicks the ball out of the back of the endzone on kickoffs so NC State likely won't have a chance to return kicks.
X-Factor
This game will be decided in the trenches. The NC State defensive line can bring pressure to affect the passing game and clog the middle when Clemson attempts to run. The Clemson Oline will have to be on point at all times. NC State can also run the ball well. They do lack experience on the offensive line and Clemson must take advantage of the lack of experience. Vic Beasley, Corey Crawford, and Grady Jarrett will be tough for the Pack to stop.
Prediction
NC State should be able to score but turnovers should hinder them from being able to put up enough. Tajh Boyd and company scored 62 points against State last year against a more experienced secondary. The environment will be different but the Tigers will be ready and focused to play. Prediction: Clemson wins 48-27
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