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Showing posts with label Clemson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Clemson. Show all posts
Tuesday, 30 September 2014
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Clemson Outlasts North Carolina: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

North Carolina at ClemsonThe Clemson Tigers put last week's heartbreaking loss at Florida State in the rearview Saturday night, knocking off visiting North Carolina 50-35. True freshman Deshaun Watson made his first start memorable, setting a Clemson record for touchdown passes with six, as well as a school-record for freshman passing yards with 435. North Carolina quarterback Marquise Williams had another strong night, finishing with 345 passing yards and four touchdowns. Clemson's defense iced the game when Robert Smith intercepted Williams in the endzone with just over 2 minutes remaining in regulation. 

THE GOOD: WATSON AND WILLIAMS

In a game that many predicted to be a shootout, quarterbacks Deshaun Watson and Marquise Williams didn't disappoint. North Carolina's Williams stayed poised throughout the contest despite a slow start. After trailing 22-7 at the half, Williams tossed three second-half scores, inlucding a 75-yard connection to Ryan Switzer to pull the Heels within 15 in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately for Williams, his night ended with an interception in Clemson's endzone to hand Clemson the victory. 

What can you say about Deshaun Watson that hasn't already been said? Watson set the Death Valley on fire Saturday night, putting his name in the record book in more than one category. Watson set a freshman-record with 435 passing yards, six touchdowns, and became the Clemson's all-time single-season freshman leader with 914 yards passing and 10 touchdowns. Clemson fans were elated when Watson's first pass attempt of the night was a 74-yard touchdown to sophomore Germone Hopper. Perhaps Watson's most telling note is he didn't throw back-to-back incompletions throughout the entire contest. 

THE BAD: DEFENSE - OR LACK THEREOF

North Carolina's much-maligned defense limped into Death Valley on the heels of an infamous school-record last week, surrendering 789 yards and 70 points at East Carolina. Clemson's defense has one of the nation's best front seven, and on paper it appeared the Tigers had the upperhand. At halftime, Clemson had already tallied 218 yards, 193 against the Heels' porous secondary. Carolina had managed just 136 yards at the half, but exploded for 342 yards in the second half. Clemson's offense stayed on cruise control, finishing the night with 528 total yards. 

Both teams averaged a healthy six yards-per-play, and neither defense appeared capable of making a stand in the second half. One bright spot for Clemson's defense was the play of Vic Beasley. The All-American defensive end snagged two sacks, pulling within one of the school-record currently co-held by Michael Dean Perry and the late Gaines Adams. 

THE UGLY: WHERE IS THE RUNNING GAME?

Despite being loaded with talent at the tailback position, neither North Carolina nor Clemson managed to total 100 yards rushing. North Carolina utilized star freshman Elijah Hood throught the game, and Hood managed 72 yards on 13 carries with a score in the fourth quarter. Clemson's tailback-by-committee garnered a measly 78 yards on 26 carries against a defense that allowed over 300 yards against East Carolina the week before. Clemson's inability to earn tough yards in short yardage situations was highlighted in last week's loss, and the answers weren't found against North Carolina despite scoring 50 points. North Carolina's ability to rack up rushing yards was all but taken away when Clemson pulled ahead 22-7 at halftime. Both teams combined for a putrid 2.4 yards per carry in Death Valley. 






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Previewing North Carolina State at Clemson

In the last two weeks the Clemson Tigers and the North Carolina State Wolfpack have put the Florida State Seminoles on the ropes with Florida State barely escaping both games with wins. Now this coming week the two teams that came close to knocking off the Seminoles will face one another in Clemson. This article looks at what both teams will need to do if they want to gain the victory.

The first thing to look at is North Carolina State’s offense against Clemson’s defense. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett looked impressive in the game against Florida State having a pass of 54 yards and one for 45 yards while also leading the Wolfpack on four drives of 50 yards or more that resulted in a touchdown. Brissett finished the game with 32 completions, 359 passing yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. What Brissett needs to work on is holding on to the ball. Against Florida State Brissett fumbled the ball twice when being sacked which turned into seven points for Florida State.

Defensively for Clemson, the Tigers are going to need to step it up when it comes to defending against the passing game.  In their last two games against Florida State and North Carolina, Clemson has given up a total of 739 passing yards and five touchdowns. The team also has three interceptions in their last two games, but the team’s defensive outcome cannot be dependent on whether or not interceptions will come. Overall, the defense has allowed 58 points against Florida State and North Carolina which could be a concern if North Carolina State’s offense plays as well as they did in the Florida State game. Clemson was able to beat North Carolina with their offense, but if Clemson gets behind against North Carolina State or if the Wolpack’s defense is shutting down the Tigers’ offense then, the Tigers defense will have to step up if Clemson wants a chance to win the game.

If Brissett remain an efficient passer and protect the football North Carolina State’s offense wins this first matchup.

Switching things up it is also important to look at is Clemson’s offense versus North Carolina State’s defense. In his first start as a Tiger Deshaun Watson started right where he left off in Tallahassee. Watson led the Tigers on five drives of 60 yards or more, with one of those drives being a two play drive that ended on a 74-yard touchdown pass from Watson to Germone Hopper. Watson finished the night with a school record six touchdown passes, 27 completions, 435 passing yards, and one interception. Watson’s favorite targets on the night were Hopper and Mike Williams who combined for 261 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns. Offensively the Tigers seemed to fire on all cylinders against North Carolina with the only mishap being the one Watson interception. If the Tigers are able to play like this against the Wolfpack it will be a long day for North Carolina State’s defense.

A big key for North Carolina State’s defense against Clemson will be to continue to force turnovers. In the game against Florida State, North Carolina State started three drives from the Seminoles thirty-yard line or better because of turnovers. Additionally, North Carolina State was able to score 20 points off four Florida State turnovers. North Carolina State did have good moments against Florida State, forcing the four turnovers, and forcing Florida State to punt three times in the game but they also had their bad moments. North Carolina State’s defense allowed Jameis Winston to throw for 365 yards and four touchdowns gave up 166 rushing yards and allowed 35 points in the second half after only giving up 21 in the first half. For North Carolina State to have a chance at beating Clemson the defense is going to have to figure out a way to keep up with the Tigers offense.

This matchup goes to the Clemson offense.

The last area to look at is special teams. North Carolina State did a good job against Florida State recovering Seminole fumble on a punt return which led to Wolfpack points. While Clemson kicker Ammon Lakip was successful on all is field goal attempts against North Carolina he did miss two against Florida State.

This matchup is a toss-up.

Overall, expect the game between Clemson and North Carolina State to be a high scoring affair but in the end I think Clemson will have what it takes to come out on top. However, don't be surprised if a special teams play helps seal the deal for the Tigers.






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Clemson Outlasts North Carolina: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

North Carolina at ClemsonThe Clemson Tigers put last week's heartbreaking loss at Florida State in the rearview Saturday night, knocking off visiting North Carolina 50-35. True freshman Deshaun Watson made his first start memorable, setting a Clemson record for touchdown passes with six, as well as a school-record for freshman passing yards with 435. North Carolina quarterback Marquise Williams had another strong night, finishing with 345 passing yards and four touchdowns. Clemson's defense iced the game when Robert Smith intercepted Williams in the endzone with just over 2 minutes remaining in regulation. 

THE GOOD: WATSON AND WILLIAMS

In a game that many predicted to be a shootout, quarterbacks Deshaun Watson and Marquise Williams didn't disappoint. North Carolina's Williams stayed poised throughout the contest despite a slow start. After trailing 22-7 at the half, Williams tossed three second-half scores, inlucding a 75-yard connection to Ryan Switzer to pull the Heels within 15 in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately for Williams, his night ended with an interception in Clemson's endzone to hand Clemson the victory. 

What can you say about Deshaun Watson that hasn't already been said? Watson set the Death Valley on fire Saturday night, putting his name in the record book in more than one category. Watson set a freshman-record with 435 passing yards, six touchdowns, and became the Clemson's all-time single-season freshman leader with 914 yards passing and 10 touchdowns. Clemson fans were elated when Watson's first pass attempt of the night was a 74-yard touchdown to sophomore Germone Hopper. Perhaps Watson's most telling note is he didn't throw back-to-back incompletions throughout the entire contest. 

THE BAD: DEFENSE - OR LACK THEREOF

North Carolina's much-maligned defense limped into Death Valley on the heels of an infamous school-record last week, surrendering 789 yards and 70 points at East Carolina. Clemson's defense has one of the nation's best front seven, and on paper it appeared the Tigers had the upperhand. At halftime, Clemson had already tallied 218 yards, 193 against the Heels' porous secondary. Carolina had managed just 136 yards at the half, but exploded for 342 yards in the second half. Clemson's offense stayed on cruise control, finishing the night with 528 total yards. 

Both teams averaged a healthy six yards-per-play, and neither defense appeared capable of making a stand in the second half. One bright spot for Clemson's defense was the play of Vic Beasley. The All-American defensive end snagged two sacks, pulling within one of the school-record currently co-held by Michael Dean Perry and the late Gaines Adams. 

THE UGLY: WHERE IS THE RUNNING GAME?

Despite being loaded with talent at the tailback position, neither North Carolina nor Clemson managed to total 100 yards rushing. North Carolina utilized star freshman Elijah Hood throught the game, and Hood managed 72 yards on 13 carries with a score in the fourth quarter. Clemson's tailback-by-committee garnered a measly 78 yards on 26 carries against a defense that allowed over 300 yards against East Carolina the week before. Clemson's inability to earn tough yards in short yardage situations was highlighted in last week's loss, and the answers weren't found against North Carolina despite scoring 50 points. North Carolina's ability to rack up rushing yards was all but taken away when Clemson pulled ahead 22-7 at halftime. Both teams combined for a putrid 2.4 yards per carry in Death Valley. 






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Previewing North Carolina State at Clemson

In the last two weeks the Clemson Tigers and the North Carolina State Wolfpack have put the Florida State Seminoles on the ropes with Florida State barely escaping both games with wins. Now this coming week the two teams that came close to knocking off the Seminoles will face one another in Clemson. This article looks at what both teams will need to do if they want to gain the victory.

The first thing to look at is North Carolina State’s offense against Clemson’s defense. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett looked impressive in the game against Florida State having a pass of 54 yards and one for 45 yards while also leading the Wolfpack on four drives of 50 yards or more that resulted in a touchdown. Brissett finished the game with 32 completions, 359 passing yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. What Brissett needs to work on is holding on to the ball. Against Florida State Brissett fumbled the ball twice when being sacked which turned into seven points for Florida State.

Defensively for Clemson, the Tigers are going to need to step it up when it comes to defending against the passing game.  In their last two games against Florida State and North Carolina, Clemson has given up a total of 739 passing yards and five touchdowns. The team also has three interceptions in their last two games, but the team’s defensive outcome cannot be dependent on whether or not interceptions will come. Overall, the defense has allowed 58 points against Florida State and North Carolina which could be a concern if North Carolina State’s offense plays as well as they did in the Florida State game. Clemson was able to beat North Carolina with their offense, but if Clemson gets behind against North Carolina State or if the Wolpack’s defense is shutting down the Tigers’ offense then, the Tigers defense will have to step up if Clemson wants a chance to win the game.

If Brissett remain an efficient passer and protect the football North Carolina State’s offense wins this first matchup.

Switching things up it is also important to look at is Clemson’s offense versus North Carolina State’s defense. In his first start as a Tiger Deshaun Watson started right where he left off in Tallahassee. Watson led the Tigers on five drives of 60 yards or more, with one of those drives being a two play drive that ended on a 74-yard touchdown pass from Watson to Germone Hopper. Watson finished the night with a school record six touchdown passes, 27 completions, 435 passing yards, and one interception. Watson’s favorite targets on the night were Hopper and Mike Williams who combined for 261 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns. Offensively the Tigers seemed to fire on all cylinders against North Carolina with the only mishap being the one Watson interception. If the Tigers are able to play like this against the Wolfpack it will be a long day for North Carolina State’s defense.

A big key for North Carolina State’s defense against Clemson will be to continue to force turnovers. In the game against Florida State, North Carolina State started three drives from the Seminoles thirty-yard line or better because of turnovers. Additionally, North Carolina State was able to score 20 points off four Florida State turnovers. North Carolina State did have good moments against Florida State, forcing the four turnovers, and forcing Florida State to punt three times in the game but they also had their bad moments. North Carolina State’s defense allowed Jameis Winston to throw for 365 yards and four touchdowns gave up 166 rushing yards and allowed 35 points in the second half after only giving up 21 in the first half. For North Carolina State to have a chance at beating Clemson the defense is going to have to figure out a way to keep up with the Tigers offense.

This matchup goes to the Clemson offense.

The last area to look at is special teams. North Carolina State did a good job against Florida State recovering Seminole fumble on a punt return which led to Wolfpack points. While Clemson kicker Ammon Lakip was successful on all is field goal attempts against North Carolina he did miss two against Florida State.

This matchup is a toss-up.

Overall, expect the game between Clemson and North Carolina State to be a high scoring affair but in the end I think Clemson will have what it takes to come out on top. However, don't be surprised if a special teams play helps seal the deal for the Tigers.






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Clemson Outlasts North Carolina: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

North Carolina at ClemsonThe Clemson Tigers put last week's heartbreaking loss at Florida State in the rearview Saturday night, knocking off visiting North Carolina 50-35. True freshman Deshaun Watson made his first start memorable, setting a Clemson record for touchdown passes with six, as well as a school-record for freshman passing yards with 435. North Carolina quarterback Marquise Williams had another strong night, finishing with 345 passing yards and four touchdowns. Clemson's defense iced the game when Robert Smith intercepted Williams in the endzone with just over 2 minutes remaining in regulation. 

THE GOOD: WATSON AND WILLIAMS

In a game that many predicted to be a shootout, quarterbacks Deshaun Watson and Marquise Williams didn't disappoint. North Carolina's Williams stayed poised throughout the contest despite a slow start. After trailing 22-7 at the half, Williams tossed three second-half scores, inlucding a 75-yard connection to Ryan Switzer to pull the Heels within 15 in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately for Williams, his night ended with an interception in Clemson's endzone to hand Clemson the victory. 

What can you say about Deshaun Watson that hasn't already been said? Watson set the Death Valley on fire Saturday night, putting his name in the record book in more than one category. Watson set a freshman-record with 435 passing yards, six touchdowns, and became the Clemson's all-time single-season freshman leader with 914 yards passing and 10 touchdowns. Clemson fans were elated when Watson's first pass attempt of the night was a 74-yard touchdown to sophomore Germone Hopper. Perhaps Watson's most telling note is he didn't throw back-to-back incompletions throughout the entire contest. 

THE BAD: DEFENSE - OR LACK THEREOF

North Carolina's much-maligned defense limped into Death Valley on the heels of an infamous school-record last week, surrendering 789 yards and 70 points at East Carolina. Clemson's defense has one of the nation's best front seven, and on paper it appeared the Tigers had the upperhand. At halftime, Clemson had already tallied 218 yards, 193 against the Heels' porous secondary. Carolina had managed just 136 yards at the half, but exploded for 342 yards in the second half. Clemson's offense stayed on cruise control, finishing the night with 528 total yards. 

Both teams averaged a healthy six yards-per-play, and neither defense appeared capable of making a stand in the second half. One bright spot for Clemson's defense was the play of Vic Beasley. The All-American defensive end snagged two sacks, pulling within one of the school-record currently co-held by Michael Dean Perry and the late Gaines Adams. 

THE UGLY: WHERE IS THE RUNNING GAME?

Despite being loaded with talent at the tailback position, neither North Carolina nor Clemson managed to total 100 yards rushing. North Carolina utilized star freshman Elijah Hood throught the game, and Hood managed 72 yards on 13 carries with a score in the fourth quarter. Clemson's tailback-by-committee garnered a measly 78 yards on 26 carries against a defense that allowed over 300 yards against East Carolina the week before. Clemson's inability to earn tough yards in short yardage situations was highlighted in last week's loss, and the answers weren't found against North Carolina despite scoring 50 points. North Carolina's ability to rack up rushing yards was all but taken away when Clemson pulled ahead 22-7 at halftime. Both teams combined for a putrid 2.4 yards per carry in Death Valley. 






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Previewing North Carolina State at Clemson

In the last two weeks the Clemson Tigers and the North Carolina State Wolfpack have put the Florida State Seminoles on the ropes with Florida State barely escaping both games with wins. Now this coming week the two teams that came close to knocking off the Seminoles will face one another in Clemson. This article looks at what both teams will need to do if they want to gain the victory.

The first thing to look at is North Carolina State’s offense against Clemson’s defense. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett looked impressive in the game against Florida State having a pass of 54 yards and one for 45 yards while also leading the Wolfpack on four drives of 50 yards or more that resulted in a touchdown. Brissett finished the game with 32 completions, 359 passing yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. What Brissett needs to work on is holding on to the ball. Against Florida State Brissett fumbled the ball twice when being sacked which turned into seven points for Florida State.

Defensively for Clemson, the Tigers are going to need to step it up when it comes to defending against the passing game.  In their last two games against Florida State and North Carolina, Clemson has given up a total of 739 passing yards and five touchdowns. The team also has three interceptions in their last two games, but the team’s defensive outcome cannot be dependent on whether or not interceptions will come. Overall, the defense has allowed 58 points against Florida State and North Carolina which could be a concern if North Carolina State’s offense plays as well as they did in the Florida State game. Clemson was able to beat North Carolina with their offense, but if Clemson gets behind against North Carolina State or if the Wolpack’s defense is shutting down the Tigers’ offense then, the Tigers defense will have to step up if Clemson wants a chance to win the game.

If Brissett remain an efficient passer and protect the football North Carolina State’s offense wins this first matchup.

Switching things up it is also important to look at is Clemson’s offense versus North Carolina State’s defense. In his first start as a Tiger Deshaun Watson started right where he left off in Tallahassee. Watson led the Tigers on five drives of 60 yards or more, with one of those drives being a two play drive that ended on a 74-yard touchdown pass from Watson to Germone Hopper. Watson finished the night with a school record six touchdown passes, 27 completions, 435 passing yards, and one interception. Watson’s favorite targets on the night were Hopper and Mike Williams who combined for 261 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns. Offensively the Tigers seemed to fire on all cylinders against North Carolina with the only mishap being the one Watson interception. If the Tigers are able to play like this against the Wolfpack it will be a long day for North Carolina State’s defense.

A big key for North Carolina State’s defense against Clemson will be to continue to force turnovers. In the game against Florida State, North Carolina State started three drives from the Seminoles thirty-yard line or better because of turnovers. Additionally, North Carolina State was able to score 20 points off four Florida State turnovers. North Carolina State did have good moments against Florida State, forcing the four turnovers, and forcing Florida State to punt three times in the game but they also had their bad moments. North Carolina State’s defense allowed Jameis Winston to throw for 365 yards and four touchdowns gave up 166 rushing yards and allowed 35 points in the second half after only giving up 21 in the first half. For North Carolina State to have a chance at beating Clemson the defense is going to have to figure out a way to keep up with the Tigers offense.

This matchup goes to the Clemson offense.

The last area to look at is special teams. North Carolina State did a good job against Florida State recovering Seminole fumble on a punt return which led to Wolfpack points. While Clemson kicker Ammon Lakip was successful on all is field goal attempts against North Carolina he did miss two against Florida State.

This matchup is a toss-up.

Overall, expect the game between Clemson and North Carolina State to be a high scoring affair but in the end I think Clemson will have what it takes to come out on top. However, don't be surprised if a special teams play helps seal the deal for the Tigers.






Monday, 29 September 2014
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Clemson Outlasts North Carolina: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

North Carolina at ClemsonThe Clemson Tigers put last week's heartbreaking loss at Florida State in the rearview Saturday night, knocking off visiting North Carolina 50-35. True freshman Deshaun Watson made his first start memorable, setting a Clemson record for touchdown passes with six, as well as a school-record for freshman passing yards with 435. North Carolina quarterback Marquise Williams had another strong night, finishing with 345 passing yards and four touchdowns. Clemson's defense iced the game when Robert Smith intercepted Williams in the endzone with just over 2 minutes remaining in regulation. 

THE GOOD: WATSON AND WILLIAMS

In a game that many predicted to be a shootout, quarterbacks Deshaun Watson and Marquise Williams didn't disappoint. North Carolina's Williams stayed poised throughout the contest despite a slow start. After trailing 22-7 at the half, Williams tossed three second-half scores, inlucding a 75-yard connection to Ryan Switzer to pull the Heels within 15 in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately for Williams, his night ended with an interception in Clemson's endzone to hand Clemson the victory. 

What can you say about Deshaun Watson that hasn't already been said? Watson set the Death Valley on fire Saturday night, putting his name in the record book in more than one category. Watson set a freshman-record with 435 passing yards, six touchdowns, and became the Clemson's all-time single-season freshman leader with 914 yards passing and 10 touchdowns. Clemson fans were elated when Watson's first pass attempt of the night was a 74-yard touchdown to sophomore Germone Hopper. Perhaps Watson's most telling note is he didn't throw back-to-back incompletions throughout the entire contest. 

THE BAD: DEFENSE - OR LACK THEREOF

North Carolina's much-maligned defense limped into Death Valley on the heels of an infamous school-record last week, surrendering 789 yards and 70 points at East Carolina. Clemson's defense has one of the nation's best front seven, and on paper it appeared the Tigers had the upperhand. At halftime, Clemson had already tallied 218 yards, 193 against the Heels' porous secondary. Carolina had managed just 136 yards at the half, but exploded for 342 yards in the second half. Clemson's offense stayed on cruise control, finishing the night with 528 total yards. 

Both teams averaged a healthy six yards-per-play, and neither defense appeared capable of making a stand in the second half. One bright spot for Clemson's defense was the play of Vic Beasley. The All-American defensive end snagged two sacks, pulling within one of the school-record currently co-held by Michael Dean Perry and the late Gaines Adams. 

THE UGLY: WHERE IS THE RUNNING GAME?

Despite being loaded with talent at the tailback position, neither North Carolina nor Clemson managed to total 100 yards rushing. North Carolina utilized star freshman Elijah Hood throught the game, and Hood managed 72 yards on 13 carries with a score in the fourth quarter. Clemson's tailback-by-committee garnered a measly 78 yards on 26 carries against a defense that allowed over 300 yards against East Carolina the week before. Clemson's inability to earn tough yards in short yardage situations was highlighted in last week's loss, and the answers weren't found against North Carolina despite scoring 50 points. North Carolina's ability to rack up rushing yards was all but taken away when Clemson pulled ahead 22-7 at halftime. Both teams combined for a putrid 2.4 yards per carry in Death Valley. 






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Previewing North Carolina State at Clemson

In the last two weeks the Clemson Tigers and the North Carolina State Wolfpack have put the Florida State Seminoles on the ropes with Florida State barely escaping both games with wins. Now this coming week the two teams that came close to knocking off the Seminoles will face one another in Clemson. This article looks at what both teams will need to do if they want to gain the victory.

The first thing to look at is North Carolina State’s offense against Clemson’s defense. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett looked impressive in the game against Florida State having a pass of 54 yards and one for 45 yards while also leading the Wolfpack on four drives of 50 yards or more that resulted in a touchdown. Brissett finished the game with 32 completions, 359 passing yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. What Brissett needs to work on is holding on to the ball. Against Florida State Brissett fumbled the ball twice when being sacked which turned into seven points for Florida State.

Defensively for Clemson, the Tigers are going to need to step it up when it comes to defending against the passing game.  In their last two games against Florida State and North Carolina, Clemson has given up a total of 739 passing yards and five touchdowns. The team also has three interceptions in their last two games, but the team’s defensive outcome cannot be dependent on whether or not interceptions will come. Overall, the defense has allowed 58 points against Florida State and North Carolina which could be a concern if North Carolina State’s offense plays as well as they did in the Florida State game. Clemson was able to beat North Carolina with their offense, but if Clemson gets behind against North Carolina State or if the Wolpack’s defense is shutting down the Tigers’ offense then, the Tigers defense will have to step up if Clemson wants a chance to win the game.

If Brissett remain an efficient passer and protect the football North Carolina State’s offense wins this first matchup.

Switching things up it is also important to look at is Clemson’s offense versus North Carolina State’s defense. In his first start as a Tiger Deshaun Watson started right where he left off in Tallahassee. Watson led the Tigers on five drives of 60 yards or more, with one of those drives being a two play drive that ended on a 74-yard touchdown pass from Watson to Germone Hopper. Watson finished the night with a school record six touchdown passes, 27 completions, 435 passing yards, and one interception. Watson’s favorite targets on the night were Hopper and Mike Williams who combined for 261 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns. Offensively the Tigers seemed to fire on all cylinders against North Carolina with the only mishap being the one Watson interception. If the Tigers are able to play like this against the Wolfpack it will be a long day for North Carolina State’s defense.

A big key for North Carolina State’s defense against Clemson will be to continue to force turnovers. In the game against Florida State, North Carolina State started three drives from the Seminoles thirty-yard line or better because of turnovers. Additionally, North Carolina State was able to score 20 points off four Florida State turnovers. North Carolina State did have good moments against Florida State, forcing the four turnovers, and forcing Florida State to punt three times in the game but they also had their bad moments. North Carolina State’s defense allowed Jameis Winston to throw for 365 yards and four touchdowns gave up 166 rushing yards and allowed 35 points in the second half after only giving up 21 in the first half. For North Carolina State to have a chance at beating Clemson the defense is going to have to figure out a way to keep up with the Tigers offense.

This matchup goes to the Clemson offense.

The last area to look at is special teams. North Carolina State did a good job against Florida State recovering Seminole fumble on a punt return which led to Wolfpack points. While Clemson kicker Ammon Lakip was successful on all is field goal attempts against North Carolina he did miss two against Florida State.

This matchup is a toss-up.

Overall, expect the game between Clemson and North Carolina State to be a high scoring affair but in the end I think Clemson will have what it takes to come out on top. However, don't be surprised if a special teams play helps seal the deal for the Tigers.






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