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.