Last year, Clemson overlooked NC State and was blown out.This Saturday, Clemson will be very prepared and poised to keep their BCS hopes alive. The Wolfpack pose a tough matchup so the Tigers can't afford to play sloppy.
Clemson's Offense vs. NC State's Defense
NC State has some talent on defense that will help them matchup with the Tigers. Cornerbacks David Amerson and Dontae Johnson are tall so they can defend against big receivers. They combine to be a very good cornerback combo. Clemson, will have to use Sammy Watkins and DeAndre Hopkins to stretch the field. Tajh Boyd will need to show confidence in other receivers like Jaron Brown, Adam Humphries, and TE Brandon Ford. These 3 will have opportunities to make plays as Amerson and Johnson will try to shut down Watkins and Hopkins. Also, Darryl Cato-Bishop is a great pass rusher so Clemson may double team him to give Boyd more time to thrown. In the rush game, Andre Ellington will have opportunities but the pass game will be the strength of the offense on Saturday.
Clemson's Defense vs. NC State's Offense
The Pack's Mike Glennon is an NFL talent and is a challenge for anyone to defend. Glennon has a talented trio of receivers in Quinton Payton, Tobias Palmer, and Bryan Underwood. State will challenge Clemson's secondary but if they can keep the Pack receivers from getting open downfield the Tigers should be able to contain the passing game. This will be a difficult task mostly because States offensive line is very good and each lineman is over 300 pounds. A lack of pressure by the Clemson D-line could put pressure on the secondary. Tony Creecy and Shadrach Thornton are solid running backs but haven't been a huge factor this season.
Special Teams
Both teams, have not been great on special teams but Clemson hasn't been bad. State has broken down on special teams at times. Clemson should be able to get good returns off kicks and punts, possibly returning one for a touchdown.
X-Factor
The matchup of receivers versus secondary will be a major factor in who wins Saturday. The Wolfpack has talent in the secondary butClemson has plenty of depth to compensate. State has good receivers and Clemson secondary has been venerable at times this season while lacking depth. Playmakers at receiver or secondary will lead their team to a win.
Prediction
Even though Dabo Swinney and his team have said that this game is not about revenge, this game is about revenge. The loss at Raleigh last year stung, and the players haven't forgotten it. The Tigers overlooked the Pack but will not this year. State will be able to hang with Clemson but the Tigers have too much talent. Clemson wins 37-27.
Back to the Clemson Tigers Newsfeed