Game Preview: #3 Clemson vs North Carolina State
The number 3 Clemson Tigers travel to Carter-Finley Stadium to take on the NC State Wolfpack in a game that ended in a 41-0 blow out last year. The Wolfpack came into the game last year as they do this year with a soft schedule to start and a good-looking record but nothing to back up their claim. A win against Clemson would change perspective on their 5-2 record while a win for the Tigers would put them one step closer to the CFB playoffs at the end of the season.
Players to Watch
Jacoby Brissett. We see the best and the worst of Brissett throughout the year but a soft schedule can make an average QB look great. I think Brissett is better than average but he’s going to have to prove it against a Clemson defense that throttled him last season. He’s only thrown one interception this season but saw 48% completion rate against Virginia Tech and less than 60% overall since entering ACC play.
Oct 24, 2015; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack quarterback Jacoby Brissett (12) looks to pass the ball during the first quarter against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at BB&T Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Deshaun Watson. The true sophomore has over 1800 total yards this season and is throwing for nearly 70%. He owns about a 2:1 touchdown to interception ratio but will be relying on his receivers to make a few plays today as well as using his legs to extend drives and be the dual threat that he is.
Key Stats
Both the Tigers and Wolfpack are ranked nationally in the top 5 of total defense. The Tigers allowing 262.3 yards per game while the Wolfpack are 12 yards better with 251.1 yards per game allowed. Granted the Tigers have played a much tougher schedule than the Wolfpack but the rankings do hold a certain order.
Deshaun Watson and Wayne Gallman have combined for over 1000 yards and 9 touchdowns so far this season. Each of them has a long run over 60 yards, look for the Tigers to get both of these guys out into open space.
Matthew Dayes isn’t far behind the duo from Clemson in rushing yards (793) but he’s one of the top performers in getting to the end zone with 12 rushing touchdowns already on the season. Dayes has decent size and good speed, if Brissett can keep the defense honest Dayes could be in line for a big day.
Prediction
I believe NC State will find a bit of daybreak today as opposed to last year but it’s not going to make this game any easier for them.
Clemson wins 45-10