#16 NC State vs. #3 Clemson: Stream, keys, and predictions

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RALEIGH, NC – SEPTEMBER 01: Kelvin Harmon #3 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack during their game against the James Madison Dukes at Carter-Finley Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

NC State Keys To Victory

Get Finley Going Early: Under head coach Dave Doeren, the Wolfpack has mainly been known on offense to be a physical team that runs the football and executes a passing game predicated off the run element. This season appears to be an exception however. The Wolfpack has quietly put together a dangerous passing offense that is sixth in the country at 335.4 passing yards per game. Doeren has a fifth-year senior in quarterback Ryan Finley, who is having the best season of his collegiate career, with 10 touchdown passes so far on the year. Getting Finley into rhythm early and connecting with his star receiver Kelvin Harmon is a must against a top-10 Clemson passing defense.

Win On Special Teams: It’s often unnoticed until it costs a team game but special teams for underdogs on the road against a college football giant are critical. For the Wolfpack, the special teams phase of the game has not been a source of big plays this season. The team only has one kickoff return of over 30 yards, one blocked kick, and only one punt return of over 20 yards. The Wolfpack must create a few momentum swinging plays on special teams in order to sway things in their favor.

Stoutness In Run Defense: Two other strengths that will collide in this one that can go a long way is the run defense for the Wolfpack against Clemson’s running game. The overall totals in each game this season for Clemson’s run element is as follows: 266, 115, 309, 248, 293, and 471. No those are not offensive total yards. That’s for the run game alone in each of their six games. So for the Wolfpack, their 13th ranked run defense must stand out. Beating Clemson’s run game on the early downs will take Clemson out of their comfort zone, especially with a freshman quarterback at the helm.

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