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

Prediction

We might as well call this the ACC Atlantic Championship as the winner is the king of the mountain in the division for the rest of the season. Both teams match-up very well against each other and we may be in for a four quarter battle that may come down to the last possession or two.

Given that the last two games were decided by a combine 14 points, it is easy to draw that conclusion.

North Carolina State’s Kelvin Harmon is the best receiver that Clemson has seen to this point and is fair to say he will be the best that they will see all season. Harmon is big, physical, and can generate big plays on his off day. So expect Clemson to throw mix coverages his way with aspirations to make Harmon’s teammates such as Jakobi Meyers and Thayer Thomas make more plays than normal.

For Clemson’s offense, their run game is not given enough credit and running back Travis Etienne is one of the more underrated backs in all of college football. Clemson will stick with their biggest strength early which means the linebacking duo of Germaine Pratt and Isaiah Moore will have to be free-flowing and attacking run gaps to minimize the rushing attack.

The trenches will play a huge part here and from my perspective, the biggest matchup of the game is the North Carolina State offensive line vs. the Clemson defensive line. Whichever group is able to instill their will could likely lead their team to victory. I expect Finley to make a few plays as a reliable veteran and put pressure on a good Clemson defense. I also expect the Clemson run game to set a tone early and help take a ton of weight off the shoulders of Lawrence.

Ultimately, the Clemson front seven will find their way to Finley and a physical battle between two good teams will end with a tight Clemson victory.

Score: Clemson 31 – NC State 27