RALEIGH, N.C. — Clemson heads to Raleigh, N.C. in desperate need of a win. The only problem is NC State is just as desperate.

Here is a preview of Saturday’s game, along with my prediction.

Clemson (4-3, 2-3 ACC) at NC State (4-3, 1-2 ACC)

Kickoff: Saturday, Oct. 28, 2 p.m.

Location: Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh, N.C.

TV: CW

Spread: Clemson -10

Over/Under: 44

Series: Clemson leads 60-29-1

WHAT’S AT STAKE

Clemson has not lost consecutive games in a single season since November 2011. Clemson’s 161 consecutive games played without consecutive losses in the same season is the program’s longest streak in school history as well as the nation’s longest active streak. Clemson is 33-8 in games following a loss under Dabo Swinney, including season openers following a loss in the previous season finale.

KEY MATCHUP

Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik vs. NC State linebacker Payton Wilson. This is an intriguing matchup because Wilson is arguably the best linebacker in the ACC and maybe the league’s best defensive player. Where he lines up will be key in how Clemson attempts to attack the Wolfpack. Wilson can stop the run. He is a great pass rusher, and he can drop into coverage. The Wolfpack play a lot of Cloud Cover 2, but they are known to bring the house unexpectedly at times and Wilson is usually the guy who causes the most issues when they do. Klubnik is going to have to find and identify No. 11 the entire game.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Clemson running back Will Shipley comes from a family full of NC State fans. This is a homecoming of sorts, so it will be interesting to see how he plays in front of all of his family and friends.

NC State running back KC Concepcion is the first true freshman in school history to post more than one 100-yard game in a season, and he has two in just seven games. The last freshman to have multiple 100-yard games in a season was Koren Robinson in 1999 (5), but he had redshirted the previous campaign.

THIS AND THAT

Saturday’s contest will feature two head coaches each attempting to rewrite his respective school’s record book. While Dabo Swinney will attempt to earn his 166th career victory as head coach of the Tigers to pass Howard for sole possession of the most career head coaching wins at Clemson. Conversely, NC State head coach Dave Doeren (76) enters the game one victory shy of tying Earle Edwards (77) as the winningest coach in Wolfpack history.

FINAL ANALYSIS

NC State is not very good on offense. Clemson’s offense cannot seem to get out of its own way. Both offenses turn the football over a lot. On the flip side, both defenses play at a high level and are two of the best in the ACC. Do not expect much offense in this game.

PREDICTION

Clemson 10, NC State 6

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