RALEIGH, N.C. — Tony Elliott wanted to have it both ways on Saturday night.

Before arriving to Carter-Finley Stadium, he encouraged Clemson’s offensive unit to be strong through the air and on the ground.

“It started out this season, we had to run the ball to win some games, then we hit a streak where we threw the ball some more,” he said, after Clemson’s 56-41 win over NC State. “What I wanted to do today, I challenged the guys prior to leaving the hotel — let’s do both. Let’s be able to run it when we want to run. Let’s be able to throw it when we want to throw it.

“They believe in the plan. They believe in the coaches. They believe in the process of preparation. They have a lot of confidence, then they went out and they took what was there, and they also created some opportunities for some big plays.”

Deshaun Watson threw for 383 yards with five touchdowns to five different receivers. He was also second on the team with 54 rushing yards and a touchdown, behind Wayne Gallman, who picked up 172 yards and a score.

“Very pleased with the way (Gallman) ran the ball. Obviously, he’s getting better every week. The more carries he gets, the better he gets,” Elliott said. “Even talking to some of the coaches before the game from the other team, they were complimentary the way he’s run the ball. They were complimenting him the way he’s run the ball tough. His vision has gotten better.”

Gallman did fumble once, which led to a touchdown by NC State.

“You take away the fumble, it’s a great night. It’s apart of the game. It’s the first one on the ground. That’s what I told him,” Elliott said. “Most people think, in a situation like that, you’re going to take him out of the game and put the other guy in. But I called him over to the phone and said, ‘Hey, buddy, you know what it is. Anytime you keep fighting for yards, you keep both hands on the ball.’ It’s a great learning opportunity for him.”

But Watson was the star of the night for Clemson.

“He’s feeling good. His timing with his receivers is getting better each week,” Elliott said. “There’s a lot of confidence there, but he’s just a special young man. He prepares with purpose and it’s good to see him have success.”