CLEMSON – NC State travels to No. 21 Clemson on Saturday in what is the ACC opener for both teams.
A win would make the Tigers (1-1) just the 14th FBS program to hit the 800 win mark all-time and the first ever in the ACC.
The Wolfpack (2-1) come in having won two of the past three games in the series, but both of those came in Raleigh. NC State has not won in Death Valley since 2002, with Clemson having won 16 of the last 19 overall.
5 Things to Watch For
– All Eyes On That Offense: After what transpired against App State, fans are salivating to see Garrett Riley’s offense keep that momentum going. After the Mountaineers were blown out at home by South Alabama on Thursday night, there are legitimate questions surrounding just how good that team is. While what the Tigers did last time out was impressive, regardless of opponent, it’s time to see Cade Klubnik and this passing attack go out and do it against a Power conference foe.
NC State comes in allowing 381.7 yards of offense per game, with both Western Carolina and Louisiana Tech both being able to move the ball against that Wolfpack defense. There is absolutely no reason this Clemson offense can not do the same if they can avoid the self-inflicted mistakes like the pick six Klubnik threw against the ‘Pack last season.
The Tigers will have several highly-touted wide receiver targets on hand for this one, and showing them the offensive woes of a season ago are now a thing of the past can only help their chances.
– Harass the Freshman, Win Battle at Point of Attack: With Grayson McCall out injured, true freshman CJ Bailey makes his first career start. While the Tigers have just two sacks this season, the front four has been disruptive. NC State has some weapons at wideout, including KC Concepcion, who basically beat the Tigers single-handedly in Raleigh last year. Clemson can’t afford to let Bailey get comfortable. Stop the run and pressure the freshman into making some mistakes.
Peter Woods is questionable for this one, and it is likely that he doesn’t play after suffering an injury against App State. Even if he does, he won’t be at 100%. Someone is going to need to step up and fill that void. The question becomes, who that person is. Clemson just doesn’t have much experienced depth at end.
– Don’t Lose Concepcion: Expect the sophomore wideout to line up at multiple spots looking to create mismatches. The defense must know where he is at all times. Concepcion scored two touchdowns against the Tigers in last year’s loss, one of those being a 72-yarder that proved to be the winning score. He also added a 50-yard run that set up his first touchdown catch. Clemson absolutely can not afford to let him do what he did a season ago.
– Protect the Quarterback: Klubnik looked as comfortable as he ever has in the win over App State. The junior signal caller looked like he finally had full trust in that offensive line, which allowed him to step up into the pocket and make some throws. The impact Matt Luke is already having on that position can not be understated.
– Run the Football: Want to open up the passing game against that 3-3-5 scheme the Wolfpack employs, run the football. Phil Mafah had success running against NC State in the second half a season ago (5.7 YPC), but it was too little too late, as the Tigers found themselves in a 24-7 third quarter hole. If Mafah can have some early success, it should open some things up down the field for the Clemson pass catchers.
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