Clemson at NC State – College Football Predictions
The Game
It’s the showdown for ACC Atlantic as Clemson visits Raleigh to take on the Wolfpack. NC State has to shrug off the beating at the hands of Notre Dame and get set to play YOUR National Champion Clemson Tigers who are well rested off a bye and exhibition in the slop vs Georgia Tech. Can the Wolfpack step up and SHOCK the WORLD ? Let’s find out.
The Details
Clemson -7 NC State (51)
MEGALOCKS LINE -Clemson -9
Sagarin Ratings – Clemson -10
“Vegas” Implied Projected Score: Clemson 29 NC State 22
Massey Ratings Projected Score: Clemson 31 NC State 17
The Match-Up
Clemson offense vs NC State defense
This is going to be interesting. NC State has an excellent front four but they are going to be put to another yuuuuuuuge test trying to defend the Clemson attack. Notre Dame has a lot more brute force but the Tigers have a ton of speed and a lot of different ways to attack you on defense. QB Kelly Bryant only has 6 TD passes but does not make many mistakes and has excellent mobility. He will most definitely slow down the Wolfpack DL. The Clemson rushing attack features three players with over 400 yards rushing (including QB Bryant) and are loaded with depth. The WR group is very talented and experienced but do not have the game breaker a la Mike Williams from the 2016 squad. If Clemson can keep the negative plays to a minimum (#2 ACC TFL per game allowed) as per usual they are going to most definitely have some success. NC State has yielded 20+ points in every game other than two (Furman, Pitt). Pass defense is their weakness and they need to prevent the big over the top plays and make the Tigers drive the field. They will also have to improve on 3rd down defense (#96 FBS – 46%).
NC State offense vs Clemson defense
QB Ryan Finley has been really sharp this season but will face as close to the ultimate test as you can get this Saturday. Finley has an impressive 12-1 TD to INT ratio and will need to distribute the ball effectively and not create too many negative plays by holding the ball too long. NC State is #9 in the ACC in TFL allowed and are facing the #7 ranked defense in college football who also happen to be #1 in sacks per game in the conference. The run defense is pretty much a brick wall and NC State is up against it especially with their #1 RB Nyheim Hines hobbling with a bit of an ankle issue (left early last week). NC State can stay in this game if they can do a better job on 3rd downs (#64 FBS) and in the red zone (#110 FBS). They need TDs. Field goals will not win this game.
MEGA-MAZING MINUTIA
Speaking of field goals…..Both teams feature FIASCOS when 3-pointers are involved so you may see more aggressive play calling than normal on 4th down……NC State missed a glorious chance to upset Clemson last season (lost in OT; missed FG to win in regulation).
Summary
The Wolfpack are going to have a really difficult time sustaining drives against this defense. They are a good team but Clemson is “potentially’ a great team. The spread seems a bit light. Clemson did not go nuts last week but the weather was pretty dreadful. If Bryant has his usual mobility this game should be a double digit victory.
Conclusion
Official play: Clemson -7 -115 (sent out 4:25pm EST Oct 31) (play up to -8)