Heard in the Press Box: No. 4 Clemson 38, No. 20 NC State 31
Clemson and North Carolina State traded blows throughout the night in a top 20 matchup, but Clemson’s depth and talent won the day. Here’s what we heard in the press box during Clemson’s 38-31 win and our thoughts on the game.
Heard in the Press Box:
Quote: “I think I see Coach Swinney updating his Facebook page on that laptop.” (I may not have actually heard Coach Dave Doreen say this, but it was fun to type.)
Rumbled: Leading 7-0, the Wolfpack offense was back on the field and had a chance to expand their lead. Fortunately, Clemson’s defense forced a quick three-and-out. On the ensuing punt, Ray-Ray McCloud channeled his inner Deion Sanders returning the punt 77-yards for a touchdown.
McCloud wearing #21 for the first time in his career, looked a lot Sanders cutting back across the field, picking up a convoy of blockers on his way to tying the game 7-7. He also played some defensive back for the Tigers as well. Perhaps, Monte Lee should see if McCloud can swing a baseball bat.
Stumbled: Clemson’s secondary struggled throughout the game with the Wolfpack wideouts. Part of that, of course, is because of how efficient Ryan Finley is with the ball in his hand. If you read “Our Take” you knew that Finley was a field general. His command over the Pack offense is outstanding. Finley and a “Pack” of receivers torched Clemson for 338 yards through the air.
Turning point: On the final play of the 3rd quarter, former track star Tavien Feaster opened up the jets on an 89-yard touchdown run. Feaster running to his right, planted hard and cut the ball upfield and went untouched to the end zone given Clemson their largest lead of the game at 31-21.
Unsung hero: Hunter Renfrow, "You had me at hello." Is there a more trusted wideout in college football? Late in the game, Clemson faced a 4th-and-5 and Bryant looked to the former walk-on to make a play. Bryant hit Renfrow, who was several yards behind the first down marker with an NC State defender wrapping him up. Renfrow powered through the tackle and raced down the sidelines for a huge first down. Three plays later, Clemson extended their lead to 38-28.
Key stat: Kelly Bryant is back. There was no doubt following Clemson’s victory that the dual-threat quarterback has returned to full strength. Through the air, Bryant still has his struggles, but he is blessed to have one of the deepest and most talented wide receiving corps in America. On the day Bryant was 20-38 for 191 yards, 1 touchdown, and the first drive interception.
On the ground, however, is what really makes Bryant shine. Yesterday, he carried the ball 20 times for 88 yards, nearly 4.5 yards per carry. He also showcased his ability to power in from short yardage, indicated that his ankle feels good enough to really stress it on a touch run like that.
Scoring Summary:
First quarter
13:09 NCST: TD Kelvin Harmon 40-yard reception: Drive 3 plays, 40 yards, 1:16 - NCST 7 - Clemson 0
08:59 CLEM: TD Ray-Ray McCloud 77-yard punt return: Drive 3 plays, 5 yards 2:10 - Clemson 7 NCST 7
02:25 NCST: TD Jaylen Samuels 1-yard run: Drive 12 plays, 65 yards, 6:34 - NCST 14 - Clemson 7
Second quarter
14:04 CLEM: TD - Kelly Bryant 10-yard run: Drive 12 plays, 71 yards, 3:21 - Clemson 14 NCST 14
09:29 NCST: TD - Jaylen Samuels 7-yard reception: Drive 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:35 - NCST 21 Clemson 14
05:15 CLEM: FG - Alex Spence 26-yard field goal: Drive 11 plays, 68 yards, 4:14 - NCST 21 Clemson 17
Third quarter
10:32 CLEM: TD - Deon Cain 12-yard reception: Drive 9 plays, 49 yards, 3:24 - Clemson 24 NCST 21
0:00 CLEM: TD - Tavien Feaster 89-yard run: Drive 1 play, 89 yards, 0:05 - Clemson 31 NCST 21
Fourth quarter
12:23 NCST: TD - Jakobi Meyers 15-yard reception: Drive 6 plays, 65 yards, 2:37 - Clemson 31 NCST 28
06:31 CLEM: TD - Kelly Bryant 1-yard run: Drive 7 plays, 27 yards, 3:03 - Clemson 38 NCST 28
01:51 NCST: FG - Kyle Bambard 22-yard field goal: 13 plays, 81 yards, 4:40 - Clemson 38 NCST 31
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