No. 4 Clemson vs No. 20 NC State: Our Take

Each week we give you our three keys to the game and our staff predictions. Here is a look at today's opponent North Carolina State.

The Match Up:

#2 Clemson (7-1, 5-1) @ NC State (6-2, 4-0)

Clemson's vs NC State 2016 Highlights:

Clemson's @ NC State 2015 Highlights:

All-Time Series:

Clemson leads 56-28-1
at Raleigh: Clemson leads 20-16
at Clemson: Clemson leads 25-11
at Neutral Site: Clemson leads 11-1-1
Last Meeting: Clemson 24-17 (OT), 2016
Last NC State Win: 37-13, 2011
Last 10 Meetings: Clemson leads 9-1
Streak: Clemson won 5 in row, 12 of 13

Key 1: Get Finley in a funk

Last weekend against Notre Dame, Ryan Finley became the last player to start a game in the country to throw an interception as Notre Dame gobbled up a pick-six in their 35-14 win over the Wolfpack. 

Finley isn’t the best quarterback, but he has to be considered one of the best field generals. Nine times out of ten, Finley makes the right read. He commands the NC State offense, and when he’s in rhythm, he’s as efficient as any quarterback in America.

Clemson needs to get after Finley, throw off his internal clock, and force him to make mistakes. If the Tigers can do that, the secondary might have some opportunities to snag an interception or two.

Key 2: Establish the running game

Kelly Bryant is a big part of this equation. Clemson’s quarterback is a versatile threat when he can be a part of this Tiger ground attack. Travis Etienne is electric. Tavien Feaster has track speed. Both of those players are better when the zone-read is clicking. The Tigers need to be willing to take on the stout NC State front with the running game.

If Clemson’s staff does that, I think the play-action passes become a much bigger threat, and Bryant will be able to settle in and take some chances down the field. 

Sticking with the ground game early will go a long way for Clemson on the road.

Key 3: Defensive edge

The last time Clemson went on the road, Clemson’s defense looked out of sync. Personal foul penalties, Lining up in the neutral zone, just to name a few. In college football, wins and loses can come down to the small details and Clemson didn’t look ready in the Carrier Dome.

That said, in Clemson’s trips to Louisville and Blacksburg, the Tiger defense was ready. One consistent theme, however, is that Clemson’s had a defensive score on the road every game this season. Plays like that could go a long way this afternoon.

NC State has only given up one sack in their last four games, and the Tigers lead the country in that statistic. Credit the Wolfpack’s offensive line for taking a unique step this off-season and training against one of the best defensive lines in the country. It should help them today as they deal with Clemson’s uber talented front four. 

Prediction:

Clemson needs to be sharp today if they want to have a chance to play for the ACC Championship. An NC State win would all but secure their spot in Charlotte as Clemson would need the Pack to lose their last three conference games to have a chance.

The Tigers are the more talented and deeper team, and that’s a significant factor. Clemson has also played in tough road environments, and they seem to rise up to the challenge in games like this.

Credit the coaching staff for consistently getting this team focused and prepared for games like this. It makes a huge difference, and I think it will part of the reason that Clemson will win today.

NC State will have revenge on their minds from last season’s loss and Clemson will look to “leave no doubt.” It’s going to be a good one, but depth and talent win the day, and the Tigers take a giant step towards Charlotte.

Clemson Sports Talk

Clemson @ NC State - 3:30PM - ABC

Final Score Predictions:

Best Prediction = 3 Points        Correct Prediction = 1 Point