Clemson (3-0) at NC State (1-2)
12:00 PM GamePlan
Why to Watch:
Is Clemson really ready to be a
true ACC title contender? Can it
be consistent enough to bring
the intensity week in and week
out? In ACC play, few are
better when the spotlight is on,
but against an inferior opponent
like NC State, that’s when
things usually get interesting
for Tommy Bowden’s clubs. The
Wolfpack ran the ball well last
week in the win over Wofford,
and while that might not mean
much, if it can establish itself
on the ground early on, this
could be a battle for longer
than the Tigers might like.
Why Clemson Might Win:
When did Cullen Harper become
Matt Leinart? With the
improvement in the passing game,
to go along with the devastating
ground attack, Clemson now has a
dangerous offensive arsenal that
can beat teams several different
ways. Harper has completed 72.5%
of his passes, is fourth in the
nation in passing efficiency
(205.0) and hasn’t thrown an
interception during his
collegiate career, spanning 156
attempts. NC State has been run
over by everyone so far,
including by Wofford, and will
be again this week. This won’t
be Harper’s game, but he’ll have
the Pack thinking about him
enough to open things up for
James Davis and C.J. Spiller.
Why NC State Might Win:
The triumph over Wofford
featured a couple of positives.
First, the Wolfpack ran for 217
yards, led by sturdy tailback
Andre Brown. Second, QB Harrison
Beck didn’t toss an
interception, after he threw six
in the first two games. If Brown
and Beck deliver, the Pack has
just enough balance to keep
things moving and still untested
Tiger D. The Tiger offensive
line has struggled in pass
protection so far, so if the
State line can somehow get to
Harper early, the game might
take on a different shape.
Who to Watch:
When Clemson fans think of the
number 20, they remember former
All-America (and current
All-Pro) safety Brian Dawkins.
These days, No. 20 is senior
linebacker Tremaine Billie, who
missed all of last season after
injuring his ankle during
pre-season practices. He has 16
tackles in three games,
including six (and two QB
pressures) against Florida
State, as he’s reestablished
himself as one the ACC’s best
playmakers. With Billie in the
lineup, the Tigers are 16-5.
What Will Happen:
Filled with confidence after
their win over Wofford and
playing at home, NC State will
put up a fight, but Clemson has
too much talent to blow its
great start now. The Pack simply
doesn’t have enough offensive
playmakers, and Beck is too
shaky, to beat a team this good.
CFN Prediction:
Clemson
31 ... NC State 17
.. Line: Clemson -7.5
Must See Rating: (5
Curb Your Enthusiasm - 1
Kid Nation) ...
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