NC State at Clemson: 5 Things to Watch For

CLEMSON – NC State travels to No. 21 Clemson on Saturday in what is the ACC opener for both teams.

With a win, the Tigers (1-1) would become just the 14th FBS program to reach the 800-win mark and first in the ACC.

The Wolfpack (2-1) enters the series having won two of the last three games, but both came in Raleigh. NC State has not won in Death Valley since 2002, while Clemson has won 16 of the last 19 games overall.

5 things to watch out for

– All eyes on that attack: After what happened against App State, fans are salivating to see how Garrett Riley’s offense can keep that momentum going. After the Mountaineers were blown out at home by South Alabama on Thursday night, there are legitimate questions about just how good this team is. While what the Tigers did last time out was impressive regardless of the opponent, it’s time to see Cade Klubnik and this passing attack do it against a power conference opponent.

NC State comes in with 381.7 yards of offense per game, with both Western Carolina and Louisiana Tech able to move the ball against that Wolfpack defense. There’s absolutely no reason this Clemson offense can’t do the same if it can avoid the self-inflicted mistakes like the pick six Klubnik threw against the ‘Pack last season.

The Tigers will have a number of promising wide receivers at their disposal in this game, and if they can see that the offensive issues of last season are a thing of the past, that could only improve their chances.

– Harass the freshmen and win the battle at the attack point: With Grayson McCall out injured, true freshman C.J. Bailey will make 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 single-handedly defeated the Tigers last year in Raleigh. Clemson can’t afford to let Bailey get away with it. Stop the run and pressure the freshmen into making some mistakes.

Peter Woods is questionable for this one, and it’s likely he doesn’t play after an injury against App State. Even if he does, he won’t be at 100%. Someone’s going to have to step up and fill that void. The question is who that person is. Clemson just doesn’t have a lot of veteran depth at tight end.

– Don’t lose Concepcion: Expect the second-year wideout to be in multiple spots to create mismatches. The defense needs to know where he is at all times. Concepcion scored two touchdowns against the Tigers in last year’s loss, one of which was a 72-yarder that proved to be the game-winning score. He also added a 50-yard run that was his first touchdown catch. Clemson definitely can’t afford to let him do what he did last season.

– Protect the quarterback: Klubnik looked as comfortable as he’s ever been in the win over App State. The junior signal caller finally seemed to have full confidence in that offensive line, allowing him to step into the pocket and make some throws. The impact Matt Luke is already having at that position can’t be understated.

– Running football: Want to open up the passing game against that 3-3-5 scheme the Wolfpack employs, run with the ball. Phil Mafah had success 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 find some early success, it should open up some things for Clemson’s pass catchers.

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