Saturday Spotlight
(10) North Carolina State Wolf Pack at (5) Clemson Tigers
N.C. State: They should have a loss in that column if I’m being honest. Look back at that opening game against East Carolina University (ECU). In that battle, they missed kicks that would’ve put the game out of reach potentially. See what happens when you don’t capitalize on opportunities served to you on a silver platter? After that, they’ve cruised in their next three games. A 52-point beatdown over Charleston Southern, a 13-point win over the Texas Tech Red Raiders and a 31-point victory UConn, a team they knew they would destroy. Even after the departures of Running Backs Zonovan Knight and Ricky Person, the offensive responsibility would shift to the hands of Quarterback, Devin Leary. He’s been average at best. Not good nor great. Or should I say he’s been serviceable? That might be a better term to use. Devin has completed 64 percent of his passes with 9 touchdowns thrown and 2 interceptions. I like what Dave Doeren in Raleigh with this Wolf Pack team. They play hard and leave everything on the field. On the defensive side, they’re one of the best teams in the ACC when it comes to stopping the run. They’ve been strong overall on defense altogether. Tonight, they’ll make their way to Death Valley to face conference rival.
Clemson: It wasn’t pretty, but they got the job done in week 4. I was on the edge of my seat watching that game and it ended up being the game of the day arguably. I can admit I’ve been very critical of D.J. Uiagalelei over the last year. I’m not saying he’s a bad Quarterback in any way. I don’t feel he’s capable of leading this Clemson team to a championship. I also knew a ton of pressure would surround him because of who he replaced, Trevor Lawrence who was a once in a lifetime talent. However, I’ll also give credit when and where it’s due because when his teammates needed him to deliver, D.J. made plays and delivered. He accounted for 423 yards of offense and made key plays when it was necessary. Look at those touchdown passes he threw in overtime. Each of them was on 3rd down and were thrown perfectly in clutch situations. That was the best I’ve seen the junior look. If and this is a big if he can put it together consistently, this is a dangerous Tigers offense especially with Running Back Will Shipley who can find the endzone. They already had a strong line up front. This could be a special unit when everything is clicking. As strong as the defense is, they have 1 glaring issue: The Secondary. Look how Sam Hartman and the Wake Forest offense carved them up. They return home tonight for a big time ACC showdown.
N.C. State X-Factor: Drake Thomas– You better have game if you have 2 first names. I think you knew that was coming. Drake is the heartbeat of this Wolf Pack defense. He pursues the football with such confidence. He’s either going to watch the play be made or he’s going to make the play himself. That’s the mindset most Inside Linebackers have. Drake can also drop back and play the pass exceptionally well. He also leads the team in tackles this season.
Clemson X-Factor: Trenton Simpson– I love the motor he plays with. Trenton is that magnetic force to the football that I always discuss. What I mean is wherever the football is, that’s where he is. He could be on 1 side of the field, if the ball is going in the opposite direction, he’s flying to where the ball is. Trenton is an excellent tackler in space. He squares up, gets low and drives himself into the ball-carrier. I see flashes of a former Clemson defender in Trenton, and that’s Isaiah Simmons from an athletic standpoint.
Final Thoughts: This is a huge showdown in the ACC and it’s also the first ever top-10 meeting between these 2 schools. When these 2 met last year, the Wolf Pack upset Clemson after losing 15 of their last 16 matchups. It’s simple for North Carolina State: Attack that Clemson secondary. Leary should be taking a page out of Wake Forest’s book. Last week showed as great as Clemson’s defense is, they can be attacked. Both offenses enter this game facing a challenge. The weather is expected to be a factor, so I see this game coming down to who can put together some semblance of a running game. The Wolf Pack have a great run defense, but I can still see Clemson attacking them on the ground. How does D.J. come into this game after having the best game of his collegiate career? Can Leary make those big throws when his team needs it?
Prediction: Clemson 31, N.C. State 27
