By: Neil Burnett
Ok, 70-3 against Wofford was a bit optimistic, especially knowing Coach Swinney’s penchant for pulling back the reins early. Clemson’s backups are still more talented than most team’s first units. Clemson heads to Raleigh to face an injury-riddled NC State Wolfpack team and currently listed as a 32 point favorite. When is the last time Clemson has EVER been a 32 point favorite against State at their place? Never is probably the right answer. However, there are several reasons why.
Trevor Lawrence has the offense humming, something the college football world doesn’t really want to happen. Lawrence knows it’s his job to spread the ball around and get everyone involved. How hard is it to hand the ball off to Travis Etienne and Lyn-J Dixon for big chunks time after time. Does NCST’s defense present a challenge? They are only giving up 119 yards a game on the ground, which is only six yards behind Clemson. State got pummeled by Wake Forest 44-10 but only yielded 123 yards rushing. On the other hand, Boston College ripped off 429 yards against the same defense. State’s secondary has been decimated by injuries and looks to be easy pickings for Lawrence and his merry band of wide receivers. Clemson will top the 40+ point threshold once again.
For NCST offensively, they will start freshman Devin Leary for the 2nd straight game, and he didn’t exactly light it up against the Deacs. It will not get easier at the valley on Saturday. Leary was 17-45 for 149 yards and two picks against the Demon Decons. The Wolfpack has lost both of their starting tackles for the season and this really hurts them offensively. Their leading rushers are both freshmen and it’s going to be really tough going for this team to move the ball.
This is going to be another one of those games that when someone asks “Who is going win Saturday” the correct response is “It’s not WHO but by how much”. Clemson should dominate from the opening kickoff to the end of the game. There are some games where a team needs to establish the run to make the passing game work, and then there is the opposite. Look for Clemson to come out throwing the ball to set up the RPO game, and for the depth of the Tigers to be on display once again. Clemson wins handily…..again. Clemson 55 NCST 6
