The third-ranked Clemson Tigers (7-0, 4-0 in conference play) continue their march through the ACC as they head to Carter-Finley Stadium to take on the North Carolina State Wolfpack (5-2, 1-2).
How to watch Clemson vs. N.C. State on TV or online, plus 3 things to know
The Tigers head to Raleigh to take on a sneaky Wolfpack squad.
"Clemsoning" has been a hot topic in the last month. Or at least a topic that makes Dabo Swinney heated, anyway. If there's a game that fits the classic "trap" narrative on the Tigers schedule right now, it's this matchup. NC State is solid under third-year head coach Dave Doeren -- currently 22nd in S&P+ -- and in good position to get to a second straight bowl game and maybe even improve on 2014's win total. The Tigers are the better team on paper here and will be favored, but if they're looking ahead to next weekend's huge Atlantic Division showdown with No. 17 Florida State, the Wolfpack are good enough to pull the upset.
The Tigers lead the S&P+ rankings following a 58-0 evisceration of the Miami Hurricanes last week. Quarterback Deshaun Watson completed 15-of-19 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown and rushed for another 98 and a score. Clemson rushed for 416 yards total.
How to watch, stream and listen
TV: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC | ESPN2
Online streaming: WatchESPN Link
Spread: Clemson is favored by 9.5 points.
Make friends: Tiger fans can chat about the matchup over at Shakin’ the Southland, and NC State fans can do the same over at Backing the Pack.
Three big things to know
1. DeShaun Watson
Clemson’s star QB lit up Boston College’s outstanding defense (second nationally in S&P+ and allowing just 11 points per game) for 452 yards and four total touchdowns. Now he faces a Wolfpack defense that ranks 29th in S&P+ and allows just 16 points per game. The Pack are in the top 10 in both defensive efficiency and rushing success rate allowed, so Watson’s arm may be more important than his legs.
2. Skin the cat
The Wolfpack have a relatively efficient offense that doesn’t make big mistakes and takes advantage of field position. Senior QB Jacoby Brissett has thrown just one interception all season. But they’ll be working against a Clemson defense allowing just 4.1 yards per play and averaging eight tackles for loss per game.
3. Sack off
NC State defensive end Mike Rose leads the ACC with 6.5 sacks. Clemson defensive end Shaq Lawson is second with 5.5 sacks. Chances are the one that comes out of this game with the conference lead will also come out with the win.
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