Fan reactions: Clemson close call against NC State.

The Clemson football team gave the over 80,000 fans in Death Valley quite a scare on Saturday afternoon. Fans probably thought they were in the middle of a horror movie and Halloween had arrived early.

To get just an idea of how the fans felt about the Tigers 24-17 overtime win over the N.C. State Wolfpack, I decided to ask Layla Ewald and Jesyka Huey a few questions about the game. Both were in attendance on Saturday and are now happy about the Homecoming victory.

Here’s a little background on their ties to Clemson:

Layla is a Clemson(98) graduate and one of our 2015 August Fans of the Month. Jesyka is a Clemson resident and attends all of the Tigers’ home games.

You’re a Clemson grad. How did it feel to be back for Homecoming?

Layla: Going to Clemson always feels like going home. It’s the place where I spent some of the best and most fun years of my life. Walking on Bowman and looking at the floats brought back a flood of memories. When my husband(Dustin Ewald’99) and I were in school, every year we spent many nights working on the floats until the wee hours of the morning. This year’s homecoming was extremely special because it was the first homecoming for our 3 year old. He was old enough this year to walk around and really enjoy the floats. We told him how Mommy and Daddy used to help build floats like that when we were in school. It was awesome to see him taking it all in!

Was there anything that stood out about the pre-game homecoming festivities this year?

Layla: I would say the outstanding quality of the floats really impressed me. They were so elaborate and detailed. We also enjoyed touring renovated Littlejohn! It looks awesome!

Going into the game. What would have been your predicted score?

Layla: Well I definitely did not predict going into overtime! I didn’t think it would be a blow out, but I thought we would win by a comfortable margin. With 1 minute and 58 seconds left in the 4th quarter, I looked at the clock and the scoreboard, and it hit me like a freight train. The startling reality started to set in that we might actually lose the game!! Oh the relief (and disbelief) when he missed that field goal!!

At what point of the game did you start to worry about the outcome?

Jesyka: The entire game. I just never felt comfortable.

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Before the N.C.State final field goal attempt, what were you doing?

Jesyka: Having a heart attack.

Were you able to watch the kick?

Jesyka: Yes. I toughed it out and watched it.

Can you describe the feeling after watching cornerback Marcus Edmonds’ game winning interception?

Jesyka: I was so happy that I started crying.

What do you think about this year’s team?

Layla: Oh my Tigers…I love them, but they continue to take years off of my life! The stress! The team has found ways to win even in the most dire situations, which is impressive. These boys don’t quit! They definitely have the hearts of champions. A win is a win, so I am thankful. But we have to focus on reducing the number of turnovers! Maybe my expectations are too high, but I really want to see us play a near perfect game against Florida State. We need to make a strong statement. If we can do that and finish out the season, then I think we’ll make it to the Natty again!

Become a football analyst for a moment and give me your top four college football teams in order(1st-4th). Be objective.

Layla: Alabama, Ohio State, Clemson, and Michigan.

Jesyka Huey isn’t a big football fan besides watching Clemson and the Georgia Bulldogs, so her words are few, but her vigor for the Tigers would have been noticeable to anyone at game’s end.

Layla Ewald’s enjoyment of a past love was almost ruined by a surprising home loss. But she was able to soak in the entire homecoming experience and share a big Clemson tradition with her little Gavin, who will probably be a future Tiger.

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Fan reactions: Clemson’s close call against NC State.

By Tyreese Ingram | Oct 17, 2016

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