Clemson Football 2017 Opponent Preview: NC State
As we move through fall camp, Rubbing The Rock will be taking a look at the Clemson Football program’s 2017 schedule. This edition features, the Tigers’ week 10 opponent, NC State.
The Wolfpack were a pleasant surprise in 2016, featuring one of the top defensive line units in the entire country. Coming into this fall, there will be no surprises from NC State. With all of the media coverage that this defense has been given throughout the offseason, opponents will be on their P’s and Q’s. The Clemson football program was nearly upended by the Wolfpack during last seasons contest.
Current Head Coach: Dave Doeren (5th year)
Overall Record in 2016: 7-6
Dave Doeren has done an outstanding job of elevating the talent level at NC State during his tenure. While he is a lick under .500 (25-26) under the helm in Raleigh, he is 3-1 in bowl games during that same span of time.
Doeren will need his talented defense to play well in 2017, or else they may limp to another slightly above-average season. While NC State’s offense has viable weapons in Jaylen Samuels and Reggie Gallaspy II, they were only able to muster 27 points per game a year ago. With the defenses that the Wolfpack will face in the ACC this year, points may be even harder to come by.
Statistical leaders in 2016:
Passing – Ryan Finley (So), 60.4 completion percentage, 3,055 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Rushing – Matt Dayes (Sr), 249 attemtps, 1,166 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Receiving – Stephen Louis (So), 35 receptions, 678 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Tackles – Josh Jones (Jr), 109 total, 62 solo.
Interceptions – Josh Jones (Jr), 3.
Sacks – Bradley Chubb (Jr), 10.
Must Read: Realistic expectations for Clemson in 2017
Key Players in 2017:
Offensively –
For NC State, this answer is pretty cut and dry. The Wolfpack’s best offensive weapon, bar none is Jaylen Samuels. He is one of the most versatile offensive players in the entire nation, capable of scoring from anywhere on the field. Though he is listed as a tight-end, Samuels recieves handoffs out of the backfield at times.
Ryan Finely is the next most-important offensive player for NC State. You are only as good as your quarterback at most programs. As such, Finley must elevate his level of play in 2017, making sure to take care of the football and be more accurate down the field.
Defensively –
Rather than list one specific player, I am going to go with the entire front seven. NC State’s defensive line is comprised of four future NFL players, headlined by dominant edge rusher, Bradley Chubb. This defensive front is physical and nasty at the point of attack and they get after the quarterback. Behind them are a pair of talented linebackers in Jerod Fernandez and Airius Moore.
Clemson 2017 Opponent Preview: Georgia Tech
Clemson’s matchup with NC State this year is going to be a defensive clinic. Both teams are chock-full of NFL prospects, especially along the defensive line. I like Clemson in this one, because I believe the Wolfpack are soft in the secondary. With the Tigers talent at wide receiver, they should be able to get behind NC State’s corners. I also believe that the Wolfpack won’t score more than 17 points on Clemson’s defense this season.