Clemson Football: Is NC State the Tigers’ biggest threat in the ACC?
The ACC has come back down to earth after claiming the Heisman Trophy and National Championship in 2016. Clemson football sits atop the conference once again. Surprisingly, NC State appears to be the toughest in-conference opponent left on the Tigers’ schedule.
Coming into 2017, Florida State was the ACC’s offseason darling. At the annual ACC Kickoff, Florida State led the 2017 ACC Football Preseason Poll with 118 first place votes. Clemson — two-time reigning ACC Champion — received just 35 votes.
Through the first six weeks of the season, the ‘Noles sit 1-3. After losing starting quarterback, Deondre Francois for the season in a loss to Alabama, FSU began a downward spiral. With James Blackman at quarterback, the Seminoles are not nearly as threatening to Clemson in the ACC.
Honorable mention contenders
While Clemson soundly defeated Virginia Tech two weeks ago, the Hokies remain in play to win the Coastal division. The two programs could potentially meet again in the ACC Championship. While the Hokies would be more prepared coming into a rematch with Clemson, that doesn’t change the mismatches in personnel. The Tigers’ dominant front seven is simply too much for Tech’s offensive line to handle.
Miami is riding high coming off of a last second victory over in-state rival, Florida State. Unfortunately, during that win the Canes lost star-tailback, Mark Walton for the year with an undisclosed ankle injury. Without Walton, Miami’s offense is one-dimensional. As good as junior quarterback, Malik Rosier has been thus far, he alone is not enough to defeat Clemson’s elite defense.
NC State
The Wolfpack have the best chance at dethroning the Tigers. On the offensive side of the ball, NC State has Ryan Finley, one of the most accurate quarterbacks in the ACC. At his dispense are wide outs, Kelvin Harmon and Stephen Louis. Let’s not forget about track-star running back, Nyheim Hines and do-it-all tight end, Jaylen Samuels.
This NC State defense gave Clemson football fits a season ago. Their elite front seven is led by defensive end, Bradley Chubb, whom currently leads the ACC in sacks (6.5) and tackles for loss (13.5).
Clemson-NC State would be a matchup of strengths.
The Tigers rank 20th in the nation in rushing offense, averaging 237.33 yards per game. Conversely, the Wolfpack rank 8th in the country in rushing defense, allowing just 90.67 yards per game on the ground.
On the flip side of things, NC State ranks 21st in passing offense, throwing for just over 305 yards per game. Clemson on the other hand, ranks 15th in passing defense, giving up just 165 yards per game through the air.
Next: Hunter Johnson now listed as co-backup at QB
So long as the both programs make it through their next two contests healthy, their week 10 matchup promises to be a good one.