Clemson Football vs. NC State: Prediction, Analysis

Clemson football will take on the Wolfpack of North Carolina State this afternoon. Here is our prediction for the game in Raleigh.

We’ve finally made it to game day.

Just a week ago, Clemson football defeated Georgia Tech handily at home and now the Tigers will travel to Carter-Finley Stadium for a pivotal ACC matchup.

The winner of this game will not only control their own destiny in the ACC Atlantic, but will be the favorite to win the conference championship game as well.

Clemson’s College Football Playoff hopes and ACC Championship hopes rest on the outcome of this game.

Welcome to November football.

Analysis:

Look, there’s no questioning the importance of this game. It’s the most important game of the season and a win would almost cement the Tigers in the ACC Championship game.

A loss, on the other hand, will not only keep Clemson out of the College Football Playoff, but also from winning another ACC Championship.

NC State has a great rushing attack, but I don’t think the Wolfpack’s offense is the problem.

What I want to see is Clemson’s offense vs. NC State’s defense. Specifically, I want to see the battle in the trenches on that side of the ball.

There’s no doubt in my mind that the Tigers will win the battle along the lines of scrimmage on the defensive side of the ball, but the offensive line has had some trouble this year.

NC State, led by defensive end Bradley Chubb, has an upperclassmen-led defensive line and it will be key for the Tigers to deal with their physicality.

I think Notre Dame exposed the Wolfpack a little bit last week and I would expect Clemson football to use those things to their advantage.

I believe it will be a low-scoring affair, but who knows?

Next: 3 Reasons Clemson could blow out NC State

Prediction:

Clemson 28, NC State 14