Clemson Football: 5 Storylines to watch vs. NC State Wolfpack

RALEIGH, NC - SEPTEMBER 29: Ryan Finley #15 hands-off to Reggie Gallaspy II #25 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack during their game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Carter-Finley Stadium on September 29, 2018 in Raleigh, North Carolina. NC State won 35-21. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

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ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 22: Head Coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers calls a play against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on September 22, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /

3. Does either team have a chip on their shoulder?

Both teams have a few “disrespect cards” or “confidence cards” they can play.

Clemson can play off the fact that they are being called the “weakest of the top-four teams.” They can also play off the fact that ESPN chose to put Ohio State in the prime time spot and go to Washington State for GameDay instead of coming to Tiger town or allowing the Tigers to play a night home game.

NC State has the “revenge factor” from last year where they felt they should’ve won. It’s clear that the Wolfpack have plenty of confidence coming into this game. They can play off the fact that Clemson football is a 16.5 point favorite, as well.

I think it will be interesting to see just how these factors play into the game. NC State came out last year and the year before looking to injure Clemson players with hard hits and a ton of physicality.

Can their defense do that this year? It’s all something we will be looking at.

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