Clemson Football: 5 things to watch vs. N.C. State

Sep 24, 2022; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers cornerback Nate Wiggins (20) knocks down a 4th down pass intended for Wake Forest Demon Deacons wide receiver A.T. Perry (9) to seal the win with help from safety R.J. Mickens (9) during overtime at Truist Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 24, 2022; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback DJ Uiagalelei (5) throws a pass over offensive lineman Walker Parks (64) during the second half against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Truist Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

This one’s not tough and even the “I hate stats” guys have to admit it’s painfully obvious. With a clean pocket, D.J. Uiagalelei has completed 71.0% of his passes for 967 yards, 8 touchdowns and 1 interceptions. Under pressure he’s 7 for 23 (30.4%) for 66 yards and 2 touchdowns.

That equals 9.0 yards per attempt when clean and 2.9 yards per attempt when pressured, and it also means 94% of his passing yards have come in a clean pocket.

Against less than stellar competition Uiagalelei has been pressured on 22.9% of his dropbacks and this week will be the offensive lines season to date. How they handle the North Carolina State pressure will go a long way to determining the outcome of this game.

Remember the touchdown to Jake Briningstool Saturday where D.J. made a sandwich while waiting for someone to come open? That likely won’t happen this week, but at the very least he needs adequate time or the Tigers are in trouble.

Captain Obvious here, but clean pocket equals good things for Clemson’s passing game.

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