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Clemson Skill Position Preview
Tomorrow NC State is going to face the best offense they have seen this season. Take a minute to become acquainted with the players who will test the Pack defense this week.
Quarterbacks
Sophomore Deshaun Watson- 6’2″/210 lbs (131/189, 1553 yds, 15 TD, 7 INT, 332 rush yds, 3 TD)
Overview
Watson is the most talented QB NC State will face this season. He is just a play maker. He can operate well from the pocket, and generally makes smart decisions with the ball. With that being said, he will make a couple bad throws a game. Sometimes he will try to force the deep ball when it isn’t there. He isnt afraid to spread the ball around, as he has several talented receivers. If a play breaks down he is a huge threat in the run game, and is the second leading rusher on the team.
Keys to Containment
The front seven will need to generate some pressure. All quarterbacks have the potential to make a poor throw with a man in their face. If the cornerbacks can stay tight on Clemson’s go routes, they could pick Watson off a couple of times (Louisville had success with this). Also the DE’s have to account for him, they cannot lose containment, or get too far inside or out. It is concerning that NC State has allowed huge plays to mobile QB’s this year. Watson needs to get hit early and often.
Running Backs
RS-Sophomore Wayne Gallman-6’1″/215 lbs (128 att, 702 yds, 6 TD)
Senior Zac Brooks-6’1″/200 lbs (20 att, 150 yds, 3 TD, 31 rec yds, 1 TD)
For the most part, these are the two you will see the most of in the backfield. Gallman is a great all around back who was second team preseason All-ACC. He hasn’t gotten a ton of receptions this year, but is a threat when he gets the ball. Brooks is a senior who is tough and capable, he hasn’t had a negative run on the year. Clemson does have a commitment to the run game and will feed their backs throughout the game. Both backs average above 5.0 YPC, so they have been consistent.
Keys To Containment
NC State has continued to control opposing running backs this year. Clemson’s O-line is going to be good, but does have their weak spots. The D-Line is going to have to generate a steady push throughout the game, and limit the damage they give up. Solid tackling from the linebackers and safeties should keep the RB’s in check.
Receivers
Sophomore WR Artavis Scott-5’10″/190 lbs (40 rec, 450 yds, 4 TD)
Freshman WR Ray-Ray McCloud-5’10″/180 lbs (22 rec, 175 yds)
RS-Senior WR Charone Peake-6’3″/215 lbs (16 rec, 209 yds, 2 TD)
Junior TE Jordan Leggett-6’5″/255 lbs (16 rec, 191 yds, 6 TD)
Freshman WR Deon Cain-6’2″/200 lbs (16 rec, 203 yds)
Overview
Unlike the other position groups where there is only one or two guys to worry about, this group is loaded. It’s not just that there is a huge amount of talent, it’s that they all get to involved in the offense. They spread the ball around a ton. Artavis Scott is a speed demon who is a big play waiting to happen. Cain and Peake have good size. Leggett is a beast who is targeted heavily in the red zone. Honestly, they have even more depth behind the guys listed above. This group would’ve been even better had Mike Williams not gotten injured in the first game of the season.
Keys To Containment
It really is going to come down to two things:
1. The front seven is going to have to put a ton of pressure on Deshaun Watson. NC State nickel back Dravious Wright and the other linebackers will not be able to cover these guys for an extended period of time.
2. The safties are going to have to provide help over the top if a corner gets burned, and they are going to have to make sure to tackle if a linebacker gets burned on a slant or drag route.
To an extent, NC State is going to need to “bend, but not break,” keep the Tigers in front of them, and hope Watson makes a mistake.