NC State Plays Clemson Well When they are #3

In three out of the last four matchups between NC State and Clemson, the Tigers have been ranked #3 in the nation, and the Wolfpack have played them close each time. The one time Clemson wasn’t ranked #3, they were unranked and beat the Wolfpack 41-0.

2013

In Dave Doeren’s first year, the Pack only won three games, but they did manage to play the Tigers close at home. This was the game when they ruled that Bryan Underwood went out of bounds, when the video replay showed otherwise. What should have been an 83-yard touchdown to put NC State ahead midway through the 3rd quarter, was limited to a 36-yard gain.

The final score was 26-14.

2015

This was a high scoring contest, in which the Tigers won 56-41 on Halloween night. NC State held the lead 20-19 midway through the 2nd quarter, but the Pack couldn’t keep up with DeShaun Watson. Jaylen Samuels rushed the balls 6 times for 65 yards and a touchdown, and caught 8 passes for 74 yards and a touchdown. Also, Nyheim Hines returned a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown.

2016

Do we even want to talk about the game that shall not be named? To think about this game could lead to the detriment of your own health. The number 33 will always be cursed now.

Yes, this was when NC State missed a 33-yard field goal to win the game as time expired, and went on to lose 24-17 in Death Valley.

On a positive note, Jaylen Samuels had 8 receptions for 100 yards.