NC State Quarterback Ryan Finley was on the Tiki and Tierney radio show, and it’s crystal clear that he isn’t intimidated by the Clemson Tigers.
“I think the bye week has allowed us to do some different things,” Finley said. “But Clemson is Clemson. We’re going to prepare for them like any other football team on our schedule. We’re going to watch film on them and see their weaknesses, and we kind of have a philosophy, and I personally do: It’s not really about Clemson. It’s about us. It’s about us executing what we do and what we do well, just doing that at a high level. If we do that, we’re going to beat them. It’s an exciting opportunity to have the bye week before these guys.” (Link)
When Finley sees Clemson on the schedule, he doesn’t flinch. When he sees the #4 by their name, he isn’t phased.
He’s played them twice, and lost by a total of 14 points. Two years ago place kicker Kyle Bambard missed a 33-yard field goal as the time ticked off the clock that would have given the Wolfpack a victory over the #3 Tigers down in Death Valley. Last year, the Wolfpack had more total yards of offense and first downs, and won the time of possession battle, but failed to pull off the win against the #9 Tigers. Finley threw an interception in the fourth quarter that gave Clemson the ball on the Wolfpack 27-yard line, which ultimately led to a touchdown for the Tigers with 6 minutes to go in the game. Before the pick it was a 3-point game, and NC State had the ball in their hands.
It’s been that close.
Finley’s not scared of round 3.
You can hear Finley’s full interview with Tiki and Tierney below.