Keys to an NC State Victory over #3 Clemson

#15 NC State’s matchup versus #3 Clemson is the biggest game for the Wolfpack in recent memory. Here are my keys to a Wolfpack victory.

Get to Trevor Lawrence early and often

Head Coach Dave Doeren made the point earlier in the week on his radio show that a key to the game will be rattling Freshman Clemson Quarterback

“What do you do? You hit him. You try to get him out of rhythm, you try to make him see things he hasn’t seen and you have to make plays,” Doeren said. “Rattle him a little bit. He hasn’t been rattled…You can just get him to question what he’s looking at a little bit, give the D-line a little bit more time to get there and the blitzes a little more time to get there and get him on his back more than he wants to be on his back. All of those things add up back. But that’s easier said than done.” (Link)

Somehow Doeren took criticism this week for his comments, as if there is something wrong with emphasizing sacking the quarterback. ClemsonInsider, wrote this critique of Doeren’s words that we’re as soft as Charmin Extra Strength.

Lawrence is extremely talented, but NC State will want to make him win the game for the Tigers. He leads the ACC in passing efficiency rating, but he is a frosh, and the Wolfpack’s chances of winning will be better if Lawrence’s Jersey is stained with brown and green at the end of the day.

Stop the Chunk Plays

Clemson ranks 5th in yards per play, but their ability to hit the home run play are what set them apart. The Tigers have 12 plays thus far in 2018 that have gone for 50+ yards, which is tops in the NCAA. Clemson is going to make plays, but the Safeties and the Nickelbacks will have to have perfect pursuit angles and not give up the big plays.

Play Smart

The past two times that NC State has played Clemson, they have shot themselves in the foot through a lack of self-discipline. Last year the Wolfpack had 6 penalties, compared to the Tigers 3. In 2016, NC State committed an audacious 13 penalties, compared to Clemson’s 5.

The Wolfpack needs to play a clean game, even though emotions will be high.

Make Field Goals

Freshman Place Kicker Chris Dunn might be the most valuable player in today’s game. Over the past two years, NC State has only made 2 of their 7 field goal attempts against Clemson. Dunn has made 8 of his 11 field goal attempts through the first 5 games.

Battle of the Trenches

The Tigers boast a future NFL defensive line, but NC State’s offensive line is simply one of the best in the nation as well. If NC State can find a way to get Thunder (Reggie Gallaspy) and Lightning (Ricky Person) to be productive day, Ryan Finley will have a strong advantage throwing against man-to-man coverage to the Wolfpack’s elite receivers.