Coming off a disappointing loss at Notre Dame last week, the No. 20 NC State football team has a huge matchup this week when it faces the No. 6 Clemson Tigers. The Pack currently sits in first place in the Atlantic Division with a 4-0 ACC record, with the Tigers right behind at 5-1. The winner of this year’s Textile Bowl will be in the driver’s seat to represent the Atlantic in December’s ACC title game in Charlotte. We caught up with sports writer Cole Little of The Tiger to preview this week’s game.
1. Obviously Deshaun Watson is a huge loss, but Kelly Bryant has had a good season. I know he’s been banged up lately, but how has the offense looked with him at the helm?
Kelly Bryant has played well for the most part this season. It definitely appears that he learned a lot playing behind Watson for a couple of seasons prior to taking over the starting job. Bryant does not boast the same level of tremendous talent of Watson, particularly in terms of arm strength, but he has proven to be an adequate game manager. Quick on his feet and heady, Bryant has done well in leading this relatively young offense thus far this season, and, as evinced by the offensive meltdown following his departure from the Syracuse game, he is indeed the right man for the job.
2. What other offensive players should State fans have their eye on?
Freshman running back Travis Etienne continues to improve week in and week out. One of the top rushers in the nation in terms of yards per carry, Etienne makes the most of his opportunities. Another key player to keep an eye on is tight end Milan Richard. Richard has come on strong in recent weeks, scoring his first career touchdown against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Richard has opened up the downfield attack for the Tigers and could serve as the X-factor against NC State.
3. Clemson always has a strong defense. How does this year’s unit look?
This is arguably the best defense boasted by Clemson under defensive coordinator Brent Venables. Incredibly deep and virtually unstoppable in the pass-rushing department, Clemson is relentless on all fronts. Led by star defensive linemen Austin Bryant and Christian Wilkins, the Clemson defense has been dominant for the vast majority of the season.
4. If there’s anyone that knows not to take the Wolfpack lightly, it’s Clemson after last year’s nailbiter. How much is that game on the team’s minds, and what is the perception around Clemson of this year’s breakout Wolfpack team?
If not for a particular missed field goal in last year’s matchup between Clemson and NC State, the Tigers might not have made it into the College Football Playoff, thereby eliminating their chances of winning it all. One could make the case that last year’s close call with the Wolfpack was the worst game ever played by Clemson with Watson under center. Therefore, a chance at redemption is likely going to be prevalent in the minds of the Tigers this time around.
NC State has assuredly caught the attention of the Tigers, as the Wolfpack has sported one of the conference’s best offenses this year. Considering how poorly Clemson played in its last road contest, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney will likely place extra emphasis on readying his team for the NC State contest.
5. What’s your score prediction for this one, and why do you see things playing out that way?
With Kelly Bryant appearing to be healthy, Clemson should be back on track to finish the regular season strong en route to a third straight ACC title. While the Textile Bowl is certainly known for bringing with it twists and turns, the Tigers should not fall prey to the Wolfpack in this one. Led by a quality performance by Bryant, the Tigers should gradually gain some breathing room in the second half and win by a final tally of 27-17.
