Ahead of NC State football’s Oct. 15 matchup with the Clemson Tigers, we spoke to Cole Little, senior staff writer at The Tiger, Clemson University’s student newspaper.
Q: Mike Williams is back after he suffered a season-ending neck injury last year. How valuable is he to the offense as arguably the best of Deshaun Watson’s many weapons?
A: Mike Williams has established himself as the nation’s top receiver through the early portion of this season. With an uncanny route-running ability, great hands and imposing size, Williams is definitely Deshaun Watson’s top target and most pivotal weapon. Williams is extremely difficult to cover and is also a key veteran leader for the Clemson offense.
Q: Clemson’s defense lost some key contributors on defense from last season, including Shaq Lawson, Kevin Dodd and Mackensie Alexander. How has it looked without them so far and how do you think it matches up against the Wolfpack offense?
A: It is difficult to critique the Clemson defense for its performance so far this fall. While the three aforementioned players were excellent as Tigers, their departures have not exactly left holes in the Clemson defense. Clemson’s defensive line is arguably the most talented in the nation, and the secondary has been rather impressive through the first five games.
As for the Wolfpack, quarterback Ryan Finley should expect to face a formidable pass rush that forces him to remain in the pocket for most of the game. NC State boasts something that the Tigers have yet to face so far in 2016, and that is a really good running back in Matt Dayes. The Clemson linebacking unit has proven to be a little slow at times this season, so Dayes could create problems for the Tiger linebackers.
Q: Thanks in part to Lamar Jackson, Louisville has surprisingly emerged as one of the top teams in the nation. How important was it for Clemson to come out of that game with a win and what kind of statement did it make?
A: More than likely, the outcome of the Louisville-Clemson clash will end up deciding the ACC Atlantic title, so it was definitely very important for the Tigers to come out on top in that. While the Tigers struggled with turnovers and looked out of sorts at times in the second half on defense, the victory was still very impressive. In particular, the 85-yard, game-winning drive in the matchup’s waning minutes was really impressive and reaffirmed Watson as a clutch quarterback.
Q: Watson finished third in Heisman voting last year. Do you think he is on pace to potentially win it this season? If not, what will he need to do better?
A: Watson has already thrown seven interceptions, which is not going to help his Heisman cause, and Lamar Jackson, his ACC adversary, is currently faring far better statistically than Watson (and everybody else, for that matter). If Watson is to win the Heisman in what is likely his final season as a Tiger, he will need to become more accurate, especially with short-yardage passes and passes over the middle. Watson missed a few surefire touchdown throws against Louisville but regained his elite form in the fourth quarter, when it mattered most.
Q: What is your score prediction and why?
A: The Tigers have seemed to have the Wolfpack’s number lately. In fact, two of Watson’s best collegiate games have come against NC State. With that being said, I think that the Tigers will defeat the Wolfpack at Clemson’s homecoming game on Oct. 15 by a final score of 45-27. I expect the electrifying Clemson offense to dominate from start to finish.
