Several members of the Inside Pack Sports staff predict the winner of the NC State-Clemson matchup.
James Henderson (IPS Publisher)
State 24, Clemson 17
I’m going with State in this one mainly because I do believe they have the better overall team and quarterback, which matters.
Also, it seems State is due a big win, and maybe it’s time for that home streak Clemson has to end. Last year’s streak of wins against unranked opponents was ended by NC State. Why can’t it happen again this year?
Steve Williams (IPS Football Recruiting Analyst)
Clemson 35, State 24
I’m going with Clemson but it’s a game I think State can definitively win. Were this game in Raleigh I’d likely go with the Pack. If State plays error free and hits on a couple of big plays I think the Wolfpack’s defense is good enough that you’ve got a chance.
I’m not sold on the Wolfpack’s offense just yet, and therein lies my concerns. I’m hoping they find a way to put those concerns to rest on Saturday.
Bryant Carson (IPS Football Analyst)
Clemson 31, State 20
Here it is. This is it.
A showdown in Death Valley that will play a pivotal role in the Atlantic Division race as well as State's and Clemson's respective seasons. That's the problem for me--this is a big game for Clemson, too, and I feel sure they know it. Homefield advantage seems to take on a new meaning at Clemson where they haven't lost a game in several years. Couple that with DJ playing better and with more confidence, and this is a team that is more well-rounded than they were a season ago. Throw ESPN's College Gameday into the mix and this is just a heightened atmosphere and game all around. The one peice of the setup that I do like is Clemson coming off an overtime scare on the road last weekend to Wake. Did they, perhaps, pour it all out in Winston last week?
Ultimately, I think Clemson comes out pumped and ready and takes advantage early while State is still trying to find its footing. Is this State team built and ready to come back from a deficit against a very good team in an insane envirnoment on the road? I'm not sure, but I'm not going to bet on it.
Phillip Danford (IPS Football Analyst)
State 21, Clemson 18
It’s finally here. A heavyweight matchup that I predict lives up to the billing. I expect a tight, physical game throughout with a mere play or two making the difference. For NC State, Devin Leary will need to be at his best. The run game will be a compliment as the passing game determines victory. If NC State doesn’t let the environment overwhelm them and plays a clean game, they walk away with the biggest win in recent program history.
Ethan Barry (IPS Contributor)
Clemson 27, State 24
I don’t think you can ask for a better setup headed into this game if you’re NC State. Mostly healthy, undefeated, pressure is on Clemson, Clemson is coming off an emotional win and doesn’t seem to be the invincible team they were for over a half decade. It’s a winnable game for the Pack and I think they give Clemson all they can handle in a 50/50 game. I lean Clemson because they are at home and their receivers have been a little better this year. That will be the difference in the game between two very evenly matched teams.
Jake Caccavaro (IPS Writer)
Clemson 31, State 18
I just think Clemson is a better team with a better coach, and they’re at home. It’ll be close all game, but I think Clemson scores late to make it a two-score final.
Jake McSwain (IPS Writer)
State 28, Clemson 17
Sometimes I tend to be pessimistic, and that usually comes with a big pit in my stomach leading up to the game. There have been games where I just feel like everything has to break in the right direction for State to even have a chance.
To be fair, it would be easy to feel that way going into the matchup in Death Valley. Too many things have gone too wrong all too often.
But I don’t have that feeling. Not even close. I genuinely feel like State’s defense is going to do enough and find a way.
On another note entirely, enjoy these last few hours before the game. This is the type of big boy college atmosphere everyone has wanted for so long. Top ten matchup, college gameday, national TV spot, tons of national coverage leading up… soak it all up.
BP Cox (IPS Photographer)
State 24, Clemson 23
October 24th, 2002.
It has been almost 20 years since NC State last won in Death Valley over Clemson. While I am not expecting the same 38-6 result, I really believe the Wolfpack have a chance to rock the top ten standings in college football.
The drubbings of Charleston Southern & UCONN allowed the offense to stretch and prepare for this game. While some have been critical of OC Tim Beck’s calls (of course they have), I feel he has left many plays in his back pocket for this matchup. The weather might throw a wrench in some of those, but I believe we could see some new looks be displayed.
Regardless of any explosive surprises Beck and Devin Leary might have ready to unveil, I feel this game will be won by the Pack defense. That nasty, in your face, make your momma cry & question her life choices defense.
The stage is set. The laptops are charged up. It’s time for a national prime time coming out party for this program.
