Scouting NC State: how the Tigers win...

Scouting NC State: How the Tigers win…

Focus and execute: The Tigers have punched their ticket to Charlotte for the ACC championship game, and they’ve got South Carolina coming up next. NC State is well-positioned to put a damper on Clemson’s special season if the Tigers let their attention stray. Great teams don’t let that happen.

Early shut-down: Part of the reason for NC State’s inconsistency this season has been its inability to strike early, and the corresponding necessity of playing from behind. In five of their first 10 games, State failed to score in the first quarter. The Tigers can put themselves in the driver’s seat by continuing that trend.

Stop the deep pass: Defending the deep pass has been an area of vulnerability for the Tigers this season, and NC State has had some of its best moments in throwing the ball deep. Quarterback Mike Glennon has TD passes of 63, 65, 67 and 87 yards this season.

Throw the football: NC State leads the nation in interceptions with 19, but for opponents, throwing the football has been a high-risk, high-reward proposition. The Wolfpack is giving up nearly 230 yards per game through the air. Clemson needs to execute its throwing game at high level, taking what the defense gives and not forcing the ball into coverage.

Neutralize NC State’s return game: With TJ Graham handling the football, State’s return game is a big play waiting to happen. He leads the conference in both punt returns (13.2) and kickoff returns (28.0). The Tigers can help the balance the equation both by limiting Graham’s opportunities and by striking on their own. The Tigers have given up kick returns for touchdowns in two of their past three games.

Protect the QB: NC State’s nation-leading interception total reflects good secondary play, but also the Wolfpack’s consistency in putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. State ranks third in the ACC in sacks with nearly three per game. The Tigers need to keep the rush away from Tajh Boyd if he’s to execute a winning passing game.

Don't turn it over: Seven turnovers in two games is too many. It cost the Tigers against Georgia Tech, and very nearly did again against Wake Forest.