Scouting NC State: how the Wolfpack wins...

Scouting NC State: how the Wolfpack wins…

Run the football: NC State’s rushing game has been an off-and-on affair all season, and has been a fairly reliable predictor of whether the Wolfpack has a chance to win. State averaged 140 yards rushing per game in wins over North Carolina, Virginia, Central Michigan and Liberty; but in losses to Cincinnati and Florida State managed just 10 yards total on the ground. In last week’s 14-10 loss to Boston College, the Wolfpack gained just 47 yards on 24 rushing attempts.

Play pick-off: Clemson will put the ball in the air, and nobody in the country has made teams pay for their yardage like the Wolfpack. Not only does Dave Amerson lead the nation in interceptions with 10, but teammate Brandan Bishop ranks third in the ACC with four. Overall, NC State intercepted 20 passes in its first 10 games – four more than any other ACC team. A key stat to watch is turnover margin – the Wolfpack leads the ACC.

Sustain the offense: Keeping Clemson’s high-flying offense off the field as much as possible will be part of NC State’s winning blueprint. But State hasn’t always been able to sustain its own offense. Although the Wolfpack ranks in the middle of the ACC in third-down conversions, they rank 11th in the ACC in offensive first downs.

Stop the red-zone bleeding: Threatening has pretty much equaled scoring for NC State’s opponents this season. In their first 10 games, opponents cashed in on 26 of 29 red-zone possessions – which puts State last in the ACC. The Wolfpack will need some timely stops against a Clemson offense that will almost certainly move the football.

Play a clean game: NC State led the ACC and ranked second nationally in fewest penalties going into the Boston College game, but was penalized eight times for 56 yards against the Eagles. Clemson’s opponents have been penalized more than any in the ACC. If the Wolfpack can avoid hurting themselves, they’ll give themselves their best shot at an upset.