I was at the Clemson NC State game today, and Clemson hammered NC State. Any illusion that NC State was ready to beat the ACC’s top dog today was wiped out in an onslaught of Clemson’s superior talent and depth. The Wolfpack were no match for the Tigers in a 41-7 blowout.
Blog Contributor James Cunningham said it early in the contest, and it completely summarizes the game.
This game is showing you the difference between a Top 20 team (NC State) and a Top 4 playoff contender (Clemson). NC State isn’t bad and is a Top 20 team. Clemson is on another level
— James Cunningham (@JamesIV1978) October 20, 2018
As I watched, I knew Clemson wasn’t getting NC State’s best shot. The Wolfpack seemed to play and coach tight. Dave Doeren’s play calling seem desperate. He spent to much trying establish a running game, when he should have attacked Clemson through the air. Then he called an inexplicable 3rd quarter fake punt that was the play call equivalent of throwing in the towel.
Clemson’s secondary played their best game of the year, but the Wolfpack WR’s dropped a number of passes. NC State also made a strategic error on defense. They tried to take away the Clemson run game and challenge Trevor Lawrence’s arm. It was apparent early Lawrence was ready for it.
NC State is a good team, but Clemson when they are hitting on cylinders like today is an elite playoff caliber team. NC State has to remember that – they are a good team. They can’t let this loss define their season, and send their season off-track. I don’t think they will either.
Remember in 2013 when Clemson got plastered at home by Florida State? That Clemson went on to beat Ohio State in the Orange Bowl and finish in the top 10. The Tigers weren’t ready to beat FSU then, but they got better because of that loss.
NC State sits 5-1, and that double digit win over Virginia is suddenly looking pretty good. The Hoos are one of the ACC’s most improved teams. The schedule sets up well for NC State. A game at Syracuse is tricky, but FSU and Wake Forest at home are likely wins. Louisville and UNC are on the road, but combined they have 1 ACC win. The Wolfpack finish the season with ECU and that’s almost sure win. I see at most 1 loss. That’s 10-2, and nice bowl season, but despite what happened today – the Wolfpack need to think bigger.
They finish 11-1 and they may end up in a Big 6 bowl game. That should be the focus of the NC State team, now that the ACC Atlantic is probably out of reach. Ryan Finley is still quality QB, Kelvin Harmon is still one of the ACC’s best WR’s. The Syracuse game is pivotal. The Orange are a more than decent team, and are probably the toughest remaining game on the NC State schedule.
Like 2013 was for Clemson, 2018 can still be a stepping stone season for NC State. The more I think about it, the more we will remember the Wolfpack more for a 10+ win season than what happened Saturday at Clemson.
