KEY MATCHUP: N.C. State’s rushing defense vs. Clemson RB Travis Etienne. The Wolfpack received a reprieve in this category in the last game because Boston College RB A.J. Dillon was out with an injury. Clemson is averaging 280.8 yards per game on the ground. Clemson has a bunch of running backs capable of making big runs. Etienne has 11 rushing touchdowns this season. Four other Clemson players have two rushing TDs (though one of them is ex-team member Kelly Bryant). The Wolfpack’s defensive front is largely revamped from a year ago, but in general the team has done a solid job defending against the run.
DRAFT SLANT
–QB Ryan Finley stayed for his final year of eligibility so he’ll want to show that he can still make progress as his draft stock could soar this season if the offseason expectations are any indication. Finley has been solid through five games with 10 touchdown throws and three interceptions. Among quarterbacks from schools in Power 5 conferences, only two returnees had more than Finley’s 3,518 passing yards last year. He had a completion rate of better than 65 percent last year (and 69.5 so far this season).
ROSTER REPORT
–TE Jakobi Meyers returned to full strength in the Boston College game and this puts him in line for a major role in the game plan for Clemson.
–DB Stephen Griffin has been to Clemson for plenty of games as his father is a former player for the Tigers. The younger Griffin is a transfer from Tennessee and will make his first visit to Death Valley as a member of the visiting team.
–CB Teshaun Smith, a freshman, has moved to a backup role on the depth chart.
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