Wolfpack to Challenge Tigers in Early Conference Battle

Wolfpack challenge Tigers — © Ken Ruinard-Imagn Images

On Sept. 21, the Wolfpack of North Carolina State (2-1) travel to challenge the 21st-ranked Clemson to face the Tigers (1-1) in the two teams' first Atlantic Coast Conference game. Both teams are focusing on starting strong in the conference, with all games vital in a wide-open conference. While Clemson leads the overall series 60-30-1, last season saw the Wolfpack win 24-17, and the two teams have split wins since 2019.

What's on the Line?

Starting strong with a convincing win will be essential in both teams' first ACC game. In what could be described as an upside-down season, both the Tigers and Wolfpack have their sights set on making it to Charlotte, N.C., for the conference championship game.

For both teams, it's a starting point. The Tigers have their sights set on a return trip to Charlotte for the ACC title game and a College Football Playoff berth. Starting with a statement win against the Wolfpack will put the conference on notice. Linebacker Barrett Carter and defensive end Peter Woods led the defense in an outstanding performance in the team's win against Appalachian State (1-1). An encore performance for the Tigers as they start conference play would speak volumes.

The Wolfpack and head coach Dave Doeren are a team searching for an identity. Entering the season with high hopes to claim the ACC title, the 2024 season is off to an interesting start. The team has struggled in their wins and lost convincingly to the No. 6 Tennessee Volunteers (3-0) in Week 2. Can receiver KC Concepcion and Jordan Waters lead the offense to a second straight win against the Tigers?

Who to Watch for the Tigers

The offense runs through quarterback Cade Klubnik. After a record performance in Week 2, being responsible for 7 touchdowns, what could be in store for an encore? Helping Klubnik lead the offense is running back Phil Mafah and receiver Bryant Wesco Jr. Klubnik's ability to distribute the ball to his dynamic playmakers could see the offense continue the scoring outburst from their win against Appalachian State. On defense, ballhawks Wade Woodaz and Avieon Terrell complement Woods and Carter as they attack the ball carriers.

Wolfpack Playmakers

With quarterback Grayson McCall out due to injury, the offense will turn to freshman CJ Bailey to lead the offense. The good news for Bailey is that Waters and Concepcion are great weapons to have. As a dual-threat quarterback, Bailey will give the offense an added dimension as they contend with the Tigers' defense. On defense, the linebacking duo of Sean Brown and Caden Fordham are the heart and soul of the Wolfpack defense. With Fordham and Brown attacking downhill and having the ability to cover sideline-to-sideline, their matchup against Mafah and tight end Jake Briningstool will be a key matchup as these teams battle each other.

Key to the Game

The biggest key to the game rests on the shoulders of Clemson's Klubnik. After his performance in Week 2, is that where he could perform or is it a return to mere mortal performances?