NC State uses 'pretty gnarly' week of practice to prepare for Clemson

Last year, NC State traveled to Clemson for a top-10 matchup in a prime-time showdown that received plenty of national attention. Both teams are 4-3 coming into this iteration of the rivalry and hoping to rebound heading into the home stretch of the season. 

The Textile Bowl means a little extra for a few members of this team. For others, it is just another game. In the context of this season, it is a critical contest for the Wolfpack coming off its second loss in three games.

Some of NC State’s players acknowledged the magnitude of the matchup, while some downplayed it.

For redshirt junior cornerback Shyheim Battle, this game is personal. Clemson and NC State were his top two schools coming out of high school. 

“This is definitely a big-time game… So far, since I’ve been here, I’ve beaten them one time, and I want to beat them again,” Battle said. “We know they’re a good football team regardless of their record.”

Redshirt sophomore safety Sean Brown echoed a similar sentiment, complimenting Clemson’s quarterback Cade Klubnik and slot receivers Antonio Williams and Tyler Brown. Williams, who recorded 17 receptions over 4 games, will likely miss the game due to injury. 

Brown acknowledged the Tigers’ talent, but the Wolfpack is not treating this matchup any different than the previous seven. 

“They put their pads on like we put our pads on, so they’re just like another team,” Brown said. 

Redshirt junior offensive lineman Timothy McKay is treating this like any other ACC game. He will shift inside to right guard after starting the previous matchups at tackle. That change will match arguably the Pack’s best offensive lineman up against a few talented Clemson defensive tackles. 

Tyler Davis leads that group for the Tigers so far this year with 31 total tackles and 4 quarterback pressures.  

“They’re strong, they’re fast, they’re powerful, and they move well inside” McKay said. 

McKay pointed out that any ACC team can beat anyone in this conference, so each matchup carries equal importance. He said the Wolfpack offense has focused on “making the layups” during practice this week.

“I feel like every game is a good challenge,” McKay said. “In the ACC, anyone can lose at any time.”

Redshirt junior tight end Chris Toudle shared Wednesday that this week of practice has been “pretty gnarly.” The Pack is determined to put in the necessary work and take a step forward against the Tigers. 

Toudle is very familiar with Clemson after facing the rival program in his previous four seasons with the Wolfpack. He said NC State is focusing on improving internally. 

“Everybody’s like ‘It’s Clemson; it’s Clemson,’” Toudle said. “I just don’t think we should get ahead of ourselves with that. It’s another game. That’s the mentality we’ve got to have or else we’re just going to shoot ourselves in the foot.”

Even though the Pack has only beaten the Tigers once during head coach Dave Doeren’s tenure, NC State kept 4 of the 6 most recent contests within 10 points. That includes a dramatic overtime win at home two seasons ago. 

NC State’s athletes remember that game fondly, and Battle wants to deliver the same result inside Carter-Finley Stadium this weekend.

“That was definitely history for us,” Battle said. “We want to have that same feeling again this year. If we handle business Saturday, we will have that same feeling again on the field and in the locker room.”

Looking beyond the opponent, NC State’s previous result motivates this team. Doeren said the Wolfpack felt embarrassed after its 24-3 loss to Duke. 

“We’re ready to play,” Brown said. “It sucks going into a bye week with a loss, but we’re just ready to get back on the field and express our anger.”