The Wolfpacker Show: NC State vs. Clemson preview

Coming out of the bye week, NC State football has a chance to make a statement. The Wolfpack stands 4-3 on the year with a showdown against Textile Bowl rival Clemson looming.

After losing to Miami in overtime last week, the Tigers are also 4-3 with three ACC losses to the Hurricanes, Duke and Florida State. Both programs came into this year with conference title aspirations and now face a serious turning point in their respective seasons.

Noah Fleischman and Ethan McDowell sat down to talk bout the upcoming matchup with the Tigers. Following the week away from competition, both hosts expect a close, competitive, defensive battle. With that said, they disagree on the outcome.

In Thursday’s episode, The Wolfpacker Show breaks down:

*** Both hosts’ initial thoughts on the matchups and improvements they hope to see from the Wolfpack coming out of the bye week, including a potential breakout for a key freshman pass catcher.

*** Then, Ethan and Noah discussed both sides of the ball for Clemson, featuring a playmaking duo at running back, Will Shipley and Phil Mafah, impressive tight end Jake Briningstool and quarterback Cade Klubnik, who will test NC State’s secondary with his arm and his ability to extend plays. The Wolfpacker Show also detailed how the Wolfpack could slow down the sophomore signal-caller and force Clemson into a one-dimensional offense.

*** Defensively, the Tigers field one of the best cornerbacks in the country, Nate Wiggins, and possibly the best run-stopping defensive lineman in the country — Tyler Davis. Ethan outlined why this will be such a stiff test for the Wolfpack offense, and Noah emphasized that staying ahead of the sticks will be super important on Saturday.

*** Both hosts then shared their respective keys to the game. Stopping the run and scoring when presented with a short field could help decide this contest.

*** After a quick break, Noah and Ethan picked the spread and the over/under, sharing why they both believe the betting line is way too high in Clemson’s favor.

*** The hosts followed that up with their final score predictions for the contest and also projected who will lead the program in rushing, receiving and tackling.

*** To wrap up the show, Noah recapped his trip to Charlotte for the ACC’s women’s and men’s basketball media days. He shared his top takeaways from both teams.

All of those topics and more are discussed on Thursday’s show, which is available in audio and video on TheWolfpacker.com’s YouTube channel.

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The Wolfpacker Show: NC State vs. Clemson preview