Clemson at NC State: Storylines to Follow

Clemson heads to Raleigh on Saturday for their first true road game of the season.

The Tigers are having some growing pains on offense, look to have a championship caliber defense, and no one really knows anything about NC State just yet.

Clemson opened as a 12.5 point favorite, but that line has dropped to as low as 9.5. You will have to go back to the Deshaun Watson days to fond the last time the Tigers were single digit favorites over an ACC team.

Storylines to Follow

Sputtering Clemson Offense: The Tigers have struggled mightily on the offensive side of the ball. And while many want to place the blame on QB play, the issues are far more widespread than that. While DJ Uiagalelei has no doubt struggled, let’s be honest, the offensive line has been equally as disappointing. Maybe even more so. The wide receivers are having trouble creating separation and the tight ends have as many drops as catches and can’t block their way out of a wet paper bag.

Clemson seemed to find a spark behind Uiagalelei’s legs and the power running game late against Georgia Tech. With NC State running a similar scheme on defense that Ga Tech did a week ago, hopefully this coaching staff will make the QB run a big part of the plan in Raleigh.

No Tyler Davis: The anchor of the defensive front is out indefinitely. He also missed the opener against Georgia, with Ruke Orhorhoro filling in admirably. However, no matter how well Orhorhoro plays, losing Davis is a big hit, at the very least to depth. Instead of a four man rotation, it is now more of a three man rotation between Bryan Bresee, Orhorhoro and Tre Williams. With Demonte Capehart still out with an injury, maybe we see more of the big freshman Payton Page.

Rivalry Between the Head Coaches: Some of Dabo Swinney’s best troll jobs have come at the expense of Dave Doeren. Let’s be real, these two coaches do not care for one another. We have seen one of Doeren’s assistants take a swipe at Deshaun Watson. Doeren brag about his team taking out Wayne Gallman. Doeren accusing Clemson of cheating. Towelgate. The frosty handshake. There is bound to be another chapter written on Saturday, especially if somehow the Wolfpack can pull of an upset.