Tudor's take
There's no reason to make it very complicated.
To have any hope of winning, the Wolfpack (4-5, 1-4 ACC) needs for Atlantic Division-leading Clemson (6-3, 4-2) to show up flat after an emotional showing in Death Valley against Florida State last week.
Then again, Clemson could be completely out of focus and still ring up four or five touchdowns against State's defense. Tigers, 38-34.
Observations
DBs test Wilson
After throwing a career-high three interceptions last week, N.C. State quarterback Russell Wilson will have to be more careful with the football. Thanks to an outstanding group of defensive backs, Clemson is tied with Iowa for the Football Bowl Subdivision lead with 19 interceptions. Strong safety DeAndre McDaniel has a school-record tying eight interceptions this season, and backup free safety Rashard Hall has at least one interception in each of his last four games.
Tigers' double trouble
N.C. State's defense needs to focus on stopping two crucial but very dangerous opponents.
Clemson's main change on offense under Dabo Swinney has been an extra focus on getting the ball to senior running back C.J. Spiller and wide receiver Jacoby Ford.
Under former coach Tommy Bowden, the Tigers spread the ball to many targets. But it's clear that under Swinney with the multitude of ways they use Spiller and Ford, that they are trying to get those guys as many opportunities as possible.
Player to watch
C.J. Spiller
Clemson, SR., RB, 5-11, 195
The ACC's career all-purpose yardage record-holder has gotten some attention in a wide-open Heisman Trophy race with all-purpose efforts of 310 yards at Miami and 312 yards against Florida State in wins over teams from his home state. Spiller has at least one play of 50 or more yards in each of his last eight games against Football Bowl Subdivision teams. He has rushed for a total of 329 career yards in three games against N.C. State.
By the numbers
Clem. | NCSU | |
31.9 | scoring | 33.7 |
17.3 | scoring def. | 29.6 |
160.9 | avg. rush yds. | 135.9 |
131.3 | opp. avg. rush yds. | 117.3 |
201.1 | avg. pass yds. | 281.3 |
159.3 | opp. avg. pass yds. | 216.3 |
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While there will be bonus time to draw up a game plan for Thursday's trip to Duke, the break also comes at a good time for C.J. Williams. 
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N.C. State’s 61-52 ACC victory against Georgia Tech on Thursday was built on the memories of what happened the last time the Wolfpack and Yellow Jackets played. 
The Wolfpack cannot lose this game and still harbor serious hopes of earning an NCAA bid based on its regular-season resume. Keep up with the latest sports stories with our free e-mail newsletters, delivered to your inbox!
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