Capsule previews for NC State and Duke games

No. 3 Clemson (7-0) at N.C. State (5-2)

Kickoff: 3:30 p.m., Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh

TV/Radio: WTVD, 101.5-WRAL

Clemson’s strength: Even without injured top deep threat Mike Williams, the Tigers have the best collection of skill players in the ACC. Quarterback Deshaun Watson (1,553 passing yards), running back Wayne Gallman (702 yards) receiver Artavis Scott (40 catches, 450 yards) lead a balanced, talented attack.

Key theme: Can N.C. State repeat its sterling play from the first quarter of last week’s 35-17 win at Wake Forest? And can it play that way for more than one quarter? The Wolfpack jumped out to a 28-0 lead in Winston-Salem last week with big plays from running back Matt Dayes and quarterback Jacoby Brissett. The Wolfpack needs both to be at their best against a stout Clemson defense.

Miami (4-3) at No. 22 Duke (6-1)

Kickoff: 7 p.m., Wallace Wade Stadium, Durham

TV/Radio: ESPNU, 620-WDNC

Miami’s strength: With quarterback Brad Kaaya, the ACC’s leading passer, the Hurricanes have one of the best offenses in the ACC. But Kaaya suffered a concussion early in last week’s 58-0 home loss to Clemson and is not expected to play against the Blue Devils.

Key theme: Duke’s offense, even by ACC standards, does not qualify for juggernaut status. The Blue Devils average 318.7 yards per ACC game, ahead of only Virginia Tech, Wake Forest and Boston College.

But Miami’s biggest problem, and the main reason for Al Golden’s midseason ouster, is the defense is not very good and specifically struggles on the defensive line.

With an interim coach (Larry Scott) and a backup quarterback (Malik Rosier), Miami would need something extraordinary to knock off Duke on the road.

Joe Giglio

Other area games

Norfolk State (2-5) at N.C. Central (4-3), 2 p.m., O’Kelley-Riddick Stadium, Durham, NCCUEaglePride.com: The Eagles, 3-1 in the MEAC, have won three straight and have a 60-19-2 all-time record on Homecoming.

Campbell (4-4) at Davidson (1-6), 3 p.m., Richardson Stadium, Davidson, GoCamels.com: Davidson is winless in the Pioneer League (0-4) while the Fighting Camels (2-3) are seeking their third conference win.

Shaw (0-8) at Winston-Salem State (4-4), 2 p.m., Bowman-Gray Stadium, Winston-Salem, 88.9-WSHA: The Bears are getting closer to breaking their 10-game losing streak. They lost at Johnson C. Smith by only a touchdown (17-10) last week.

Johnson C. Smith (3-5) at St. Augustine’s (0-8), 1 p.m., George Williams Athletic Complex, Raleigh, 750-WAUG: The Falcons try to end their own losing streak against the Golden Bulls, who are 2-1 in the CIAA’s Southern Division.

This story was originally published October 29, 2015 at 2:03 PM with the headline "Capsule previews for NC State and Duke games."