NC State Wolfpack vs. Clemson Tigers Pick & Prediction OCTOBER 1st 2022
Diego Garcia
The ACC sometimes gets overlooked in the sport of college football, but that won’t be the case on Saturday. The Clemson Tigers host the NC State Wolfpack for a match-up of two teams currently in the top 10.
NC State will be playing its first ACC game of the season and they have had a pretty light schedule up to this point. The Wolfpack did beat Texas Tech at home, but the other three wins were against weaker teams.
Clemson is back in the top 5 after picking up an impressive double-overtime win on the road at Wake Forest. The Tigers struggled a bit in 2021, but they have been able to bounce back in a big way by going 4-0.
NC State vs. Clemson Betting Lines
TV: NFL Network
MONEY LINE: NC State (+215) vs. Clemson (-255)
SPREAD: NC State +6.5 (-110) vs. Clemson -6.5 (-110)
GAME TOTAL: Over 43 (-110) vs. Under 43 (-110)
NC State Wolfpack vs. Clemson Tigers Preview
The NC State Wolfpack are 4-0 on the year because the defense has been able to shut teams down all season long. NC State is holding opponents to just 11.8 points per game, but this will be a huge test on Saturday.
The Wolfpack have averaged 36 points per game, but the lack of a real big rushing attack could cause some issues. NC State wants to throw the football, but Clemson will be looking to pressure the quarterback.
Quarterback Devin Leary has thrown nine touchdowns this season, but he will have to make good decisions with the ball in this one.
There were some questions surrounding quarterback DJ Uiagalelei to begin the year, but he has had a monster start. Uiagalelei has thrown for 1,033 yards this season to go along with 10 touchdowns and one interception.
Running back Will Shipley has rushed for 353 yards and seven touchdowns. Finding balance on offense is a key for this team. Clemson isn’t as strong defensively and they will try to hit on some big plays in this one.
The Tigers are still holding opponents to 21 points per game, but they continuously gave up big chunks against Wake Forest last weekend.
NC State vs. Clemson Picks
The Clemson offense looked like the real deal in the week 4 win at Wake Forest and this should be another big game. NC State has put up some great defensive numbers through four games, but they have also played some weak teams.
If this game was being played in North Carolina, then it might be different, but the Tigers are always tough to deal with at Clemson. This game could be close for a half, but it will be Clemson that pulls away and picks up a big win in this one.
Final Score: Clemson Tigers 31 - NC State Wolfpack 20
EXTRA POINTS
1. Clemson is 59-29-1 all-time against NC State.
2. NC State picked up a 27-21 overtime win over Clemson in 2021.
3. Game will be played at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, SC.
Best Bet: Clemson Tigers -6.5 (-110)