Clemson at NC State Spread

Written by Jack Jones

The seventh-ranked Clemson Tigers hit the road Saturday to take on the improving NC State Wolfpack. This has certainly been a one-sided series over the last several years. Clemson has won seven straight meetings with NC State, including a 14-13 home win last season. The Tigers got a game-winning 4-yard touchdown run from Jamie Harper with 6:18 to play in what was the ultimate defensive battle.

Odds makers believe the Tigers will extend their winning streak to eight in this series Saturday. They have installed a spread of Clemson -7.5 over NC State and a total set of 52.5 points.

Clemson

The Tigers opened the season with eight straight victories and appeared to be a surprise national title contender. But they would suffer their first loss at Georgia Tech 31-17 on October 29th. After a bye week, Clemson (9-1, 6-1 ACC) took the field in Death Valley last Saturday and found themselves in a dog fight with Wake Forest. Tied 28-28 with just over one minute remaining, kicker Chandler Catanzaro missed a potential game-winning field goal.

After Clemson’s defense forced a punt on the Demon Deacons’ next possession, their offense would set up Catanzaro with another chance to win it. This time, he didn’t miss. He nailed a 43-yarder as time expired to give the Tigers a thrilling 31-28 victory. Tajh Boyd threw for 343 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions, while Andre Ellington chipped in 98 rushing yards and two scores to lead the way for Clemson. They outgained the Demon Deacons 522-317, but allowed Wake to keep it close by committing three turnovers.

Clemson has now clinched the ACC Atlantic Division title. Head coach Dabo Swinney will have his hands full trying to keep his players focused the rest of the way with a spot in the conference title game already clinched. The Tigers rank 14th in the country in total offense (478.1 yards/game) and 57th in total defense (378.4 yards/game). Boyd is having a huge year, completing 61.4 percent of his passes for 3,017 yards with 27 touchdowns to eight interceptions. His favorite receiver is star freshman Sammy Watkins, who has 70 receptions for 1,040 yards and 10 scores. Ellington has been rock-solid on the ground, rushing for 843 yards and nine touchdowns.

NC State

Few teams have been hit harder by injuries this season than the Wolfpack, but this team has fought its way into bowl contention nonetheless. NC State (5-5, 2-4 ACC) has won three of its last five games, including big conference victories over Virginia and North Carolina. Even if they are unable to upset Clemson Saturday, they’ll still have a chance to become eligible for the postseason with a home contest with Maryland looming next week.

The Wolfpack missed out on their first opportunity to qualify for a bowl after losing 10-14 at Boston College last week. Their defense played well enough to win, limiting the Eagles to just 190 yards of total offense. However, their offense only could muster up 267 total yards. Mike Glennon went 28 of 40 passing for 220 yards with an interception for NC State. Glennon had moved the ball deep into BC territory in the closing minutes before his pass was tipped at the line and fell to the ground on a fourth-and-5 play with 1:10 to play.

NC State has struggled all season offensively. They rank just 96th in the FBS in total offense (331.7 yards/game), including 106th in rushing (102.0 yards/game). Their stop unit has been steadily improving, ranking 36th in the land in total defense (352.1 yards/game). Glennon is completing 61.6 percent of his passes for 2,231 yards with 20 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. James Washington is their leading rusher with 676 yards and six scores. Glennon’s favorite receiver is T.J. Graham, who leads the team in receptions (31), receiving yards (553) and receiving touchdowns (5).

Betting Trends

The Tigers are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games following a win, and 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games.

The Wolfpack are 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 games as a home underdog, and 17-5-1 ATS in their last 23 games following a S.U. loss.

If you want to cash in on the NCAA gridiron Saturday, then sign up with expert handicapper Jack Jones and watch him guide you to profits.

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