BTP Pigskin Predictions: Clemson

Hello, cooler weather. Hello, better opponent.

NC State remains home in Raleigh for the second straight week, welcoming to town a Top 10 ranked Clemson team, one that is a Top 5 team according to the major analytics based rating systems. The Tigers have struggled on offense in their two games against FBS foes, but their defense has been one of - if not the - best in the country, holding Georgia to 10 points and Georgia Tech to 8. Those two teams have averaged 48 and 33 points per game, respectively, in their non-Clemson games this year.

NC State will be looking to break through against Clemson, trying to notch a statement victory in a series that has been a little spicy of late, but also very one-sided. The Wolfpack have their own question marks, though. The defense has been great thus far, but has already lost a pair of starters for the year due to injury. The offense has looked potent in a pair of blow-out wins against inferior competition, but completely lacked punch in their one true test this season - a road loss to Mississippi State.

Will the Tigers offense finally click and help propel Clemson to yet another victory in the series? Or will the Wolfpack put behind them past woes and snag the first win over a Top 10 team during the Dave Doeren era?

Each BTP contributor provides their score prediction below, plus a quick blurb on their predicted outcome. Here we go!

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Essad

Prediction: 10-31 (L)

Comment: “Headlines after the game will say, “Clemson and DJU back on track!”. I’m just going to watch this game wearing my Cinco Face Time Party Snoozer“

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Why is this so hard?

Prediction: 13-17 (L)

Comment: “Pack scores first offensive TD against Clemson all season but needs one more.“

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PirateWolf

Prediction: 16-20 (L)

Comment: “Defense plays great as State’s offense gains more yards than Clemson’s, but too many drives settle for FGs in close loss“

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no23sports

Prediction: 6-24 (L)

Comment: “I genuinely want to be optimistic about this game but I just can’t do that. I just don’t think NC State’s offense has shown me that they’ll be able to do enough against Clemson’s elite defense.“

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AlecLower

Prediction: 10-22 (L)

Comment: “The game is close in the first half as NC State limits Clemson’s offense, but it finds its footing in the second and scores enough to keep State at arm’s length“

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JEOHankins2

Prediction: 17-24 (L)

Comment: “State plays tough on defense, competent on offense to beat the Clemson of the first 3 weeks, but in week 4 DJU & Shipley combine to move the ball; our last TD comes late with a failed onside to seal it“

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Steven

Prediction: 17-24 (L)

Comment: “Dave’s State teams never seem to find the big turnovers or special team plays needed to steal a game like this and I’m assuming that won’t change this weekend.“

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SP+

Prediction: 19-31 (L)

Comment: “beep boop“

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BTP Staff Cumulative Prediction: 14-24 (L)

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Agree? Disagree? Sound off in the comments!