GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: This game will come down to how well Clemson’s secondary can defend against N.C. State quarterback Ryan Finley and his outstanding corps of receivers. Clemson’s defense ranks sixth nationally in passing yards allowed per game (152.8) while the Wolfpack ranks sixth in the country in passing yards per game (335.4), so something’s got to give.
“We’ve been tested before,” Clemson sophomore cornerback A.J. Terrell said. “I think we’re ready. This is just our next test.” As the Tigers’ tallest defensive back at 6-2, Terrell may be best equipped to challenge N.C. State’s rangy receivers, five of whom are 6-2 or taller, including Kelvin Harmon, who leads the ACC in receiving, and Jakobi Meyers, who ranks fifth in the league.
DRAFT SLANT
–DE Clelin Ferrell may be one of the most coveted pass rushers available in the NFL Draft next spring. Clemson’s 6-4, 265-pound redshirt junior had four tackles, including a sack, in the Tigers’ most recent game — a 63-3 demolition of Wake Forest. Ferrell has been credited with at least a 1/2 tackle for loss in five of six games this season and leads the team in both tackles for loss (8) and sacks (6).
ROSTER REPORT:
–RB Tavien Feaster has returned to practice this week after suffering a shoulder injury at Wake Forest on Oct. 6 and is expected to play Saturday against N.C. State.
–WR Cornell Powell may be redshirted, coach Dabo Swinney said Tuesday. “We’ll see how that goes,” Swinney said. “We’ll try to get a year back on him.”
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