PLAYERS TO WATCH
–RB Travis Etienne is hot. The sophomore has posted four consecutive 100-yard rushing games, pushing his season yardage total to 761 yards — an average of 9.2 yards per carry. “Travis has come into his own,” said Clemson co-offensive coordinator Tony Elliott. “He has the ability to create the big play.” Indeed. Etienne had touchdown runs of 59 and 70 yards in a win at Wake Forest on Oct. 6. N.C. State ranks 13th nationally against the run, but hasn’t faced a rushing attack that resembles Clemson’s in any way, shape or form.
–QB Trevor Lawrence will be making just the third start of his career against the Wolfpack, but Coach Dabo Swinney isn’t concerned with his low-key, 6-foot-6 rookie being nervous. “He’s been starting since the ninth grade and that has served him well all the way through,” Swinney said. “Being relaxed is just in his DNA. That has helped him get off to a good start here.” After missing the second half of the Syracuse game with a neck strain, Lawrence returned to the lineup on Oct. 6 and responded with a 20-for-25 day for 175 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
–SLB/NB Isaiah Simmons could be counted on heavily against N.C. State, which boasts five wide receivers 6-foot-2 or more. Although just a sophomore, Simmons has the size (6-2, 230) and coverage skills to handle larger wide receivers. “He plays hard, he plays physical and his confidence is really good right now,” Swinney said. “He’s off to a good start, but we’re hoping he’ll make another jump.”
SERIES HISTORY: Clemson leads the series, 57-28-1 and has won six in a row.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “It has been a long time since we’ve been able to run the football like we are right now. If we continue to do that, it’s going to create some problems for some people.” — Clemson coach Dabo Swinney.
