In its first conference matchup of the year, NC State football suffered its second blowout loss of the season in a 59-35 loss to Clemson. The Wolfpack was outplayed in nearly every facet of the game as its weaknesses glared. Here are some takeaways from the matchup.

Big play defense

The most alarming part of the NC State defense is its inability to defend big plays. In just the first half alone, the defense allowed five plays of 30-plus yards, three of which resulted in a touchdown. What’s more concerning is the different ways in which Clemson created these big plays.

On the first drive of the game, the Wolfpack allowed a 55-yard rushing touchdown to quarterback Cade Klubnik. If this run had been from a rushing quarterback it would be less of an issue. But prior to Saturday’s game, Klubnik’s longest run of his collegiate career went for 22 yards. He’s averaged just 160 rush yards per season in his two years played, but the Wolfpack allowed him to get a third of his yearly total in just one play.

Clemson began its next drive at its own nine-yard line thanks to a great punt from redshirt junior punter Caden Noonkester. However, the Wolfpack allowed a 34-yard rush from running back Phil Mafah on the second play of the drive to immediately erase any work the NC State special teams had done. Just four plays later, Klubnik threw a 31-yard touchdown pass to receiver Antonio Williams. Clemson took just six plays to drive 91 yards down the field and into the endzone.

The most alarming play came halfway through the second quarter. Though already leading 35-7, Clemson kept its foot on the gas and continued its aggressive playstyle. On the opening play of the drive, Klubnik tried to complete a deep pass to Williams but it was broken up by sophomore cornerback Brandon Cisse. It appeared as if the Wolfpack had finally learned how to defend Clemson’s big-play offense. However, on the next play, Klubnik once again aired it out, this time to receiver T.J. Moore who caught it with Cisse in coverage.

The Wolfpack defense didn’t allow any plays of 30-plus yards in the second half, due in large part to the fact that Clemson sat most of its starters because it led by 38 points. If NC State wants any chance at contending in the ACC, it needs to learn how to stop allowing so many explosive, momentum-building plays to its opponents.

Offensive playcalling

Early on, it appeared as though the Wolfpack playcalling was simply too conservative. In its opening drive, freshman quarterback CJ Bailey completed his first two passes for 17 yards and a first down, but offensive coordinator Robert Anae proceeded to call four straight run plays, including a QB draw on third-and-seven that effectively killed the drive and forced NC State to punt.

This became a recurring theme throughout the game. Towards the end of the first quarter, NC State looked as though it had finally built up some momentum and was driving down the field thanks to a 36-yard catch from junior tight end Justin Joly. Bailey followed it up with another 13-yard strike to move the chains. On first-and-10 on Clemson’s 33-yard line, Anae called three straight run plays that went for a total of two yards, forcing the Wolfpack to attempt a field goal that was missed by redshirt sophomore Kanoah Vinesett.

Every time the Wolfpack built some momentum through the air, its ground game immediately killed the drive. It’s understandable to be hesitant when your quarterback is a true freshman making his first collegiate start in a hostile environment, but at some point, you have to trust him to make a play. Bailey completed his first eight pass attempts and finished with a 64% completion rate. He’ll never learn if his coaches don’t trust him to lead the offense.

Tough conversations at quarterback

Though a loss, Bailey played well for a first-time quarterback. The 6-foot-6 signal-caller has proven that making him the backup quarterback instead of a random, more seasoned transfer was a good decision. Head coach Dave Doeren confirmed in a press conference last week that McCall was day-to-day with an undisclosed injury. Any more missed games will result in Bailey as the starter. Many anticipate that when McCall comes back from his injury, he will take back the reins of the Wolfpack offense. But at the rate Bailey has been playing, it’s time to have a difficult talk about the NC State quarterback room.

There’s no denying that McCall has a well-decorated background and tons of experience. But as of recent, he hasn’t looked like the same guy who was a three-time Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year Award winner. Throws are uncharacteristically off-target while posting a 127.8 passer rating, the lowest of his career.

To be fair, Bailey has the same turnover issue that McCall has shown, but has four less years of experience and has started just once in his career. Through his one-and-a-half games played, the offense seems to run smoother with Bailey at the helm. He has all the physical skills needed to be a successful quarterback, he just needs the game time.

No matter who remains at quarterback for the Wolfpack, both need to work on limiting their turnovers and being more accurate. Doeren will confirm the starter later this week before the Wolfpack’s matchup against Northern Illinois.