After the bye week, NC State football hosted its conference rival, the Clemson Tigers, on Saturday, winning the all-important matchup by a score of 24-17. Both teams relied heavily on their respective defenses, as there were a combined 16 punts throughout the game. However, the Wolfpack defense forced two turnovers which seemed to be the biggest defensive factor in securing a victory.
Defensive Line
The Wolfpack defensive line had an efficient game against the Tigers. Although the unit allowed 101 rushing yards, 41 of those came off of a single play. The defensive line continues to struggle with limiting explosive rushes but excels in the other aspects of run defense. Without the big play, the line let up 60 yards on 29 rushes while allowing a mere two yards per carry.
Junior defensive tackle Davin Vann added another sack to his record, and is now tied with redshirt junior defensive lineman Red Hibbler for the team sack leader with 4.5. As long as the unit can limit big rushes, the defensive line will continue to be a key aspect of the Pack’s defensive success.
Grade: A-
Linebackers
The Wolfpack’s linebackers had their best performance as a group this season, with every member making big-time plays. For the first time all year, graduate linebacker Payton Wilson didn’t lead the team in tackles, but instead made arguably the most impactful play of the game.
On the opening play of Clemson’s second drive of the third quarter, the ball was deflected by junior linebacker Devon Betty. Wilson then plucked the ball out of the air and dove into the endzone for a 15-yard pick six. He was injured late in the third quarter but finished the game with eight tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss in addition to the defensive score. Meanwhile, Betty ended with seven tackles and two passes defended.
Finally, senior linebacker Jaylon Scott had his best game of the season, ending with 10 tackles, one tackle for loss, one sack, one pass defended and one forced fumble. Scott was everywhere and stepped up when Wilson was injured.
Grade: A+
Secondary
Though it let up 283 yards through the air, the Wolfpack secondary had a solid performance against the familiar ACC foe. Junior defensive back Devan Boykin recorded his first interception of the year early in the first quarter, setting the tone for the rest of the game. Redshirt sophomore safety Sean Brown led the team with 11 tackles — his first time achieving double digit tackles. The red-and-white allowed zero passing touchdowns and held Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik scoreless for the first time all season.
A continuing issue with the secondary is the containment of the opposition’s primary receiver. In six of the last seven games, the unit has allowed one receiver to get 80+ yards. Though it does a great job of containing the other pass catchers, the secondary needs to find better ways to eliminate the number one option.
Grade: A-
