NC State vs Clemson Showcases Two Top Defenses in the Nation

RALEIGH NC – The battle between NC State (2-1) and Clemson (2-1) will kick off Saturday afternoon in a game that showcases great defensive play on each side. The Pack enter the contest ranked as the 16th overall defense in the nation in terms of total statistics, and the Tigers roll in ranked 18th on top of being number 1 in total points allowed. 

In 3 games thus far, the ferocious Pack defensive unit has taking advantage of the veterans they have all around the field. As a result, they have surrendered 783 total yards (261 per game). They have recorded just 2 sacks, but the pressure they have provided even without sacks has led to countess incompletions, 3 and outs, and turnovers. LB Drake Thomas currently leads his team with 25 total tackles, with LB Isiah Moore and S Tanner Ingle behind him tied for second on the team with 16.

Thomas, the newly promoted captain, has been outstanding and a ball hawk all year long and also has added an interception during the season opener. The last time the Tigers took on a defense as potent as the Pack was week 1 against #2 Georgia, where they scored just 3 points which marked the lowest amount of points scored in the Dabo Swinney era.

The Tigers have an effective defense themselves. They have given up 789 total yards (263 per game) and have allowed only a single offensive touchdown in 12 quarters. The 9th ranked team in the nation has racked up 6 total sacks and 3 interceptions. They thrive off of their defensive front, led by Ruke Orhorhoro and Bryan Bresee, who are both the top 5 in terms of most total tackles on the team. LB James Skalski has also been productive, putting up 26 total tackles, which is a team-best.

This matchup between these two gritty defenses is an offensive coordinator’s nightmare and will take a perfectly prepared game plan to have any success on the afternoon. It will come down to who’s offense can tally up more explosive plays because we know it won’t be easy to score many points in this contest.