Clemson football got a huge boost from its special teams as Ray-Ray McCloud took back a 77-yard punt return to tie the game at seven.
Saturday’s matchup between the Clemson Tigers and North Carolina State Wolfpack have much on the line, particularly a leg up in the ACC Atlantic division as the winner becomes the likely choice to represent that side in the conference championship game.
The Wolfpack came out after a forced interception and delivered a strike on 40-yard touchdown pass from Ryan Finley to Kelvin Harmon to take a 7-0 lead over the Tigers. NC State’s defense continued to look good on Clemson’s first couple of possessions, but a special teams lapse caused the Tigers to get back into the game.
Nearly halfway through the first quarter, the Tigers’ defense forced the Wolfpack to punt. A booming kick that had a 4.93 second hang time brought Clemson returner Ray-Ray McCloud in a backpedal as he fielded the kick. From there, using his speed and agility- paired with some poor tackling, McCloud was able to take it to the house and tie the game up 77 yards later.
Channeling his inner Deion Sanders, McCloud silenced the ruckus Wolfpack crowd and took some pressure of the offense who appeared to be struggling in their couple opening possessions.
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While the return itself was impressive in its own, NC State cannot afford to miss tackles and allow Clemson to score in the special teams game. There is a lot left to be played in this matchup, but this play could come back to be deciding factor.