Clemson Football: 3 takeaways from convincing win over NC State

2. The Clemson defense is scary good

NC State came into the game with the 30th ranked offense in the country per the S&P+ efficiency metrics and looked like they were an outmanned FCS program when the Clemson defense came on the field. Quarterback Ryan Finley, who looked like an All-ACC passer before facing Clemson, was held to under 200 yards passing while throwing two interceptions. NC State far under the 25 percent conversion rate on third downs and gave up an important turnover on downs to the Tigers.

For all of the Wolfpack’s passing woes, they did run well against the Tigers. All things considered, Reggie Gallaspy II ran for over six yards per carry and scored against the Clemson defense. Clemson came into Week 8 with the nation’s fifth-best defense per the S&P+. Clemson has an argument to say they have the best front four in the country as Clelin Ferrell, Austin Bryant and Christian Wilkins could all be first-round draft picks in the 2019 NFL Draft. The trio has combined for 19 tackles for loss and 11 sacks through Week 7.

If anyone can knock off the Tigers it will be by shutting down Travis Etienne and being able to force the extremely careful Lawrence into turning over the football. Syracuse came close by knocking Lawrence out of the football game and forcing Dabo Swinney to rely on a third-string quarterback. With Kelly Bryant shopping his services around the country the Tigers are married to playing defense and hoping Lawrence can pass his way out of jams.