NC State football vs. Clemson: Scouting report, prediction for Wolfpack-Tigers

Following an off week, NC State football returns to action at Carter-Finley Stadium to face Clemson in a game that could shape the rest of the season.

The Wolfpack (4-3, 1-2 ACC) has lost two of its last three games entering its latest meeting with the Tigers (4-3, 2-3) in the Textile Bowl. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. on CW Network.

Two of the last three games in Raleigh have been decided by seven or fewer points, including an overtime win for the ‘Pack in 2021. In his 11th season, NC State coach Dave Doeren is one win shy of tying the school record for coaching victories.

Here’s a look at some things to know and a score prediction for the Wolfpack’s matchup with Clemson.

NC State football after an off week

Following an off week, NC State is 3-2 in the last five seasons. The Wolfpack had wins against Virginia Tech (2022), Boston College (2021) and Syracuse (2019) during that stretch. In 2020, NC State lost 44-41 to Miami after some time away from the field, but reeled off four wins in a row to close the regular season. The last time the Pack played Clemson after an off week, the Tigers won 41-7 at Memorial Stadium in 2018. Coming off losses in two of its last three games, it’ll be interesting to see what NC State tweaked for this week.

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Wolfpack wide receiver KC Concepcion isn’t slowing down

NC State wide receiver KC Concepcion has been a bright spot for the Pack this season. Concepcion is the first true freshman in program history to log multiple games with 100 or more receiving yards. The Wolfpack’s leading playmaker is sixth in the ACC with just under six catches per game. In losses to Florida State and Miami, Clemson allowed the top receivers on those teams to average 81 receiving yards with three touchdowns. In NC State’s 2021 win against the Tigers, receivers combined for more than 200 yards and four TDs.

Clemson has impressive bounce-back ability

The Tigers are coming off a 28-20 double-overtime loss at Miami, but they’ve traditionally shown impressive bounce-back ability under coach Dabo Swinney. Following a loss under Swinney, Clemson is 33-8. The Tigers haven’t lost back-to-back games in the same season since 2011, the nation’s longest streak.

NC State vs. Clemson score prediction

Clemson 27, NC State 17: The Tigers have beaten only one Power Five team (Syracuse) by double digits this season and NC State had its chances against Notre Dame and Louisville in Raleigh. But Clemson has allowed at least 28 points in each of its three losses, and I’m not sure the Pack can reach that number.

Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached at rbaxley@fayobserver.com or @RoddBaxley on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: NC State football vs. Clemson: Scouting report, prediction