Game Preview: NC State Wolfpack vs. Clemson Tigers

Kickoff: 12 Noon
Location: Carter Finley Stadium, Raleigh, NC
Television: Raycom
Records: Wolfpack (4-5, 1-4 ACC) , Clemson (6-3, 4-2 ACC)

THE MATCH-UP
Coming into this weekend's game against the Clemson Tigers, Tom O'Brien and the Wolfpack know that it's basically a 'win or go home' scenario. Although there are still two games left to play after Clemson, a loss would mean that the Pack's post season dreams will be squashed as they will be ineligible for bowl play. That being said, NC State has made a habit of late season surges under head coach Tom O'Brien. Last season, when faced with a nearly identical scenario, Russell Wilson took the reigns and led the Pack to a four game winning streak and an unexpected bowl birth.

Last week, with their backs against the wall, the Wolfpack defense stepped up and Russell Wilson guided the Wolfpack offense to a season saving victory against Maryland. This week the task will be much bigger, and the stakes will be much the same. Clemson sports an elite offensive attack, headed by senior running back and electric playmaker, CJ Spiller. Spiller has already eclipsed the 1000 combined yard mark this season with his ability to dominate on the ground and also pitch in with receiving duties. He's touched the zone 8 times, 5 on the ground and 3 through the air. The elusive Spiller is surely one of the ACC's most exciting players, and will take full focus for the Wolfpack to slow him down.

The Clemson defense has been good this season, but have yet to face a game changer of Russell Wilson's caliber. Wilson, already with 24 touchdowns, is coming off a solid performance in which he threw for 343 yards and three touchdowns. Wilson will look for help from the resurgent Toney Baker, who coming off a knee injury this season, has been one of the most consistent performers for O'Brien's Wolfpack, averaging a gaudy 5.2 yards per carry.

The question for the Wolfpack will be the question they've faced all season long. Will their defense show up? The NC State defense has been much improved over the past few contests,but still has some work to do. If the secondary can hold up again, and the front line can contain Spiller, the Pack could most definitely pull off the unthinkable against Clemson.

PACK HOPES TO BREAK LOSING STREAK TO TIGERS*
NC State has dropped the past five games to Clemson, a streak which ties the longest in the series history between the two schools.

Clemson leads the series handily at 49-27-1, but the results have been much closer in games played in Raleigh (17-15 in favor of the Tigers). In 20 matchups at Carter-Finley, each team has won 10.

THE TEXTILE BOWL*
Although not many of the players in uniform know about it, for the past 28 years (since 1981), the series between NC State and Clemson has been dubbed the Textile Bowl, as that industry has such a major economic impact on both states and both schools boast renowned textile colleges.

The North Carolina textile manufacturers donate money to NC State's scholarship fund every year in honor of the Pack's MVP from the game. Clemson posts a 19-9 advantage in the Textile Bowl.

A NOVEMBER TO REMEMBER*
November has been good to the Pack under Tom O'Brien's tutelage. Including last week's win over Maryland, NC State boats a 7-2 record in the 11th month, including a 4-0 November slate in 2008.

*information provided by NCSU media relations

Photo by: John Williams