We are just a day away from No.5 Clemson’s biggest test this season in their College GameDay matchup with No.10 NC State, led by starting quarterback Devin Leary,
The Tigers are coming off a big-time Week 4 double overtime away win over Dave Clawson’s Wake Forest and jumping right back into a critical Week 5 game against the Wolfpack. The game is shaking up to be a great one and one that can define both teams’ seasons for better or worse.
There are a lot of good matchups for Week 5, though Clemson earned the nod to host College GameDay in this battle of top ten teams, and for a good reason. The two top teams in the ACC will be battling it out for bragging rights in the Atlantic division and the conference as a whole.
With the Week 5 slate having five top 25 matchups, it will be a good one headlined by the Tigers and Wolfpack.
USA Today Sports’ Eddie Timanus recently broke down the seven best games from the Week 5 slate. Here’s what he had to say about Clemson’s upcoming battle with NC State:
No. 10 North Carolina State at No. 5 Clemson
Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC
Why watch: The Tigers cleared the first hurdle in their bid to regain the ACC throne. The Wolfpack look to take down Clemson for a second consecutive season and take charge of the division in what could be a truly historic season. N.C. State narrowly avoided disaster in Week 1 at East Carolina, but its home victory against Texas Tech keyed by the defense has gained value. Wolfpack QB Devin Leary will need to get the aerial attack cranked up to keep pace with Clemson’s D.J. Uiagalelei, who is coming off a stellar outing at Wake Forest.
Why it could disappoint: The weather forecast doesn’t bode well for an aerial showcase with windy and rainy conditions expected. A soggy field might suit Clemson better, as the Tigers can put matters in the hands of RB Will Shipley while allowing the defense to keep the Wolfpack’s less accomplished running game in check.
Look for another exciting one out of the Tigers this week. It’s a formidable opponent in the Wolfpack and some wild weather to go along with it.