It hasn’t always been pretty, but the Clemson Tigers continue to march along undefeated, priming themselves for another berth in the College Football Playoff. They shouldn’t have much problem in a Week 7 matchup against the North Carolina State Wolfpack.
Even though N.C. State is 5-1, it has a concerning loss to East Carolina on the docket and has yet to face an opponent with the talent of a team like Clemson. The Tigers get this game at home and should be able to take care of business and move to 7-0 to set up an epic clash with Florida State the week after.
Watch this regular season Week 7 matchup live on Saturday, October 7, 2016, at 7 p.m. ET at Memorial Stadium.
College Football Odds at BookMaker.eu
NC State +17.5
Clemson -17.5
Over/Under 56.5
Odds Analysis
The oddsmakers like Clemson to pull away in this one, and the bettors are in lockstep with that thinking. Nearly 90 percent of the action is going on the Tigers to cover the spread.
The scoring total looks too low based on the betting action, as a whopping 93.5 percent of the money is taking the “over” in this game.
Look-Ahead Situation
Clemson is clearly the more talented team in this matchup, but there is a question about their motivation. The Tigers have a humongous showdown on the road at Florida State in a week that could determine if they make it to the College Football Playoff for the second straight year.
Clemson obviously knows the way the schedule plays out and could have one eye on next week’s game. If that happens, the intensity won’t be where it should be and the Wolfpack will benefit.
It likely won’t be enough to result in an upset, but when considering the spread, this all-too-real look-ahead situation could result in a cover for North Carolina State.
Player to Watch
After a slow start to the season, Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson appears to be hitting his stride. The junior has thrown for 1,568 yards this season with 18 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
In the last two games, against the tough defenses of Louisville and Boston College, he combined for 572 yards and nine touchdowns. He overcame three interceptions in the win over Louisville two weeks ago and didn’t commit a single turnover last week.
Watson could be a top prospect in the NFL draft, but would like to finish his college career on a high note. He has put Clemson in position and will look to stay on the gas against a North Carolina State defense which has been good statistically but could be vulnerable against an elite signal-caller.
Free ATS Pick
The Clemson defense is allowing only 15 points per game and will aim to shut down the Wolfpack. The unit ranks eighth in the country for points allowed and has held four of its six opponents to 13 points or less this year.
The Tigers have a nice balance of a high-scoring offense and a stout defense, which is why they are one of the best teams in the country.
North Carolina State’s defense did a tremendous job last week in a 10-3 win over Notre Dame. The offense struggled, and quarterback Ryan Finley will need to step it up. He was solid in the weeks prior but was only 5-of-12 for 27 yards against the Fighting Irish.
If the Wolfpack don’t get a passing game going, Clemson will make quick work of them. The Tigers are one of the most complete teams in college football. While they should win this one, it could be a little bumpy.
Take North Carolina State to cover and go against conventional wisdom and go with the “under” in this matchup.
College Football Odds: Clemson 34, NC State 21
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