The North Carolina State Wolfpack (4-3) picked up a big 31-24 victory over Connecticut on Saturday, but they also picked up three major injuries to their starting lineup.
Renaldo Moses (DE), Ricky Fowler (G), and Lamont Reid (CB) will all be planted on the sidelines for Thursday's matchup with the Clemson Tigers (4-2).
Moses tore the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his knee and is out for the rest of the year. The sophomore had three sacks and five tackles for losses.
Reid, who also returns kickoffs, has a slightly dislocated right shoulder, an injury sustained on a kickoff against the Huskies. He'll be out at least a couple of weeks.
Fowler suffered a dislocated kneecap and a sprained ACL. The junior underwent arthroscopic surgery Sunday but could return this season.
Renaldo Moses (DE), Ricky Fowler (G), and Lamont Reid (CB) will all be planted on the sidelines for Thursday's matchup with the Clemson Tigers (4-2).
Moses tore the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his knee and is out for the rest of the year. The sophomore had three sacks and five tackles for losses.
Reid, who also returns kickoffs, has a slightly dislocated right shoulder, an injury sustained on a kickoff against the Huskies. He'll be out at least a couple of weeks.
Fowler suffered a dislocated kneecap and a sprained ACL. The junior underwent arthroscopic surgery Sunday but could return this season.
GUYS I HAVE CHANGED MY MIND. I'M GOING WITH NC STATE.HERE IS WHY
Why to watch: Long thought of as a soft team, the Tigers showed physical and mental toughness able to overcome the Virginia momentum to come up with a gutty overtime win. Now the Tigers might have the confidence to go on a roll. NC State has looked lousy needing a big interception return to avoid overtime against UConn after coming off a loss to Georgia Tech. The Wolfpack needed this win to not only stay afloat in the ACC, but also get back in the national good graces.
Why Clemson might win: This might be a perfect fit for the Tigers. The Wolfpack is second to last in America in pass defense allowing 325 yards per game. The Clemson passing attack might not quite be playing up to its overall talent level, but it has more than enough weapons to torch the State secondary.
Why NC State might win: While the UConn game might not have showed it, NC State is a better team at home. More importantly, it's looking like running back T.A. McLendon will be back in the mix to finally help take the heat off of Philip Rivers and the passing attack. NC State is only averaging 97 rushing yards per game due to McLendon being banged up.
Who to watch: Did Clemson quarterback Charlie Whitehurst suddenly become a fan favorite? Questionable all week with a bum ankle, Whitehurst ended up playing against Virginia and playing well completing 27 of 44 passes for 265 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for a score. Philip Rivers and the NC State offense is going to put up points, and it'll be up to Whitehurst to help the Tigers keep pace.
What will happen: This is a huge chance for Clemson to make a statement on national TV, but NC State is great at stepping up its play when the lights are on. The Wolfpack will win, but it'll be a bit of a battle.
Why to watch: Long thought of as a soft team, the Tigers showed physical and mental toughness able to overcome the Virginia momentum to come up with a gutty overtime win. Now the Tigers might have the confidence to go on a roll. NC State has looked lousy needing a big interception return to avoid overtime against UConn after coming off a loss to Georgia Tech. The Wolfpack needed this win to not only stay afloat in the ACC, but also get back in the national good graces.
Why Clemson might win: This might be a perfect fit for the Tigers. The Wolfpack is second to last in America in pass defense allowing 325 yards per game. The Clemson passing attack might not quite be playing up to its overall talent level, but it has more than enough weapons to torch the State secondary.
Why NC State might win: While the UConn game might not have showed it, NC State is a better team at home. More importantly, it's looking like running back T.A. McLendon will be back in the mix to finally help take the heat off of Philip Rivers and the passing attack. NC State is only averaging 97 rushing yards per game due to McLendon being banged up.
Who to watch: Did Clemson quarterback Charlie Whitehurst suddenly become a fan favorite? Questionable all week with a bum ankle, Whitehurst ended up playing against Virginia and playing well completing 27 of 44 passes for 265 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for a score. Philip Rivers and the NC State offense is going to put up points, and it'll be up to Whitehurst to help the Tigers keep pace.
What will happen: This is a huge chance for Clemson to make a statement on national TV, but NC State is great at stepping up its play when the lights are on. The Wolfpack will win, but it'll be a bit of a battle.
