FSU football: 3 key stats about NC State’s defense
By Kelvin Hunt
Yards Per Play/Pass and Run Defense
NC State allows 4.46 yards per play through five games. They allow 4.02 yards per rush and quarterbacks complete 58 percent of their passes for 928 yards, four touchdowns, and seven interceptions.
They’ve only played two Power-5 programs, so if their defense was that great, I think these numbers would be better.
For instance, FSU has played four Power-5 programs, one against an elite defense and two more against QBs that give opposing defenses all types of issues because of their mobile ability.
FSU allows 4.87 yards per play, and 3.97 yards per rush, and quarterbacks complete 62 percent of their passes for 897 yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions.
Obviously, there’s a difference in touchdowns allowed, but there’s also a large difference in competition.
Clemson’s offense isn’t thought to be some juggernaut, but they had some success against NC State. Clemson averaged 5.2 yards per play, completed 70 percent of their passes, and their leading running back averaged 4.3 yards per rush.
Clemson’s quarterback had a ton of success running the ball on 14 carries for 73 yards and two rushing touchdowns. The biggest question mark? Can FSU block NC State’s front, and that’s something we’ll get into next.