Dabo Swinney breaks down keys to Clemson beating NC State

Clemson has not had the season it was hoping to up until this point, but the Tigers can still have a solid year if they can get a winning streak going down the stretch.

Clemson has a chance to get one started on Saturday against ACC rival NC State.

Dabo Swinney spoke with the CW pregame about what it will take for Clemson to handle the environment in Raleigh and come out on top.

“Well, you’ve just gotta do the little things right. Gotta stand on the basics. Gotta really have great poise and focus,” Swinney said. “This is a great crowd, great environment, tough place to win.”

If Clemson is going to win, it needs to play better than it did offensively last weekend against Miami.

The offensive line in particular needs to do a better job of opening up rushing lanes and protecting Cade Klubnik.

Swinney was asked what it will take to keep Klubnik upright.

“Well, we’ve gotta communicate well,” Swinney said. “They’re a really good team from a pressure standpoint. So we’ve gotta all communicate, be on the same page. And then we’ve gotta make plays.”

Clemson down key playmakers for matchup vs. NC State

Clemson released its travel roster pregame, and the Tigers are missing several key pieces against the Wolfpack on the defensive side of the ball.

Clemson has announced that starting defensive end Justin Mascoll, defensive tackle Peter Woods and reserve cornerback Jeadyn Lukus did not travel to Raleigh.

Mascoll was banged up in last weekend’s loss to Miami, while Woods played against the Hurricanes but was less than 100 percent. Lukus also missed last weekend’s game against Miami for an undisclosed reason.

In addition to those players, Dabo Swinney announced earlier this week that receiver Antonio Williams and safety RJ Mickens are out. Williams is dealing with a foot issue, while Mickens had his appendix removed earlier this week.

Justin Mascoll has started all seven games this season. The senior has 20 tackles and 3 tackles for loss. Peter Woods is considered a co-starter. He has 13 tackles, a tackle for loss and four quarterback pressures on the season.

Jeadyn Lukus has appeared in six games, with three starts. The Clemson sophomore has 10 tackles and three pass breakups on the year.

Williams led Clemson in receiving last year as a true freshman. He currently has 17 catches for 192 yards and two scores.

On a positive injury note, Clemson defensive tackle Tre Williams is slated to suit up on Saturday. Williams is making his season debut after being a key contributor for the Clemson defensive line last season.