NC State takes down punchless Clemson

Clemson has appeared in the past six College Football Playoffs. That streak almost certainly is over.

Host NC State beat the Tigers (2-2) 27-21 in double overtime Saturday. The Wolfpack (3-1) won it by bouncing back after a potential game-winning field goal from 39 yards from Christopher Dunn was missed on the final play of the game. The win snapped the Wolfpack’s eight-game losing streak to Clemson; in addition, the Tigers had won 15 of the past 16 in the series.

NC State’s winning TD came on a 22-yard pass from Devin Leary to Devin Carter. It was Leary’s fourth TD pass of the day.

Clemson managed just 214 yards of total offense, continuing its season-opening offensive malaise. In three games against FBS opponents this season, the Tigers have scored 38 points.

Clemson was 2-of-11 on third down, and quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei was just 12-of-26 for 111 yards. One of those TD passes came in the first overtime.

NC State was 11-of-21 on third down, and Clemson’s defense — which lost standouts Bryan Bresee and James Skalski during the game — wore down late. NCSU controlled the ball for 41:48. NC State ran 96 plays from scrimmage, including 51 rushes.

At one point, Clemson had eight consecutive possessions that had three or fewer plays. One of those drives was a one-play affair that ended with the end of the first half, but six ended in punts and the other in an interception. On its 12 possessions in regulation, Clemson ran 40 plays; only one of those possessions lasted more than five plays.

NC State was called for 13 penalties, Clemson for 11.

As for Clemson’s Playoff streak, is it possible a two-loss team gets in? This season has been wild, so sure. But can this Clemson team, with this offense, go the rest of the way without another loss? That seems … unlikely. The Tigers play host to an unbeaten Boston College team next Saturday.