When Clemson vs. N.C.State kicks off at noon ET on Saturday, the Tigers’ defense must be prepared for a relative unknown: Quarterback CJ Bailey will start for the Wolfpack.
A true freshman, Bailey is charged with replacing much-hyped transfer Grayson McCall, who is out with an injury. At 6-foot-6 and 210 pounds, Bailey has the physical gifts needed to compete in the ACC.
Bailey threw for 156 yards on Saturday against Louisiana Tech in relief of McCall, on 13-of-20 passing with no touchdowns and an interception. Bailey also ran for 27 yards on four carries.
Clemson will need a disciplined approach to defending N.C. State with Bailey under center. Wolfpack coach Dave Doeren credited his offensive players with sticking to their assignments and trusting Bailey to do his job, rather than overcompensating and ending up doing the wrong things.
At times this season, numerous Tigers defenders have appeared to overpursue the ball while trying to make a big play, only to have the opposing offense exploit that aggression and put together a chunk play.
Staying on task has been a key to several big Clemson wins over talented opposing QBs in recent years, including an oft-forgotten 47-21 win over Louisville in 2017 – when the Tigers contained Lamar Jackson quite handily. The Heisman Trophy winner was picked off once, held to 64 yards rushing and a 50 percent completion rate despite throwing for three touchdowns and 300-plus yards.
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How CJ Bailey Impacts Clemson vs. N.C. State Matchups
Leading up to Saturday’s game in Clemson, defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin and his position coaches will analyze game tape of Bailey looking for ways to negate his strengths and exploit his weaknesses. Expect a mix of base defense with different blitz looks designed to confuse the opposing freshman QB.
Look for opposing offensive coordinator Robert Anae to prep Bailey to run some plays that weren’t a part of last week’s relief win – which puts a premium on the Clemson defense’s ability to extend its focus beyond what’s already on game tape.
Bailey enrolled in January after throwing for 9,005 yards and 116 touchdowns during his high school career at Chaminade Madonna Prep in Hollywood, Fla.
McCall hasn’t exactly lit up the scoreboard for N.C. State this season. The transfer from Coastal Carolina has 476 yards in three games with four touchdowns and two interceptions. Doeren did not elaborate on McCall’s injury but said he is day to day.
N.C. State wide receiver KC Concepcion also might be coping with an injury. He had just 25 yards receiving on eight catches last week, after averaging 12.4 yards per catch in the team’s first two games. Concepcion was seen limping during last week’s game, suggesting he was playing hurt, although Doeren focused on a need to get him the ball in more creative ways.
Sources: SportsReference.com, Clemson Sports Information, N.C. State Sports Information, ESPN