Clemson looks to rush past North Carolina State

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Clemson's defensive plan for inexperienced North Carolina State seems clear: Blitz, blitz and blitz some more.

Tigers linebacker Scotty Cooper took a long pause when pressed about it. "Ahhh," he said. "We'll let you see Saturday."

Clemson (1-1) looks to take its first step toward an Atlantic Coast Conference title when it takes on the Wolfpack (1-1) at Memorial Stadium this weekend.

GAME CAPSULE

Line: Clemson by 18½.

Series Record: Clemson leads 48-27-1.

Last Meeting: 2007, Clemson 42-20.

What's at Stake

Clemson was the preseason favorite in the Atlantic Coast Conference and will try to begin that quest the right way in the league opener at Memorial Stadium. A victory would put a bit more distance between the Tigers and their humiliating start at the Georgia Dome, a 34-10 loss to Alabama.

North Carolina State can show its recovery under second-year coach Tom O'Brien is ahead of schedule with a victory.

Key Matchup

Clemson's running game vs. North Carolina State's defensive line. The Tigers "Thunder and Lightning" duo, James Davis and C.J. Spiller, combined for 182 yards and four touchdowns against the Citadel, bouncing back from an Alabama game where the Tigers accounted for zero yards rushing.

If Wolfpack defenders can't do a better job than they've done their first two games (9th against rush in ACC), it'll be another chance for Davis and Spiller to run wild.

Players to watch

Clemson: RB C.J. Spiller has been the most dynamic player on Clemson's offense so far. His kickoff return TD was the only bright spot against Alabama, and half his six carries from last week resulted in touchdowns.

North Carolina State: QB Russell Wilson was last seen carted off the field at Williams-Brice Stadium after getting hit in the head against South Carolina. Wilson, a freshman, is expected to start Saturday and could give North Carolina State offensive a spark.

Facts & Figures

Clemson is looking to start 1-0 in the ACC for the eighth time under coach Tommy Bowden. ... Tigers rank 9th in league rushing after two games ... The last time North Carolina State won its league opener was 2006 when O'Brien was on the Boston College sidelines as its coach.

The Tigers came into the season ranked ninth in the country and the favorites for their first ACC crown since 1991. An opening week humbling by Alabama, 34-10, took care of the national buzz. Clemson doesn't want its conference hopes to take a hit against North Carolina State.

"It's always important to win your first ACC game," Clemson tailback C.J. Spiller said. "That's something you can build on, gain some confidence."

Confidence was what the Tigers needed most after the Alabama slammer, coach Tommy Bowden said.

While it wasn't perfect, Clemson got to feel like winners again when it began its home season with a 45-17 victory over Championship Subdivision opponent The Citadel.

Clemson allowed 338 yards passing and 427 yards overall to the Bulldogs. But the Tigers were without top pass rusher Ricky Sapp and backup Jamie Cumbie and counted on younger players for any push up front.

Sapp is still hurting from a bruised knee he got against Alabama, and may be out again Saturday. Still, the Wolfpack will have freshman Russell Wilson at quarterback and two converted defenders along the offensive line in guard John Bedics and center Ted Larsen.

Also, the Wolfpack's two top tight ends, Anthony Hill and Matt Kushner, are out with injuries, as are runners Jamelle Eugene and Toney Baker.

So count on the Tigers to ramp up their pass rush this weekend.

Making his first start on Clemson's front will be freshman Da'Quan Bowers, considered by some recruiting services as the country's top prospect this past winter. Bowers was one of the bright spots against Alabama and continued his progress last week.

Clemson has shifted Kevin Alexander into Sapp's spot and Bowers has moved up.

Tigers defensive coordinator Vic Koenning says if Sapp can withstand the pain he's likely to feel by playing, he could see action. Trainers don't think Sapp will worsen his condition if he plays, Koenning said.

Then again, if Clemson's offense looks as good as it did last week — or in last season's 42-20 win at North Carolina State — maybe it won't matter much who plays on defense.

Stung by the Alabama loss and held to zero yards rushing as a team, offensive coordinator Rob Spence made it a priority to get Clemson's "Thunder and Lightning" duo of James Davis and Spiller back on track.

Boy, did they ever against The Citadel.

Davis rushed for 107 yards and a touchdown. Spiller gained 75 yards and had TD runs of 37, 1, and 17 yards in only six carries.

The offense's biggest question will again likely be the line, which this week is expected to feature three freshman starters. Mason Cloy and David Smith got their first starts last week. Now, Landon Walker could start for injured Chris Hairston, who bruised his knee in a motor scooter fall after The Citadel game.

For the Wolfpack, it will be an important test for quarterback Wilson. The last time he played, Wilson was knocked out by a knee to the head against South Carolina and was carted off the field. He was taken to a hospital and diagnosed with a concussion.

North Carolina State coach Tom O'Brien says there's concern about how Wilson will handle the game after his ordeal. "But the only way we're going to find out is, put him in there and play," he said.

The Wolfpack will try and make the O'Brien family 2-0 against Clemson this year. O'Brien's son, Dan, is a graduate assistant for Alabama coach Nick Saban. "He felt pretty good about things going into that game," the elder O'Brien said. "They were worried, but they felt they had a pretty good opportunity against Clemson. I guess I shouldn't say that, giving away company secrets."