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College Football: Sony Michel, 5 players to watch in Week 8

By Brad Rowland

Georgia Bulldogs running back Sony Michel (1) runs for a touchdown against the Southern University Jaguars during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Southern 48-6. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Georgia Bulldogs running back Sony Michel (1) runs for a touchdown against the Southern University Jaguars during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Southern 48-6. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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North Carolina State Wolfpack quarterback Jacoby Brissett (12) passes the ball during the third quarter against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at BB&T Field. North Carolina State defeated Wake Forest 35-17. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
North Carolina State Wolfpack quarterback Jacoby Brissett (12) passes the ball during the third quarter against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at BB&T Field. North Carolina State defeated Wake Forest 35-17. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Jacoby Brissett, QB NC State

Everyone is buying stock in the Clemson Tigers, and it is not difficult to decipher the reasoning behind that momentum. Clemson absolutely thumped Miami to the point where Hurricanes coach Al Golden could not make it through the weekend, and Dabo Swinney’s team looks like a juggernaut of the highest order right now.

With that in mind, Clemson must go on the road this weekend to take on NC State, and while it may look like a breezy spot for the Tigers, Jacoby Brissett should make you pause in that way of thinking.

Brissett is one of the more talented quarterbacks in the country, and his play in 2015 has reflected that. The 6-foot-4, 235-pound senior has thrown 10 touchdown passes and just one interception in seven games this season, and while his usage is not exceedingly high by college football standards, efficiency is key. Brissett is completing 67% of his passes at 7.3 yards per attempt, and for the Wolfpack to have any chance at victory, he must play mistake-free football against the warming Clemson defense.

That defense has been quite impressive against the pass this season, ranking 23rd nationally in yards per attempt allowed (5.9) and Clemson has been opportunistic with 10 interceptions against just six touchdown passes allowed. To be clear, no one expects NC State to claim victory by nature of their status as a double-digit underdog, but Brissett has captained the Wolfpack to major upset victories before, and this is a sneaky spot for NC State to shock the world if things go according to plan.

Next: Luke Falk

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