'Wolfpack in our blood:' Clemson football star Will Shipley's family has diehard NC State fans

Scott Keepfer, Greenville News
·3 min read
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CLEMSON — Saturday night’s ACC game between Clemson and NC State — the first Top 10 showdown in the series’ 90-game history — promises plenty of suspense despite Hurricane Ian’s plans to crash the party.

Still known as the Textile Bowl among well-aged fans from both schools, this may be the most highly anticipated game between the two longtime rivals.

No. 5 Clemson (4-0, 2-0 ACC) and No. 10 NC State (4-0, 0-0) are set for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff on ABC.

Although Death Valley will be awash in Clemson orange, there will be a smattering of NC State red in the crowd and many members of that latter group are quite familiar with the running back who wears No. 1 for the Tigers.

You see, Will Shipley — one of nine players from the state of North Carolina on Clemson’s roster — ultimately made his college choice between Clemson and NC State.

It wasn’t the easiest of decisions.

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“Twenty-six graduates just on my mom’s side from NC State,” said Shipley, whose mom and dad both are NC State graduates. “So we’ve definitely got Wolfpack in our blood.”

Rest assured that many of them will be in the crowd Saturday night, which naturally creates quite a conundrum.

So what will prevail? Family ties or school loyalty?

Let’s forecast a split decision.

“There will definitely be a good amount rooting for the Wolfpack,” Shipley said. “That’s one thing I’ve come to realize — I think they’re all cheering for me, no question, but when you’re talking about my mom’s side of the family, they’re die-hard Wolfpack fans.

Clemson running back Will Shipley (1) is tackled by NC State linebacker Isaiah Moore (1) during the third quarter at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, N.C., September 25, 2021. The Tigers lost 27-21 in two overtimes game at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, N.C., September 25, 2021.
Clemson running back Will Shipley (1) is tackled by NC State linebacker Isaiah Moore (1) during the third quarter at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, N.C., September 25, 2021. The Tigers lost 27-21 in two overtimes game at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, N.C., September 25, 2021.

“I’m sure a bunch of them will be supporting red on Saturday. It’s good and I still have all the love in the world for them; it’s just who they grew up cheering for. I’m just trying to get as many people here as possible.”

That includes some family members who Shipley has successfully flipped to the other side.

“Definitely a few,” he said. “And to be able to flip them to full-on Tiger fans is a great feeling. I kind of feel like a recruiter myself.”

As fate would have it, Shipley’s matriculation to Clemson has coincided with an uprising in NC State’s football fortunes. The Wolfpack’s double-overtime victory against the Tigers last season in Raleigh halted an eight-game losing streak against Clemson and relieved a drought that had seen NC State drop 15 of its last 17 games to the Tigers.

Consider it a rivalry that has been reinvigorated.

Shipley suffered a broken bone in his leg in last season’s loss to the Wolfpack and missed three games, so he’s intent on enjoying a reversal of fortune.

“I’m freaking pumped,” said Shipley, who leads the ACC with seven rushing touchdowns this season. “I’m so excited. I’m so ready to go. It’s one I’ve had circled since last year.”

Along with plenty members of his family, both immediate and extended.

Let the conflicts begin.

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Will Shipley: Clemson football star has many NC State fans in family