Clemson hosts N.C. State in ACC opener at Death Valley

Clemson, ranked No. 21, is set to face N.C. State in their Atlantic Coast Conference opener at Death Valley. The Tigers are coming off a dominant 66-20 victory over Appalachian State, where quarterback Cade Klubnik showcased his skills by accounting for seven touchdowns. This matchup is crucial for both teams, as Clemson aims to solidify its position in the ACC and potentially secure a spot in the College Football Playoff, while N.C. State seeks to rebound after a disappointing loss to Tennessee. Clemson leads the all-time series against N.C. State with a record of 60-30-1 and has won eight of their last nine conference openers since 2015. The Tigers are also on the verge of achieving their 800th victory in school history, which would make them the first ACC program to reach this milestone. Coach Dabo Swinney is just two wins away from tying the legendary Bobby Bowden for the most wins in ACC history. N.C. State, with a record of 2-1, will be starting quarterback CJ Bailey, who is stepping in for the injured Grayson McCall. Bailey has shown promise in his limited playing time, but the pressure will be on him to perform against a formidable Clemson defense. The Wolfpack has not won at Clemson since 2002, which adds to the challenge they face in this critical game. As both teams prepare for this significant clash, the outcome will have implications for their respective seasons, particularly in the race for the ACC title. Clemson's potent offense will be tested against N.C. State's defense, making this matchup a key indicator of their capabilities moving forward.