Clemson has been heavily recruiting this year, already hosting multiple players in their home opener against App State. The Tigers will play NC State on Saturday, which will also be their ACC opener.

But the facts remain the same. The ACC holds every ounce of leverage, and Clemson and FSU saying they’ll stay in the league only under their terms is the ultimate walk-back, a desperation play. Which in turn means if the ACC goes along, it’s only offering those schools the dollar-lined off-ramp they’re desperately seeking.

Dabo Swinney believes the Textile Bowl still matters. That importance for Saturday can be traced to several different spots. Moving beyond the Xs and Os and see

No. 21 Clemson hopes to build off its offense outburst in a 66-20 victory over Appalachian State two weeks ago, along with making a statement about its ACC chances when the Tigers face N.C.

CLEMSON, S.C. — N.C. State coach Dave Doeren said he won’t let his team’s season be defined by one bad early loss to Tennessee. He sure sounds a lot like his Clemson counterpart, Dabo Swinney, after the Tigers were manhandled by Georgia to start the season.

Clemson (1-1) was picked to finish second in the ACC race and N.C. State (2-1) was picked fourth, making this a key early matchup in the league title chase in the ACC opener for both teams. N.C. State hasn't won at Clemson since 2002 with Philip Rivers at quarterback,

The Wolfpack plays the Tigers on Saturday to open its 2024 ACC slate. N.C. State has won at Clemson since 2002.