Clemson’s Matchup with NC State is Big for Lots of Reasons

Every game is a big game. Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney tells us that every week.

Of course, next Saturday’s game against rival NC State will be the biggest game on the schedule because it’s the next game. However, considering how the 2024 season has begun in the ACC, this game is huge.

The Tigers are 1-1 and have not played a conference game, while Syracuse, Boston College, Virginia, Georgia Tech and Florida State have already played league games. The Yellow Jackets and Seminoles have already played two apiece.

So, it’s important Clemson gets off to a good start, as is the case for the Wolfpack, who is starting their ACC schedule as well.

Most of the league has not played a conference game, yet. However, Miami, Cal, UNC, Pitt and Duke are all off to a 3-0 starts, while Louisville is 2-0. NC State, SMU and Virginia Tech are all 2-1, with the Tigers and Stanford at 1-1 overall. Wake Forest is 1-2, while the Seminoles are 0-3, including an 0-2 start in the ACC.

What do we know about the league so far and how does that effect Clemson?

Right now, Miami appears to be the front-runner and for good reason. Not only did they beat Florida by 24 points in Gainesville, Fla., but since that win, the ‘Canes beat Florida A&M 56-9 and Ball State 62-0.

It appears, with Cam Ward guiding the offense, the U is back in Miami.

How legit is Pittsburgh?

Well, they rallied from 17-points down in the fourth quarter at Cincinnati to beat the Bearcats on Sept. 7 and then followed that up Saturday with a 10-point rally in the final four minutes of the game to knock off rival West Virginia.

I am not sure how good the Tar Heels are. They lost starting quarterback Max Johnson in the season-opener yet found a way to beat Minnesota on the road. However, UNC defeated lowly Charlotte and NC Central in the following, so what do we really know about them.

Duke and Louisville have not beat anyone with a pulse so fat, so there is no way to know just how good the Blue Devils or the Cardinals will be.

So, what should we expect next week in Death Valley. I don’t know. But I know this. It’s going to be a big game for Clemson, and it is going to be an opportunity for the Tigers to show the ACC they are a serious contender for the league championship.