NC State Players 'Circling Clemson Game on Calendar'

CHARLOTTE — Clemson opens its 2024 ACC schedule with the 92nd installment of the Textile Bowl, a matchup between the NC State Wolfpack and the Tigers.

After winning the latest meeting last October, NC State athletes at the ACC Media Kickoff on Thursday shared their feelings with the media about opening their away schedule at Memorial Stadium in Clemson.

Grayson McCall, graduate transfer for the Wolfpack, will experience his first in-conference ACC meeting at Memorial Stadium, aka Death Valley. The former Coastal Carolina quarterback amassed 10,005 passing yards and three SunBelt Conference Player of the Year honors in his time at Coastal.

McCall is “circling the game on [his] calendar.”

“It’s going to be an unbelievable atmosphere. I’m excited for it,” he continued. “It’s definitely going to be a tough one on the road in Death Valley, because it’s one of the best atmospheres in college football. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Former Duke Blue Devil Jordan Waters will also venture to Clemson for the first time in a red-and-white jersey. For Waters, this game is about family ties.

“I can’t wait. I hate to say this but I grew up a Clemson fan,” Waters said. “My cousin played at Clemson, Anthony Waters, and I’ve always loved Clemson. I’ve never been to Death Valley so I can’t wait to go there.”

Anthony Waters, a South Carolina native, was a dominant linebacker for the Tigers from 2002-2006. Following his time at Clemson, Waters was drafted by the San Diego Chargers and went on to win a Super Bowl with the New Orleans Saints.

Defensive End Davin Vann shared, “We played there two years ago and it was electric. It was a great environment to play in. I’m really excited.”

While Clemson leads the rivalry with a (60-30-1) record, the Tigers are looking for redemption after the 24-17 loss in 2023. The “electric” Memorial Stadium will host NC State on Sept. 21.

The Wolfpack have not beaten the Tigers in Clemson since 2002.

–Photo courtesy Nell Redmond/ACC