The Clemson Tigers open ACC play today against one of their oldest rivals in the NC State Wolfpack. Kickoff is set for noon ET.
After falling to No. 1 Georgia, 34-3, in the season opener in Atlanta, the Tigers had an impressive bounce-back win in Week 2 against a quality Group of Five opponent in Appalachian State.
Quarterback Cade Klubnik had a historic night, completing 24 of 26 passes for 378 yards. He accounted for seven touchdowns — five passing, two rushing — in a 56-point first half explosion.
Clemson (1-1) is ranked No. 19 in this week’s US LBM Coaches Poll. NC State (2-1) is unranked.
Clemson’s Offensive X-Factor vs. NC State
Coach Dave Doeren’s team entered the season with high hopes but have struggled throughout the first three weeks of the season. NC State turned in a lackluster performance in its season opener against FCS foe Western Carolina, getting a 21-point fourth quarter effort to erase a 21-17 deficit after three quarters.
Against the Tennessee Volunteers in Week 2, the Wolfpack were simply outmatched in a 51-10 beatdown at the hands of one of college football’s early season premier teams. NC State rebounded with a 30-20 victory against Louisiana Tech in Raleigh last week, but it took another second-half effort after falling behind 17-6 at halftime.
How to Watch the Game
Here is how you can tune in for Saturday’s game.
For FUBO:
Watch Clemson vs NC State live on Fubo (free trial)
For ESPN+:
Watch Clemson vs NC State live on ESPN+
Game Details
Clemson vs. NC State will be broadcast nationally on ABC in Week 4 of the 2024 college football season. Sean McDonough and Greg McElroy will call the game from the booth at Clemson Memorial Stadium, with Molly McGrath reporting from the sidelines. Streaming options for the game include FUBO, which offers a free trial to new subscribers, and ESPN+.
Game Time and Odds
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 21
- Start time: Noon ET
- Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Friday, Sept. 20.
- Odds: Clemson -20.5 (-110)
- O/U: 47.0
Prediction
PREDICTION: Clemson 31, NC State 10
Which Tigers team will show up Saturday? If I had to guess, it’s closer to the one we saw two weeks ago vs. Appalachian State. I’d like to believe the 66 points and 712 yards of total offense Clemson put up against a quality Group of Five opponent was the start of a true turning point in Year 2 of Garrett Riley’s system.
On defense, Wes Goodwin’s unit did hold No. 1 Georgia to six points in the first half. With Grayson McCall out due to injury and NC State coach Dave Doeren having to turn to a true freshman at QB in CJ Bailey, I like Clemson’s chances in this game — a lot.
Teams' Records
- Clemson Tigers: 1-1
- NC State Wolfpack: 2-1
Conclusion: Can Clemson Keep the Momentum Going?
The Tigers have a chance to make a statement in their ACC opener against a struggling NC State team. Clemson's offense looks to be clicking on all cylinders, while their defense has shown flashes of brilliance. With their star quarterback Cade Klubnik in a groove, Clemson should be able to secure a convincing victory and gain momentum for the rest of the season.