The No. 21 Clemson Tigers will host the NC State Wolfpack in their ACC opener on Saturday, aiming for their 800th all-time victory and a strong start in the conference race. After a disappointing loss to Georgia, Clemson rebounded with a dominant win against Appalachian State and now looks to solidify its position for the ACC Championship. NC State, which has struggled historically at Clemson, will start true freshman quarterback CJ Bailey due to an injury to Grayson McCall, adding uncertainty to their chances. Clemson enters the game as a 20.5-point favorite, and a victory is crucial for maintaining their playoff hopes. Both teams are aware of the high stakes, as Clemson seeks to return to the ACC title game after missing out in recent years. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney emphasizes the importance of winning the league and capitalizing on opportunities, making this matchup pivotal for both teams.