Clemson @ North Carolina State preview

Clemson at NC State

Last Meeting ( Oct 15, 2016 ) NC State 17, Clemson 24

Despite a slip-up against Syracuse, defending national champion Clemson is in position to get back to the College Football Playoff. But No. 19 N.C. State can all but assure the fifth-ranked Tigers won’t even get back to the ACC championship with an upset win at home on Saturday.

Clemson was ranked fourth in the initial playoff rankings that were released on Tuesday, meaning they likely would be back in the national semifinals if they can win out. “We’re right where we wanted to be coming into this season,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney told reporters. "It’s November, and we’re moving into the next phase of our journey. If we want something, we’re going to have to go and get it.” The Tigers have won five straight and 12 of 13 against N.C. State, but Wolfpack kicker Kyle Bambard missed a potential game-winning 33-yard field goal at the end of regulation last year before Clemson prevailed 24-17 in overtime. The Wolfpack’s two signature wins – over Florida State and Louisville – have lost some luster with those teams’ recent struggles, but they’re still undefeated in ACC play and can take a two-game lead over the Tigers in the Atlantic Division race with a victory.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC. LINE: Clemson -7

ABOUT CLEMSON (7-1, 5-1 ACC): The Tigers’ defense has been dominant all season, ranking seventh in the nation in total defense and sixth in scoring defense, and last week’s performance was one of its best yet. Clemson held Georgia Tech’s powerful option attack to 230 total yards in a 24-10 triumph. The offense had a tough time against Syracuse with quarterback Kelly Bryant knocked out of the game in the first half, but he and leading rusher Travis Etienne are healthy this week.

ABOUT N.C. STATE (6-2, 4-0): The Wolfpack have a second straight shot at a marquee win after suffering a 35-14 loss at Notre Dame last week. N.C. State’s statistics aren’t eye-popping – it ranks 41st in total offense and 58th in total defense – but the offense is balanced and the defense is tough against the run. The biggest concern for the Wolfpack going into Saturday's contest is the status of leading rusher Nyheim Hines, whose status will be decided at game time after he left in the first quarter against Notre Dame with an ankle injury.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Clemson has won a school-record eight straight games against top-25 opponents – the longest active streak in the nation and third-longest in ACC history.

2. N.C. State has committed only four turnovers – the fewest both in the nation and through eight games in program history.

3. Swinney’s 96 wins are tied with Danny Ford for second on Clemson’s all-time list behind legendary coach Frank Howard (165).

PREDICTION: Clemson 31, N.C. State 24