But the facts remain the same. The ACC holds every ounce of leverage, and Clemson and FSU saying they’ll stay in the league only under their terms is the ultimate walk-back, a desperation play. Which in turn means if the ACC goes along, it’s only offering those schools the dollar-lined off-ramp they’re desperately seeking.

Let's turn to the SP+ prediction model to get a preview of how Clemson and NC State compare in this Week 4 college football game. Cl

No. 21 Clemson and N.C. State have plenty in common this season. Both figured to contend in the Atlantic Coast Conference when the season began before early season nonconference losses.