CLEMSON – It is not often NC State’s Dave Doeren and Clemson’s Dabo Swinney agree on something, but the respected head coaches do agree on this – what has happened in the past between these two rivals has nothing to with Saturday’s game at Memorial Stadium.
Over the years, Clemson has dominated the rivalry, which used to be known as the Textile Bowl. The Tigers own a 60-30-1 lead in the 91-year history of the series.
Clemson won eight straight in the series from 2012-’19, and has won nine straight in Death Valley, which dates back to 2004. However, the Wolfpack has won two of the last three meetings.
“It’s more about how do we win this football game, and focus on those things,” Doeren said. “How can we play better for four quarters instead of two quarters here, two quarters there. How you win a game against a good football team is you don’t turn the football over, you play physical and you don’t give up explosive plays for scores. You’re really efficient in your special teams departments with your field position.