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NC State football vs. Clemson is most important game of Dave Doeren's tenure

david thompson, the fayetteville observer
·2 min read
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RALEIGH — Dave Doeren didn't want to step on the past.

When considering the upcoming matchup against No. 5 Clemson, the NC State football coach stopped short of calling it the most important game in program history despite the circumstances surrounding it.

"I'll let you guys figure that out," Doeren told the media Monday. "As far as history goes, that's a long time. I don't want to step on anyone's toes with that answer."

Since it's up to us, let's consider the facts:

  • For the first time in program history, the Wolfpack, now ranked No. 10 in the USA TODAY Sports AFCA Coaches and AP polls, will play in a game featuring two top 10 teams.

  • Clemson holds the nation's longest active home game winning streak at 35 and Doeren is 0-3 in Death Valley.

  • With a win, NC State can take a HUGE step toward claiming its first ACC title since 1979.

  • The Wolfpack will instantly become a CFP contender with a win.

  • ESPN's "College GameDay" is already on its way to South Carolina.

More:Welcome to Clemson week, which holds the key to NC State football's biggest dreams

More:NC State ranked in top 10 for first time since 2002

More:NC State report card after win over UConn

So, Dave, how about the most important game in his 10-year tenure in Raleigh?

"I would say probably so," Doeren said. "It's a great opportunity against a great team at a great venue. It's everything you want as a coach and a player, and we're excited for the opportunity."

The No. 10 Wolfpack (4-0, 0-0 ACC), coming off Saturday's 41-10 win over UConn, have not beaten Clemson (4-0, 2-0) at Memorial Stadium since Oct. 24, 2002 — ironically the last time the program reached a top 10 ranking. The Tigers will host NC State on Saturday (7:30 p.m., ABC). Clemson is coming off a 51-45 double-overtime win at Wake Forest.

"It's something to celebrate, for sure," Doeren said about his team's national rank while mentioning that only three years prior his team went 4-8. "It's not something to say 'we've arrived' yet. The rankings after the year matter more than they do after the fourth week. But 20 years is a long time."

The Wolfpack snapped an eight-game losing streak to Clemson last year, earning a 27-21 double-overtime win at Carter-Finley Stadium. After the victory, Doeren proclaimed, "The curse is broken, NC State fans, finally."

Now, Doeren and company will try to end the nation's longest home win streak and take control of the ACC's Atlantic division and their own destiny.

"I have great respect for coach (Dabo) Swinney and his program," Doeren said. "It's two top-10 teams competing on the national stage. It's why we do this."

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: NC State football's Dave Doeren: Clemson most important game of tenure