N.C. State hasn't won at Clemson since 2002 with Philip Rivers at quarterback, but it has won two of the past three meetings. The Wolfpack quarterback situation is in flux, with freshman CJ Bailey set to start as Grayson McCall recovers from an unspecified injury.

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.

The Wolfpack (2-1) take on the 21st-ranked Tigers (1-1) on Saturday in their Atlantic Coast Conference opener, with both having the chance to live up to their preseason billing that had the schools mentioned in the chase for a league title. Clemson was picked to finish second in the ACC, while N.C. State was selected fourth.