Clemson has been heavily recruiting this year, already hosting multiple players in their home opener against App State. The Tigers will play NC State on Saturday, which will also be their ACC opener.

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.

Dabo Swinney believes the Textile Bowl still matters. That importance for Saturday can be traced to several different spots. Moving beyond the Xs and Os and see