The first-ever meeting between Clemson and NC State in football took place in 1899 at a neutral site in Rock Hill, South Carolina. The Tigers defeated the Wolfpack 24-0. It wasn’t until 1904 that NC State would notch their first victory over Clemson, as Clemson leads the all-time series, 60-30-1.
But current players on NC State are ready to believe the teams are more evenly matched heading into the 2024 season.
Renewing a Rivalry Between NC State & Clemson
Though packed with history and classic games, this heated rivalry has been primarily one-sided since its inception.
Since 1981, the rivalry game between Clemson and NC State has been called the Textile Bowl. Both founding members of the ACC, the name highlights the importance of the textile industry to South Carolina and North Carolina and recognizes the prominent textile schools at both Clemson and N.C. State.
The current players on NC State believe they are ready to take over the dominance of the “Textile Bowl.”
Many Clemson fans might argue that the rivalry hasn’t been very competitive since the 1970s when NC State won seven of nine meetings during the decade, even though the 1980s and 90s were a bit closer, as Clemson closed out both with a 6-4 record.
The 2000s marked the beginning of Clemson’s dominance in the Textile Bowl, as they closed out the 00s and the 10s with a dominant 17-3 record over the Wolfpack.
But over the last three seasons, the Wolfpack have seemingly closed the gap at what could be considered the tail end of one of Clemson’s most dominant eras as a football program.
Before 2023, when the Tigers finished 9-4, Clemson had achieved double-digit victories every year since 2011. This historic run includes six finishes inside the AP top 5, four trips to the national championship game, and two national titles.
But over the last three seasons, the Wolfpack have defended their home turf, going 2-0 at home with victories in both 2021 and 2023.
Are we on the brink of a new era in the “Textile Bowl”? NC State believes so.
No Longer a Little Brother
There is no doubt that NC State feels like they have closed the gap on Clemson, a program that has clearly been one of the elites in college football over the past decade.
NC State defensive tackle Davin Vann spoke at ACC Media Days regarding the rivalry and how the Wolfpack now view themselves compared to the Tigers.
“When we play them, we know we are on the same level as them, and we can beat them,” Vann told reporters in Charlotte. “I’m always looking forward to beating them.”
Following a third-place finish in the ACC a year ago, NC State has its sights set on a title. Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren made it clear at ACC Media Days in Charlotte.
“We want to win a championship,” said Doeren.
Doeren backed up his star defensive tackle by echoing the belief the Wolfpack squad now has in itself.
“What we did last year and the year before, and the year before is good. Winning nine games is good. We don’t want to be good; we want to be the best at what we do. These guys understand that.”