RALEIGH, N.C. -- This is right where Clemson wants to be with a month remaining in the regular season.
North Carolina State isn't in a bad spot either.
The teams meet Saturday with a division title in the Atlantic Coast Conference possibly riding on the outcome.
"This is playoff football," Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said. "That's what it really comes down to."
Clemson, ranked fourth in the initial College Football Playoff rankings, can't afford another slip-up as it tries to move into position so it can defend its national title. No. 20 North Carolina State also is in the mix for the Atlantic Division title.