CLEMSON — The 21st-ranked Clemson Tigers return to Memorial Stadium Saturday in their matchup against longtime ACC rival NC State.

Ahead of the anticipated conference-opener for both schools, questions abound on who the Wolfpack will use at quarterback against the Tigers. 

Graduate transfer Grayson McCall began the season at the helm for the Wolfpack after playing for years at Coastal Carolina. He shared earlier in the year that he was “marking” the Clemson game on his “calendar.”

However, the former Chanticleer left NC State’s victory over Louisiana Tech early due to an injury and will not start on Saturday.

In his absence, freshman quarterback C.J. Bailey stepped up to lead the Wolfpack to a come-from-behind 30-20 win, contributing two touchdowns and 156 passing yards. Bailey will make his first career start against the Tigers with McCall listed as day-to-day by head coach Dave Doeren. 

Clemson defensive end T.J. Parker, however, is unconcerned with who starts against the Tigers.

“We’re going to stick to the game plan,” he said. “[Defensive Coordinator] Wes Goodwin dialed up something very good so we’re just going to play within the defense. Whoever goes out there first at quarterback or whoever goes in we’re going to attack them the same way as if they were starting all year.”

Parker was highly complimentary of the true freshman quarterback in NC State’s arsenal and is prepared to meet him head-on.

“[Bailey] is a really good player, a really good athlete,” he said. Obviously we’re preparing for two quarterbacks with him being the main guy. He’s a great kid and I’m just excited to go against  NC State as a team.” 

Parker is convinced that his team is truly “ready for both” options that their rival could bring to the table in their return to Death Valley.

Bailey, Parker, and the Tigers will be in full display Saturday as the Tigers look to continue their 22-year streak of winning at home against the Wolfpack. Kickoff is slated for noon and will be televised on ABC.