Tigers top N.C. State

CLEMSON - Clemson quarterback Cullen Harper started the game with a big mistake. But after his first pass went for interception and touchdown, the senior got back to his old consistent, steady self.

Harper went 20-of-28, throwing for 262 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Tigers (2-1) to a 27-9 victory over North Carolina State on Saturday in the Atlantic Coast Conference opener for both teams.

The Death Valley crowd hadn't settled from the run down the hill when Wolfpack linebacker Nate Irving stepped in front of a receiver and took Harper's pick 33 yards for a score. N.C. State (1-2) missed the point-after.

But Harper shook off his error, and led Clemson on a 68-yard touchdown drive. The Tigers wouldn't trail again.

Harper threw a 16-yard touchdown pass to Ford on the Tigers first possession and had a 28-yard TD to C.J. Spiller midway through the second quarter.