RALEIGH, N.C. — Clemson entered Saturday’s showdown at Carter-Finley Stadium among the worst in the country in kick coverage defense.

Through the first seven games of the season, the Tigers were allowing an average of 24.56 yards per return.

In the 56-41 win, NC State returned six kickoffs for 213 yards (35.5), including a 100-yard score by Nyheim Hines.

Dabo Swinney admitted there is “a lot to cleanup in all areas” on special teams.

“We know gave up the one,” he said. “We know exactly what happened, but we came back and got it fixed.”

Hines returned two more kicks for 35 yards. Bra’Lon Cherry had two for 65 yards, including a 47-yarder.

“They just did a nice job pitching it back,” Swinney said of Cherry’s long return. “Our guys kind of relaxed and they got outside of us, so that was it. We’ll get it fixed.”

He added, “We made enough mistakes to lose, obviously, but we made enough plays to win, too.”

Greg Huegel hit all three field-goal attempts, including a critical 22-yard make with 5:52 to play, which gave Clemson its 15-point lead. Of his seven extra-point attempts, two were blocked.

Before Saturday, he’d connected on 18-of-19 extra-points and all six field goals in ACC play.