Clemson is set to play in the ACC Championship Game for a conference record tenth time on Saturday. The No. 17 Tigers will face off against No. 8 SMU with a berth in the College Football Playoff at stake.

Clemson (8-3, 7-1) heads to Charlotte looking to win its 22nd ACC Championship, by far the most of any team in the league. The Tigers are 8-1 all-time in the ACC Championship Game, with the lone loss coming in their first-ever appearance in 2009.

5 Things to Watch For

1. More Consistency on Offense: While the Tigers come in averaging 36 points per game, the numbers do not tell the whole story. Against the better teams Clemson has faced this season, the offense has struggled to play with any consistency. Far too often, there have been long lulls that include multiple three and outs. Look no further than last week’s loss to the rival Gamecocks when the offense failed to do much of anything after a touchdown drive to open the second half.

If the Tigers are going to win an ACC Championship this season, they are going to have to put some points on the board. That SMU offense is a well-oiled machine and expecting the defense to completely shut it down is asking too much.

2. Hit the Layups: Cade Klubnik played pretty well in the loss to South Carolina, outside of the decision to not throw it away on the final offensive play. Having said that, there are a couple of throws he would probably like to have back. One came in the fourth quarter on a slant route to Bryant Wesco. The freshman was open and Klubnik overshot him by a hair. Hit that pass and Wesco is probably off to the races putting Clemson up by double digits. Those are the throws the Tigers need Klubnik to hit on. Take advantage when you have the opportunities. The offense did not do that last week.

3. Muddy It Up: Clemson needs to muck this one up. In no way does this team need to get into a track meet against this high-powered SMU offense. Not letting Mustangs’ quarterback Kevin Jennings get into a rhythm will be key. Only once since Jennings took over has SMU failed to hit the 30-point mark.

Clemson can not allow SMU to control the game. That prolific offense features a strong ground game, with the Mustangs averaging 178 rushing yards per game and 4.5 yards per carry. Control the line of scrimmage and win it at the point of attack.

The Mustangs have been really good at protecting Jennings too. They’ve only allowed 13 sacks all season long. Some way, somehow, the Tigers are going to have to find a way to bring the heat. Even if you don’t register a bunch of sacks, you’ve got to make Jennings uncomfortable. Again, control the line of scrimmage.

4. Find Way to Have Success with Running Game: Obviously, this offense has been at its best when it gets the ground game going, but the Tigers have had a hard time getting Phil Mafah rolling in its last two games against Power-4 opponents. He struggled against Pitt and again against South Carolina.

However, that’s easier said than done. SMU’s rush defense is stout and ranks Top 5 nationally. The Mustangs allow just 2.8 yards per attempt.

While it is readily apparent the staff trusts Mafah more than the other backs, this feels like an all hands on deck type of situation. If Mafah can’t find any success, give Jay Haynes a shot. Or even Keith Adams. Run Klubnik a dozen times if needed.

One area Clemson has an advantage is its wideouts against the SMU secondary. Getting the running game going will help open some things up on the backend of the Mustangs’ defense.

5. Win Turnover Battle: Clemson did this last week and still lost. The Tigers need to win the margin again. Chances are they won’t lose while winning the margin in back-to-back weeks.

Protect the football. Don’t give that offense extra possessions. Then force SMU into a mistake or two. Jennings has only thrown eight picks all season but the Mustangs have put the ball on the ground a whopping 21 times.