WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Fast starts.

That’s why Clemson has won its last four games comfortably. The Tigers collectively outscored each of their first five opponents 90-0 in the first quarter.

It was the first time since 1990 that Clemson held its opponents scoreless in the first quarter. After holding Georgia scoreless in the first quarter of the season opener, the Tigers outscored Appalachian State 35-0 in Game 2, NC State 28-0 in Game 3, Stanford 10-0 in Game 4 and Florida State 17-0 in Game 5.

Clemson leads the nation with a first quarter scoring differential of +18.0 points.

No. 10 Clemson (4-1, 3-0 ACC) at Wake Forest (2-3, 1-1 ACC)

Start: Saturday, noon

Location: Allegacy Stadium, Winston-Salem, NC

TV: ESPN

Spread: Clemson -20.0

Over/Under: 60.5

Series: Clemson leads the series 71-17-1

WHAT IS AT STAKE?

Clemson has a chance to seriously prepare for a trip to the College Football Playoff. Of course, a win ensures the Tigers remain undefeated in ACC play and atop the conference standings. It also brings them another step closer to Charlotte, where they can play for an automatic bid to the CFP as ACC champions. It also gives them a chance to move up the rankings and position themselves for an overall spot in the CFP as long as they can keep winning.

KEY MATCHUP

Clemson has struggled to stop the run at times this year. Wake Forest’s slow approach to the run game could cause some problems for the Tigers. Clemson’s defensive line needs to restore the lines of scrimmage. If that works, the Tigers have a chance to dominate. However, if they are unable to solve the slow net, it will increase the pressure on Clemson’s linebackers and safeties to play coverage and make plays with their eyes. When the slow net works, it creates a lot of stress for the opposition defense and makes things interesting.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik will have to work hard in this matchup. The Demon Deacons rank last in the ACC in pass defense, allowing 291.4 yards per game. Opponents are completing 70.2 percent of their passes and averaging 8.2 yards per attempt, with 10 touchdowns allowed and just four interceptions. With an average of 243.8 yards per game and 64.3 percent of his passes, Klubnik was one of the better passers in the league. The junior is averaging 8.5 yards per attempt with 14 touchdowns and just two interceptions. Klubnik has also been a weapon with his legs this year, rushing for 168 yards and four touchdowns so far this season.

Through five games this season, Wake Forest safety Nick Andersen has been one of the best tacklers in the country and leads the Demon Deacons with 60 total tackles (12 per game), 21 more than the next closest player on the team. In addition to leading the team, Andersen is the ACC all-time leader in tackles for the next closest player with 48 total tackles this season. Andersen ranks third nationally with 12 tackles per game.

THIS AND THAT

Clemson is going for its 16th^Th Consecutive series victory that would break his own record of 15 consecutive wins against Wake Forest from 1977 to 1991.

Wake Forest is seeking the program’s first win over a top-10 team since Oct. 26, 1946, when the Demon Deacons defeated No. 4 Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee.

FINAL ANALYSIS

Wake Forest pulled off an impressive come-from-behind win at NC State last Saturday, so the Demon Deacons will come into this game with some confidence. Last week, Klubnik showed how much he’s grown up on the road with his performance in Tallahassee, Florida. Although the offense settled for field goals, the Clemson quarterback completed 19 of 33 passes for 235 yards and 2 TDs, with no interceptions or turnovers. Expect that improvement to continue this week against a Wake Forest secondary that ranks among the worst in the country.

FORECAST

Clemson 41, Wake Forest 20