First, North Carolina State perpetuated Clemson's ongoing misery Saturday afternoon inside the Wolfpack's home den.
Then, oft-understated Pack coach Dave Doeren took time in his post-game interview to blast Steve Smith -- the former University of Utah and NFL's Carolina Panthers standout.
Smith had been a celebrity guest on ESPN's GameDay show Saturday morning, which originated live from Salt Lake City in advance of Utah's home clash against Oregon.
Smith said "unfortunately they're waiting for basketball to start" at NC State.
After the Pack dispatched Clemson, 24-17, and handed Dabo Swinney's Tigers their fourth ACC loss, Doeren didn't mince words when he spoke on-field after the game.
"Tell Steve Smith in the studio, this ain't a basketball school. He can kiss my ass." - NC State Head Coach Dave Doeren after the Wolfpack's win over Clemson.pic.twitter.com/4h5zrm2SiT
— The Next Round (@NextRoundLive) October 28, 2023
"Perseverance, grit, all the stuff," Doeren said. "Tell Steve Smith in the studio, this isn't a basketball school, he can kiss my ass."
Doeren now has won 100 games atop the NC State program, and he has the Pack on track for their ninth bowl game in his 11 seasons in Raleigh.
Meanwhile, it gets no easier for Clemson: the Tigers host top-15 Notre Dame next weekend. Marcus Freeman's Irish moved to 7-2 Saturday as they pummeled visiting Pittsburgh.