Clemson heads to Miami Gardens this weekend in a crucial ACC matchup, aiming to secure a winning record in conference action this season. The Tigers will face off against the Miami Hurricanes at the Hard Rock Stadium in primetime.

One of the main storylines of the game revolves around Clemson's head coach, Dabo Swinney, who is on the verge of making history. Swinney is chasing the school record for career head coaching wins, currently held by College Football Hall of Famer Frank Howard. With 165 wins under his belt, Swinney is just one victory away from surpassing Howard's record. Additionally, a win would also bring Swinney's career win total to match that of another Hall of Famer, Red Blaik.

Clemson has had success following open weeks in the past, boasting a solid record of 44-20 in games following regular season open dates since 1953. The team has won 14 of its last 16 regular season games following open weeks, which could give them an advantage in Miami.

Under Swinney's leadership, the Tigers have also performed well in NFL stadiums, aiming to improve their record to 21-11 in such games. Since 2015, they have been one of the most successful programs on the road with 35 road wins, the most by any program in the nation. Their road dominance extends to true road games, where they have an impressive 36-6 record since 2015.

In ACC play, Clemson has been a force to be reckoned with. Since the start of the 2015 season, they have a remarkable 70-7 record against conference opponents, including postseason play. The Tigers will look to extend their dominance against Miami on Saturday.

When it comes to offensive players, Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik has been impressive, passing for 1,370 yards with 11 touchdowns and only two interceptions. Running back Will Shipley leads the team in rushing yards with 450, while wide receivers Beaux Collins and Tyler Brown have been reliable targets with a combined total of 663 receiving yards.

Turnovers have been a major concern for Clemson, particularly in their two losses this season. Offensive coordinator Garrett Riley is focusing on scoring touchdowns in the red zone, as the Tigers have struggled with red zone efficiency. Currently, they rank 124th nationally in red zone production, scoring touchdowns on only 57.58% of their trips inside the 20-yard line.

On the defensive side, Clemson boasts the top-ranked total defense in the ACC, allowing just 261.8 yards per game. Their ability to limit opponents' passing game has significantly improved this season compared to last, as they have allowed 56.2 fewer passing yards per game and experienced a drop in opponent passer rating. However, they will need to improve their coverage against Miami slot receiver Xavier Restrepo, who has been a consistent threat with 47 receptions.

Miami's quarterback, Tyler Van Dyke, poses a challenge for Clemson's defense. Van Dyke's performance will be key for the Hurricanes, as he has shown both brilliance and a tendency to commit turnovers. The Tigers will aim to limit his scrambling ability and control the run game.

As the game approaches, Clemson appears to be in a better position than Miami. The Tigers have had time to prepare with an open date, and some key players are expected to return from injury. Antonio Williams and Nate Wiggins, both absent in recent weeks, are set to boost the team's performance.

Despite Miami's desperation to stay competitive, the Tigers are favored to come out on top. Analysts predict a Clemson victory, with final score predictions ranging from 24-20 to 31-21 in favor of the Tigers. If Clemson's defense holds strong, and their offense finds its rhythm, they have a good chance of securing the win and boosting Coach Swinney's quest for a record-breaking victory.

In what is anticipated to be an exciting and pivotal ACC matchup, Clemson looks to achieve their goals as they step onto the field in Miami Gardens this Saturday.