CLEMSON, S.C. — N.C. State coach Dave Doeren said he won’t let his team’s season be defined by one bad early loss to Tennessee. He sure sounds a lot like his Clemson counterpart, Dabo Swinney, after the Tigers were manhandled by Georgia to start the season.

Clemson has been heavily recruiting this year, already hosting multiple players in their home opener against App State. The Tigers will play NC State on Saturday, which will also be their ACC opener.

A proposed ACC revenue plan could end FSU and Clemson's lawsuits against the conference, keeping the schools in the ACC with an increase in pay.

No. 21 Clemson hopes to build off its offense outburst in a 66-20 victory over Appalachian State two weeks ago, along with making a statement about its ACC chances when the Tigers face N.C.

But the facts remain the same. The ACC holds every ounce of leverage, and Clemson and FSU saying they’ll stay in the league only under their terms is the ultimate walk-back, a desperation play. Which in turn means if the ACC goes along, it’s only offering those schools the dollar-lined off-ramp they’re desperately seeking.

Yahoo's Ross Dellenger reports ACC presidents are weighing a plan to settle with Florida State and Clemson and convince the schools to stay in the conference.

News of the proposal first emerged through various national reports Tuesday night.

Florida State and Clemson’s lawsuits against the ACC are going nowhere. The ACC, meanwhile, is taking a PR beating. It behooves them all to find a way forward.

After suing its own conference six months ago that was considered an initial step to leave, could Clemson drop its lawsuit against the ACC and end up sticking around? As of this week, that option’s on the table.