CLEMSON – During his post-game press conference, Dabo Swinney referenced the “Believe” woodblock carving he brings to every team meeting.

Swinney says his Tigers long ago bought into the word.

Following Clemson’s 40-24 victory over Florida State, the Tigers’ fourth straight win, national pundits and hesitant fans are beginning to believe.

Clemson (6-3, 4-2 ACC) broke into the Associated Press poll Sunday, ranked 24th, and cleared their greatest remaining hurdle toward earning their first ACC title game appearance.

To clinch the Atlantic, Clemson’s magic number is two. Any combination of Clemson victories or Boston College losses reduces the number. The Tigers travel to Raleigh to face N.C. State (4-5, 1-4) at noon Saturday (Raycom).

Perhaps, the greatest evidence supporting the idea this is a different Clemson team was Saturday night’s fourth quarter: Clemson 19, Florida State 0.

“It’s mental and physical toughness,” Swinney said. “The kids have paid a real high price. When you’ve done that it’s hard to give in, it’s hard not to fight.”

At the half, FSU’s Christian Ponder was looking much like Matt Ryan of two years ago. He completed 11 of 13 first-half passes, appearing like a quarterback that could cripple Clemson’s title game hopes.

After a 16-play, third-quarter touchdown drive gave Florida State a 24-21 lead, Clemson defenses players were reportedly screaming at each other on the sideline. To calm them down Swinney huddled the defense, speaking to the unit for five minutes.

The meeting worked.

Once settled down, the Da’Quan Bowers-less Tigers did not allow the Seminoles to score in the final 20 minutes and intercepted Ponder twice in the fourth quarter.

Clemson allowed 151 yards in the second half, 3.8 yards per play, after allowing 241 yards, 7.8 yards per play, in the first half.

As the Clemson defense tightened up, Kyle Parker made more plays than mistakes and C.J. Spiller played like a Heisman contender allowing the road to Tampa Bay to remain running through Clemson.

“We overcame a lot,” Swinney said. “We handled adversity well. … That’s what good teams do.”

Black and blue

Swinney the Tigers are “pretty bumped and bruised.”.

The greatest concern is the health of Spiller, who appeared to have injured his right knee Saturday - he received sideline treatment - though he played through the injury. Spiller has also dealt with turf toe this season.

Swinney said Sunday he was unaware of any new injuries to Spiller.

Cornerback Chris Chancellor is questionable for N.C. State with an ankle sprain. Bookend corner Crezdon Butler also missed time Saturday with an undisclosed injury.

Linebacker Brandon Maye suffered a “mild” knee sprain, tight end Michael Palmer tweaked a hamstring, running back Jamie Harper was limited by a deep thigh bruise and Da’Quan Bowers was held out and is questionable for Saturday.

“[Bowers] is making progress,” Swinney said. “I’d still say he is questionable.”

Open competition

Swinney said this preseason his greatest concern was the kicking game.

After having his fears allayed for the season’s first two months they are remerging.

Richard Jackson missed both of his field goal attempts (26 and 38 yards) and two extra points. Swinney replaced Jackson will Spencer Benton in the fourth quarter. Benton responded by missing an extra point.

Swinney said he will reopen the place kicking competition this week.

“It will be an open competition,” Swinney said. “We’ll make it competitive.”

Staff members attend funeral

Swinney and assistants Danny Pearman and Woody McCorvey took a 1:30 p.m. Sunday flight to Texas, to attend the funeral of former Alabama assistant AD Gerald Jack.

Reach Travis Sawchik at tsawchik@postandcourier.com and check out his Clemson blog at www.postandcourier.com/blogs/tiger_tracks.

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