On Labor Day night, a thrilling ACC matchup takes center stage as No. 9 Clemson faces off against Duke. This game not only marks the season opener but also the conference opener for both teams. It's a highly anticipated clash, especially since their last meeting in 2018.

For Clemson, this is the second consecutive year they've been in the Labor Day spotlight, and the fourth straight year they've played their opening game away from their beloved Memorial Stadium. Last year, they began their campaign with a resounding 41-10 victory over Georgia Tech at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

This game is significant for Clemson as it kicks off their defense of the ACC title. Duke, on the other hand, is coming off one of its best seasons in nearly a decade and aims to maintain that momentum with a statement win in prime time.

In their most recent encounter five years ago, Clemson dominated with a 35-6 victory. The Tigers have won the last five matchups dating back to 2005 and hold a 37-16-1 overall advantage. Coach Dabo Swinney boasts a 2-0 record against Duke.

These teams used to meet annually from 1965 to 2005, but the series came to an end when the ACC split into divisions. Now, with the ACC's new scheduling model, they'll face each other twice over the next four years, starting with this Monday night showdown.

Date: Monday, Sept. 4

Time: 8 p.m. ET

Location: Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham, North Carolina

TV: ESPN

Key Points to Consider:

1. Clemson's Offensive Transformation: Coach Swinney made an unusual move by hiring an offensive coordinator from outside the program for the first time since 2012. Garrett Riley, an up-and-coming former Big 12 coach, takes the reins. Riley played a pivotal role in TCU's 2022 College Football Playoff run, and the hope is that he can reinvigorate Clemson's offense, which has struggled since Trevor Lawrence's departure to the NFL.

2. Duke's Pursuit of Excellence: Coach Mike Elko exceeded expectations in his first year at Duke, guiding the Blue Devils to an impressive 8-4 regular season record and a convincing win against UCF in the Military Bowl. Duke achieved its highest finish in the ACC Coastal standings in eight years and is now aiming for its first ranked finish since 2013.

3. Streaks at Stake: Coach Swinney boasts an impressive 12-2 record in season openers, with both losses coming against Georgia. He has never lost a season-opening game against an ACC opponent. Clemson has also won its last eight ACC openers. In contrast, Duke has yet to secure a season-opening win against nationally ranked opponents. A Duke victory would bring an end to multiple lengthy streaks, each with unique implications.

Get ready for an exciting ACC showdown on Labor Day night as Clemson and Duke battle it out in Durham, North Carolina.