11:45 pm update

DURHAM—Duke had no answers for the Clemson offense. None.

And, as a result, the Tigers won 56-20.

“They kept scoring and we couldn’t really stop them,” cornerback Lee Butler said. “It was just tough.”

The game was effectively over when Duke (6-4, 3-3 in the ACC), trailing by 32 points, opted to send Ross Martin for a 47-yard field goal attempt with two minutes remaining in the third quarter. Clemson (7-1, 5-1) sat starting quarterback Tajh Boyd on the ensuing drive.

Saturday's game against Clemson marks the second straight home night game for Duke. Credit: CHUCK LIDDY

DURHAM—For the first time in the history of the Duke vs. Clemson series, the kickoff will come at night. Speaking of history, here is a trip down memory lane as we await the 7 p.m. start time:

Duke is 5-0 in Wallace Wade this season. Clemson will put that streak to the test. Credit: CHUCK LIDDY

Duke vs. Clemson

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Wallace Wade Staduim, Durham

Line: Clemson by 12.5

TV/Radio: ESPN2, WDNC-620 AM, WKIX-102.9 FM

What they’re saying nationally about Duke:

ESPN’s Heather Dinich: The Blue Devils are already bowl eligible, but this team has got to prove it can be competitive against the upper echelon teams on their schedule. They simply have not done that this year, getting blown out by No. 14 Stanford (50-13) earlier in the season and No. 9 Florida State (48-7) last week. Now comes another huge test against No. 13 Clemson, a team that found its offensive groove again last week in a 42-13 win over Wake Forest. Clemson has won 15 of the past 18 in the series. Interesting note: this is the first night game played in the series, which began in 1934.

Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski has repeatedly said Mason Plumlee is one of the best players in the country. That story, and a few others, are in the N&O's ACC hoops preview section today. Credit: CHUCK LIDDY

It's here. Basketball season is here.

The N&O's preview section hits doorsteps today, but, on the off-chance that it's not hitting your doorstep, here's a rundown of all the Duke content that's hot off the presses.

Mason Plumlee paced Duke with 19 points and 10 rebounds against Winston-Salem State. Credit: CHUCK LIDDY

DURHAM—Duke's defense made the difference as the team's new-found length stymied Winston-Salem State in a 69-45 victory. 

Check out the game story, as well as a few other observations below:

The epigraph:

"There were times during the game where, offensively and defensively, it wasn't clicking. But it's another step, and when we put everything together we believe we are going to be really good." —Ryan Kelly

Duke RB Juwan Thompson is doubtful for the game against Clemson. Credit: CHRIS SEWARD

DURHAM—Duke was dealt another injury blow when head coach David Cutcliffe announced that DE Kenny Anunike was doubtful for the game against Clemson. Anunike was hurt during the Florida State game (though he played the whole game) and is tied for fifth in the ACC with five sacks. He recorded at least a half-sack in each of Duke's first seven games. Anunike hasn't practiced all week, Cutcliffe said. Duke players that don't practice typically don't play. 

Duke safety Jordon Byas will likely play a role in covering Clemson receivers DeAndre Hopkins and Sammy Watkins. Credit: CHUCK LIDDY

I wrote a story for today's paper looking at how Duke plans to stop the Clemson receiving duo of Sammy Watkins and DeAndre Hopkins. Duke head coach David Cutcliffe was asked again today about his defensive plan for the two:

Duke head coach David Cutcliffe isn't intersted in playing any ACC team, including NC State, in a "non-conference" game. Credit: CHUCK LIDDY

DURHAM—In his weekly Tuesday press conference, head coach David Cutcliffe was asked about the possibility of playing NC State every year. Since the two are in different divisions and not permanent crossover rivals, they only play home-and-home series on occasion (the two most recently met in 2008 and 2009, and, before that, 2000 and 2001). So, naturally, most years the game would have  to be a “non-conference game.”

Cutcliffe isn’t interested.

Duke S Walt Canty (4) can only watch as FSU punt returner Tyler Hunter goes 75 yards for the score. Credit: STEPHEN M. DOWELL, Orlando Sentinel

Duke (6-3, 3-2 in the ACC)

Lost to FSU 48-7

The epigraph: "I told our team it was not a product of their preparation. We have a very committed team. We practiced well. It was not a product of we’re bowl-eligible, now we’re going to shut down. That’s not the case. It is a product of playing a very good team. We didn’t respond to that very good team." —head coach David Cutcliffe

What worked: Big-picture wise, not much. But when coach David Cutcliffe went back and reviewed film, there were individual plays that Duke did win.

A few notable numbers: The Seminoles entered the game with seven fumbles on the entire season, but they put the ball on the ground four times against Duke, including three times in the third quarter. The Blue Devils did recover all four loose balls.

It was a tough day for the Duke offense, as neither quarterback Anthony Boone (7) nor injured starter Sean Renfree could generate any momentum. Credit: STEVE CANNON, AP

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Duke was held to a season-low in both total yards and passing yards. But one Blue Devil had the most productive day of his young career.

Entering the game, freshman wide receiver Max McCaffrey had zero catches. By the time the first half was over, he had two.

McCaffrey, the son of 13-year NFL veteran Ed McCaffrey, caught the two longest passes Sean Renfree threw. The first was a 13-yard completion on Duke’s opening drive, and the second was a drive-extending, 18-yard catch on third down on the Blue Devils’ lone scoring drive.

McCaffrey said he didn’t know ahead of time that he would play a bigger role in the offense.