CLEMSON, S.C. — Clemson is off to a surprising, 4-1 start in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Now, the Tigers’ chances of remaining in the league chase will be significantly tested during a three-week road stretch at some of the conference’s most difficult venues.

The gauntlet begins tonight at No. 20 Pittsburgh, then heads to North Carolina on Sunday where the Tigers have never won in 56 previous meetings. There’s a stop at Florida State on February 1st before Clemson’s briefly returns home to play Georgia Tech on Feb. 4. Then it’s back on the road for visits to No. 2 Syracuse on February 9th and Notre Dame two days later.

Coach Brad Brownell likes Clemson’s early focus. He believes if it continues, the Tigers can have a special season few saw coming after they were picked to finish 14th in the 15-team league back in October.

“We’re off to a good start and we’re playing well,” Brownell said. “But it’s a long distance race and we have some tough games coming up.”

The Tigers (13-4) stand tied for second with Pitt and Virginia, a game behind unbeaten Syracuse (5-0). They’ve benefited from a soft stretch — only one of their four league victories has come against a school over .500 in ACC play — but have held on for road wins at Boston College and Virginia Tech.

The one eye-opener was a 72-59 home win over then No. 16 Duke on Jan. 11. The Tigers broke away from a tight game with their signature, in-your face defense (they lead the country in fewest points allowed) and the play of high-flying K.J. McDaniels, the junior forward who’s eighth in ACC scoring at 16.7 points a game.