Clemson's Offense vs North Carolina's Defense
This is an ideal game for Deshaun Watson to get his first start at QB. UNC was picked apart last week by East Carolina and hasn't proven they can stop anyone. Watson should be able to build confidence this weekend and post some big numbers. The Tar Heels defense lacks good coverage fundamentals being out of position over and over again. Look for the Tigers to use the deep ball a lot against Carolina. Their one bright spot in the UNC secondary has been Brian Walker who has 3 interceptions already this year. Expect Clemson to have a game plan to keep him from causing turnovers.
The UNC tackling hasn’t been very good either. They have a hard time stopping their opponents run game. That will give the Tigers a good opportunity to develop the running game. Adam Choice and Wayne Gallman should continue to get plenty of opportunities. Also, this will be a good opportunity for C.J. Davidson to redeem himself from the fumble he had late in the FSU game. Watson should be a factor in the run game as well.
North Carolina’s Offense vs Clemson’s Defense
The Tar Heel offense has talented play-makers on offense. It starts with QB Marquise Williams. He is a true dual threat QB. UNC likes to run the option with him and Romar Morris. Morris is fast and quick. He is a threat to score each time he touches the ball. Stephone Anthony and Tony Steward should be effective stopping Williams and Morris. The passing game is inconsistent. They have also used Mitch Trubisky at quarterback in their 2-QB system.
Receivers Mack Hollins, Ryan Switzer, and Quinshad Davis are bigtime threats. Hollins has proven he can win jump balls. Switzer is fast and quick. Look for him to get a lot of short passes and screens thrown to him. He can turn those into long plays. Davis is a tall receiver that has yet to really break out this year. All three can cause issues for the Tiger defense. Whoever is guarded by Mackensie Alexander will have a hard time being effective.
Special Teams
If there is an area where The Tar Heels have an advantage it’s on special teams. Ryan Switzer is an All-American returner. The Tigers should kick the ball away from him. If he does have an opportunity Switzer can easily score or change field position.
The kicking game hasn’t been good so far for Clemson. Missed field goals can keep this game close. Ammon Lakip hasn’t done well thus far. If he doesn’t get it together, he won’t be the starting kicker for long. Not to mention UNC blocked a field goal last week and scored a touchdown on a fake field goal.
X-Factor
Special Teams can keep this game close. The Tigers have had no big plays on special teams while the Tar Heels are very good on special teams. Switzer can score any time he touches the ball. Clemson will hope to just negate UNC on special teams. If both teams are even on special teams Clemson should win easily. Long returns by Carolina and missed field goals by the Tigers will be a bad combination.
Prediction
This will be a high scoring game Saturday night. The Clemson offense will be licking its chops after seeing ECU put up 70 on UNC last week. Look for the Tigers to go deep early and often. The Tiger D has shown they can be reliable. The Tar Heels will put up a decent fight but Clemson should win comfortably. Clemson wins 52-34.
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