In an unexpectedly very close game, the Tiger’s defeated the Tar Heels 21-20 at the Kenan Memorial Stadium in Chapel Hill this Saturday afternoon. With only a five percent chance of winning, the Tar Heels sure gave the Tigers a run for their money. Even though Clemson fans colored the stadium with orange, the Carolina fans were louder as they were thrilled to be neck and neck with Clemson, the No. 1 team in the country, until the very last minute of the game.
With Mack Brown back as head coach, this UNC Chapel Hill football team was prepared, fully believing that they were going to upset Clemson. Coach Brown and coach Swinney have the utmost respect for each other. Earlier this week, both coaches complemented each other on being not only a great coach, but also on just being a great person.
Starting the game off strong by scoring a touchdown on their first possession and then preventing the Tigers from scoring on theirs, the Tar Heels shook up the Tigers, both offensively and defensively. Clemson looked off during the whole first half, making a lot of careless mistakes.
Before the game, coach Swinney made a goal for the team to “act like we’ve played four games” and to “correct some of the mistakes we have made.” Hoped Swinney. Unfortunately, Clemson was not able to achieve that goal this afternoon. Isaiah Simmons should have had an interception, but him and a teammate collided, preventing either of them from getting the ball, and Etienne gave up a fumble that lead to another Tar Heels touchdown. The Tigers are lucky that was the only turnover this afternoon.
Although, Clemson shot themselves in the foot at various points in the game, it is important to give credit to UNC’s players and coaching staff. Carolina’s defense was playing two high safeties, which was forcing Clemson to run the ball more than they would have otherwise, as they struggled to establish a running game. It was as if the Tar Heels defense knew what the Tigers were going to do before they even did it. At the half, coach Swinney said that Carolina is forcing them to play patient. Tee Higgins has had a huge game, breaking away from UNC’s defense and catching the ball in the most crucial times in the game. Perhaps the biggest being a 38-yard catch for a touchdown, to give the Tigers a 21-14 lead with 10 minutes left in the game.
It was not until there were two minutes left in the half that the Tigers began to look like themselves. Trevor Lawrence finally showed his leadership skills; it is like his sense of urgency kicked in. On a critical third down, Lawrence dodged Carolina’s defenders and threw the ball perfectly to Tee Higgins for a 17-yard gain. Immediately after, Lawrence ran the ball for six yards and then another three yards for a touchdown. Unfortunately, that momentum did not carry into the second half. Carolina continued to play tight and aggressive defense, constantly putting pressure on Lawrence. But, Lawrence never stopped competing, finishing the game with a completed 18 of 30 passes and totaling 206 yards passing and 45 yards rushing.
UNC quarterback, Sam Howell, and running back, Michael Carter, had good showings. It was important to get pressure on Howell because he has the ability to prolong plays and find the open man. Howell finished the game completing 15 of 27 passes, totaling to 144 passing yards. Carter also played a big role in Carolina’s success against Clemson, rushing for 99 total yards.
The Tiger’s defense stepped up their game in the second half. Simmons, Williams and Davis each got to Howell for a sack. Simmons stood out among Clemson’s defense as he had 10 total tackles, five of which being solo. With about 12 minutes left in the game, the Tiger’s defense made a huge stop on fourth down. Although it is no doubt that the biggest play Clemson’s defense made was when they stopped Carolina from scoring the two-point conversion and secured the win for the Tigers.
Even though it was a nail biter, a win is a win. With a bye next week, you can be assured that Clemson will put in the work to correct and learn from the mistakes that they made in this game against UNC Chapel Hill.
