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North Carolina Tar Heels Football vs Clemson Tigers Preview

By Richard Adkins

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 31: Sam Howell #7 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts after a score against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the Belk College Kickoff game at Bank of America Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 31: Sam Howell #7 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts after a score against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the Belk College Kickoff game at Bank of America Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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This Saturday the Carolina Tar Heels have a tough game ahead of them as they play the defending national football champion Clemson Tigers. The Tigers, who look to continue their dominance, are heavily favored in this game coming in ranked no. 1 in the AP poll against the unranked Tar Heels. The spread is -26.5 Clemson, however, despite the spread do not be shocked to see Carolina put up a fight to get their season back on track.

The Tar Heels, led by head coach Mack Brown, come into the match with an early-season record of 2-2, riding a two-game losing streak against a red hot Tigers team that hasn’t felt defeat since 2017 in the Sugar Bowl.

This season the Tar Heels offense, led by true freshman Sam Howell, has been the headline story for this team as he’s put up 1,024 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions, earning him ACC Player of Week 2. This game will be on the shoulders of Howell and in the hands of wide receiver Dyami Brown as they try to light a spark against the top 5 ranked total defense of Clemson. The one positive, despite lackluster defense so far for Carolina, is that quarterback Trevor Lawrence for Clemson hasn’t had that much of a hot start throwing seven touchdowns with five interceptions to date on the season so far.

The Tar Heels defense will have to rely on safety Myles Wolfolk, the turnover champ, who leads Carolina in turnovers with two interceptions on the season and defensive back Myles Dorn who leads the team in tackles with 34. The Tar Heels in each of their four games have had amazing comebacks late in the game to result in the 2-2 record, but to stay in, or to even win this game, the team definitely can’t expect to give any wiggle room. Carolina will need to start strong and stay strong throughout the entire game. Many predict this game will result in a blowout by Clemson, however, don’t be surprised if we witness one of the biggest upsets in college football history.

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