UNC hopes to end their seven-game losing streak against Clemson

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As the North Carolina Tar Heels prepare for their first true road test of the season, let’s take a closer look at their opponent this weekend, the Clemson Tigers.

The Opponent

All-time Record

811–478–44, 27-24 in bowl games, 6-5 in the CFP

Best Former player

There are three options here. William “the Refrigerator” Perry, Dwight Clark, and Brian Dawkins. Perry, who won a Super Bowl with the Bears, has one of the coolest and rememberable nicknames of all time. Clark, who has two Super Bowl titles with the 49ers, was on the receiving ends of a play that in San Francisco (and the rest of the world) is simply known as the catch. Dawkins, who made nine pro bowls in his 15 NFL seasons, is the only one of the three to make the Hall of Fame thus far. If I had to pick, I would go with Clark, not only because I am biased as a Niners fan, but also because the Catch was so iconic Levi Stadium has two statues built, one of Montana, the other of Clark and they are the same feet apart as they were when they made history.

Head Coach

Dabo Swinney. Swinney, a former Alabama wide receiver, has only ever known one school as a head coach and that is Clemson. In his 19 seasons with the Tigers, Swinney is 188-54, with a 113-29 record within the ACC. Swinney has won nine ACC championships and two national championships and is the main reason people even talk about Clemson Tigers football outside of the state of South Carolina.

Last season

Last season, the Tigers were 7-6 overall and 4-4 in the conference. They started the year 1-3 before traveling to Chapel Hill and destroying Bill Belichick in his first season. Clemson went on to win of their last seven games before losing badly to Penn State in the Pinstripe Bowl.

When the Tar Heels are on offense

When North Carolina is on offense they should look to throw the ball. In two games this season, the Tigers have allowed 579 passing yards and three pashing touchdowns while allowing quarterbacks to complete 58.3% of their passes. Additionally Clemson only has three sacks and just one interception on 87 drop backs from their opponents. If ever there was a game for Billy Edwards to prove he should be the quarterback of this team, this is the game.

When the Tar Heels are on defense

When North Carolina is on defense, they should focus on stopping quarterback Tait Reynolds. Much like their opponent the week before, Clemson has a young quarterback and unlike ETSU’s Mims, Reynolds is making his first collegiate start. Getting pressure on Reynolds early and often should be the focus of the defense (UNC has seven sacks on the season) as this should make them much more one dimensional (Clemson’s leading rusher Gideon Davidson only has 82 yards on 21 carries this season) and should help keep a very questionable Clemson offense in check.

Probably for the first time since well last season, the Tar Heels appear to have a chance to finally end their seven-game losing streak against Clemson. To do so they will have to do something they haven’t done in a quarter of a century and beat the Tigers at home. With the recent Steve Belichick news and other off field stuff, UNC will have to stay focused to get the job done on Saturday.

What do you think about the Tar Heels’ next opponent? Let us know in the comments below.

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