Paw Predictions: No. 1 Clemson at North Carolina
No. 1 Clemson will travel to North Carolina on Saturday, and the Tigers are currently a 27 point favorite over the Tarheels. You can see how some of the national media is viewing this game below.
Game preview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsFn9l6Bd54
247Sports, 45-18 Clemson, 41-10 Clemson
What they said:
“Hummer: North Carolina’s come down to earth a bit after a 2-0 start in one-possession losses to Wake Forest and Appalachian State. Clemson, meanwhile, looks like Clemson. Historically, Dabo Swinney doesn’t leave his starters in for an extended period in blowout games. And while I don’t think this will be a blowout, I do think the Tigers’ starters being pulled early makes the difference. … Clemson 45, North Carolina 18.
Crawford: This is the week the Tigers come out and actually look the part vs. an opponent with a pulse in the ACC. Tar Heels quarterback Sam Howell hasn't faced a defense this talented yet and Tigers DC Brent Venables will dial up the pressure and trust his talent at cornerback with ultimate lockdown. I question North Carolina's ability to score on Clemson's 1s in a game I don't believe will be particularly close. ... Clemson 41, North Carolina 10.”
The Athletic, 45-17 Clemson, 42-17 Clemson
What they said:
“Feldman: No one in the ACC can hang with the Tigers, but Mack Brown’s staff will have the Heels ready to get it interesting for a half before it gets ugly. Clemson 45, North Carolina 17
Mandel: Go easy on Mack Brown, Dabo. Yes, the Tar Heels boast extremely savvy freshman quarterback, Sam Howell. But they also rank 83rd in the country in total defense (5.7 yards per play allowed), and they’re about to face the pick-your-poison nightmare that is Clemson’s offense. But hey, UNC could pull a backdoor cover. Clemson 42, North Carolina 17”
What they said:
“North Carolina has faced three Power 5 opponents and one of the elite Group of 5 programs. But they — and Sam Howell in particular — have not seen anything like this. UNC has allowed 16 sacks in four games and the Clemson defense will be coming to get Carolina's young quarterback. Due to UNC's defensive injuries and, more importantly, a wide talent differential, Clemson will score points whenever they want. Carolina's run of close battles ends as Clemson comes in and puts the hammer down.”
Bleacher Report, 45-17 Clemson
What they said:
“As far as entertaining finishes are concerned, North Carolina games are 4-for-4 this season. The Tar Heels have outscored their opponents 45-9 in the fourth quarter, coming from behind to defeat Miami and South Carolina and falling just short of completing comebacks against both Wake Forest and Appalachian State.
They may well continue their tradition of winning the fourth quarter scoring battle, but only because Clemson will already have its backups on the field, per usual when facing an unranked opponent. Travis Etienne and Lyn-J Dixon will run circles around a defense that has allowed at least 4.0 yards per carry in each game thus far.”
CBS Sports, North Carolina +26.5, Clemson straight up
What they said:
“If you look at Clemson's remaining schedule, there is a likelihood that it will be favored by at least two touchdowns in every game. So if we're going to pick out the spots where the Tigers might get caught in one of those "this game is way closer than it should be" moments this Saturday in Chapel Hill looks pretty good. We've seen the Tar Heels be volatile, but that could work in their favor with the champs in town as heavy favorites. Pick: North Carolina (+26.5)”
College Football News, 40-16 Clemson
What they said:
“Don’t be surprised if North Carolina makes this interesting for more than a half.
At home, they’re going to be able to handle the national championship-level talent as they push the Tigers and make social media go off … and then Clemson will go Clemson.
The Tigers will sharpen up midway through the third quarter and explode to pull away to end the drama with a breathtaking display of home runs.”