Peeking over the Fence: Mack Brown Previews Clemson

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwU6Eet8iU0

During a press conference earlier this week, North Carolina head coach Mack Brown made his praise for Clemson clear and spoke on the changes his team needs to make to beat anyone, not just Clemson. 

“We want to be the Clemson of the Coastal,” Brown said.

Speaking to the stance of his team in the ACC, & the match up that’s to come, he takes this game as an opportunity to show his players and coaches “what the best in this league looks like & what you have to do to compete to win an ACC championship.”

“They are the best team in the country, in the ACC. All of us are trying to catch them.”

He gives praise evenly to the players, the coaches, and all of those who help run the Clemson football program & make it what it is.

“They have the best program in the country, the best head coach & coaches in the country. They have the best depth in the country when you talk about potential first round draft choices.” 

He applauded Trevor Lawrence for being the “best in the business” and for being a great leader. Mack Brown jokes about Lawrence never losing a game in his life saying, “That’s not good, I didn’t go back & check middle school but I bet he won then, too.” He even comments briefly on understanding the coaching decision that saw Trevor Lawrence claim Kelly Bryant’s starting role last year saying, “You can see why Dabo made the decision he made last year.”

Mack Brown made a point to talk about the coaching staff at Clemson saying that “sometimes, when you’re that good, & your players are that good, [people] don’t talk about the coaching.” Whether it’s the rotating of players throughout the game, the recruiting of players, or just coaching the guys to play hard it’s each week, Brown gives praise to all elements of Clemson coaching.

The North Carolina head coach commented on some elements on their side of the ball that needed improvement moving forward following last week’s 34-31 loss to Appalachian State.

The Tar Heels will need to start creating and recovering turnovers on defense, especially if they want a chance to knock off Clemson today.

“Defensively, we haven’t forced a fumble. Not one. It’s something we got to do, we emphasize that all the time.”

Mack Brown emphasized that key stops need to be made on the defensive side of the ball in order to give the offense time to make plays as well.

On the offensive side, turnovers are also a key factor. Speaking on the team need to “protect the ball.” North Carolina turned the ball over three times in their matchup against the Mountaineers last weekend & Brown clearly states the low-likelihood of winning with that number of turnovers.

He said his offense needs to “stay ahead of the chains.” Finding themselves in multiple second & long or third & long situations last week led to mistakes while under pressure. 

With the game against Clemson, a challenge will be presented to the Tar Heels but in Mack Brown’s eyes an opportunity will be presented. 

“If you are going to win this league, you’ve got to beat them.”