It certainly felt like Saturday was a game North Carolina should have been able to win. But even after they took a 7-0 lead, they couldn’t overcome mistakes and penalties as Clemson rallied to outscore the Tar Heels 24-13 the rest of the way for the 31-20 win.
North Carolina looked like they were going to go up 14-0 in the first quarter when Omarion Hampton broke off a long run down the sideline. But he was caught at the one-yard-line and fumbled into the endzone, giving Clemson the ball.
It was the second fumble for Hampton all season long, both coming in the first quarter and both inside the five-yard line. From there, it all unraveled for the Tar Heels.
Clemson scored on the ensuing drive to tie at 7 and things just fell apart for the Tar Heels. The Tigers would score again with just 1 second left before halftime to take a 14-7 lead. UNC did intercept Cade Klubnik on that drive but a questionable roughing the passer call wiped it away. Klubnik scored on a quarterback keeper barely getting the ball to the goal line on what was a very questionable call. The ref crew went with the ruling on the field after there wasn’t enough to overturn it.
Penalties became the story of the day for the Tar Heels as they had 10 accepted penalties for 75 yards. And in the second half, it was all Tigers.
Clemson would get touchdowns from Phil Mafah and then Will Shipley to extend the lead to 28-14. They added another field goal later in the fourth quarter to pretty much seal it.
Hampton would get into the end zone twice in the game, scoring to make it 21-14 and then again to make it 31-21 late.
For the Tar Heels, it’s another tough loss as they fall to 8-3 on the year and they really just can’t get out of their own way. It’s been the same things that have haunted them including poor tackling, penalties, and mistakes.
UNC regroups and goes back on the road to face off against NC State in Raleigh in the regular season final on Saturday.
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