UNC had to play arguably its toughest opponent of 2023 last night – it resulted in a 31-21 loss at Clemson.
The Tar Heels haven’t beaten the Tigers since 2010 overall, but also since 2001 in Clemson. For reference, that’s before the invention of smartphones and smart TVs.
If you take away the three UNC turnovers, including the two first-half, red zone fumbles, UNC enters halftime with a lead and, possibly, escapes Clemson with a win. Carolina quarterback Drake Maye didn’t play awful, but had his worst game of the season with just 209 passing yards, one touchdown and an interception. UNC’s ground game continued thriving, with star sophomore running back Omarion Hampton rushing for 178 yards and two touchdowns.
The Tar Heels’ ACC Championship Game chances were pretty much over before yesterday began, but they would’ve still been alive with a Miami win. UNC would’ve also had to beat Clemson, a team it seems to struggle with just as much as Georgia Tech.
Despite the loss, there were some positive takeaways. I know it might not seem like it after a loss, as we all want to focus on what went wrong, which I do a lot myself.
Carolina still has the opportunity to notch back-to-back 9-win seasons, something it hasn’t done since 1996-1997. The Tar Heels have to play rival N.C. State, an opponent it has struggled against as of late, on Saturday, Nov. 25 at 8 p.m. ET.