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UNC Football: Clemson still has edge over North Carolina, says Herbstreit

By Blake Cockrum

CHAPEL HILL, NC - SEPTEMBER 28: Sam Howell #7 of the University of North Carolina runs with the ball during a game between Clemson University and University of North Carolina at Kenan Memorial Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Andy Mead/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NC - SEPTEMBER 28: Sam Howell #7 of the University of North Carolina runs with the ball during a game between Clemson University and University of North Carolina at Kenan Memorial Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Andy Mead/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /
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ACC supremacy belongs to the Clemson Tigers, but the UNC football program is on the rise and looking to shake things up in the College Football Playoff picture. 

The Clemson Tigers have unquestioned supremacy of the Atlantic Coast Conference, but it’s the North Carolina Tar Heels that some feel have the opportunity to change that in 2021.

A number of popular publications and college football analysts have picked the Tar Heels to do just that this season, looking for Heisman Trophy candidate Sam Howell and an improved defense to challenge for a spot in the 2022 College Football Playoff.

ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit gave his thoughts on the two ACC programs, as well as who he thinks will win the conference this season, with a probable postseason spot on the line.

"“Coming in with predictions on the ACC I’m so close,” Herbstreit said, “It’s a coin flip for me. I think North Carolina is that close to competing with Clemson because of the job that Mack Brown’s done with recruiting. I still will give Clemson the nod over North Carolina. You know (Clemson loses) a lot. It’s not just losing Trevor Lawrence to me, it’s losing Travis Etienne. Losing Etienne could be a significant blow. So we’ll see. I still give Clemson the edge.”"

While North Carolina feels very comfortable with Howell under center, Clemson has some questions at the quarterback position. With Trevor Lawrence now gone and preparing to toss the ball for Urban Meyer and the Jacksonville Jaguars, it’s DJ Uiagalelei that takes over for the Tigers. He’s talented, no doubt, but replacing a quarterback of Lawrence’s stature, along with losing a running back like Travis Etienne, is no easy fix.

Although Herbstreit still gives the “coin toss” to Clemson, it says a lot that North Carolina is even in the conversation. Prior to Mack Brown’s return to Chapel Hill in 2019, the Tar Heels had won just 13 games in three seasons. Under Brown, they’ve already been victorious 15 times over the last two years, and now have their sights set on competing not only at the top of their conference, but at the top of college football.

Next. Kirk Herbstreit predicts breakout season for UNC receiver. dark

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