Keeping It Heel
Fansided

UNC Football: Keys To The Game: Clemson Tigers Edition

By Jordan Falls

Nov 11, 2023; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels linebacker Cedric Gray (33) and defensive lineman Kevin Hester Jr. (98) and defensive back Marcus Allen (29) celebrate in the third quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 11, 2023; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels linebacker Cedric Gray (33) and defensive lineman Kevin Hester Jr. (98) and defensive back Marcus Allen (29) celebrate in the third quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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CHAPEL HILL, NC – SEPTEMBER 24: Corey Gaynor #65 of the University North Carolina prepares to hike the ball during a game between Notre Dame and North Carolina at Kenan Memorial Stadium on September 24, 2022 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Andy Mead/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NC – SEPTEMBER 24: Corey Gaynor #65 of the University North Carolina prepares to hike the ball during a game between Notre Dame and North Carolina at Kenan Memorial Stadium on September 24, 2022 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Andy Mead/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /

Win The Line Of Scrimmage

Clemson is one of the toughest fronts that the Tar Heels have seen all season it can’t be said enough how much North Carolina must win the line of scrimmage in this game, both offensively and defensively.

First, on the defensive side of the ball, Clemson is averaging 378 yards per game; that’s 68th in the country. Stopping the run game will be crucial for North Carolina. The Tigers will be looking to establish the run early and often to open up the passing game later on for Cade Klubnik. Everyone is aware of Will Shipley and the talent that he brings, but Phil Mafah is the better running back.

Mafah has 721 yards and eight touchdowns this season, averaging 5.72 yards per carry. Shipley has 592 yards and four touchdowns this season, averaging 4.81 yards per carry. Stopping both Clemson running backs will be a challenge, but is crucial in getting Drake Maye the ball.

Speaking of Maye, the offensive line has to control the Tigers’ defensive front. They are 10th in the country in yards per game allowed, allowing just 293 yards. They are also eighth in the country in yards per play allowed at 4.4. Blocking is going to be crucial for the Tar Heel offense.

Omarion Hampton needs to have time to find the holes in the running game, and Maye needs to have time to find his open receivers. If Maye is running for his life trying to make backyard football plays all day, it won’t be a good recipe for the Tar Heel offense. We may see some quick passes implemented in the play-calling this week to slow down the Clemson pass rush.

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