UNC Football: Keys To The Game: Clemson Tigers Edition

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Dec 3, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers cornerback Nate Wiggins (20) breaks up a pass intended for North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Antoine Green (3) during the second quarter of the ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Matchup to Watch: Tez Walker vs Nate Wiggins

We decided to throw in a bonus to the keys to the game with a matchup to watch. Tez Walker has been a spark to the Tar Heel passing game since being ruled eligible before the Week Five matchup against Syracuse; however, he will be going up against his toughest test yet this weekend.

Nate Wiggins has been absolutely dominant in the Clemson defensive secondary and caused problems last year in ACC’s Championship game for the Tar Heels, including picking off Drake Maye for a 98-yard pick-six.

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Wiggins is a lockdown corner for the Tigers and will almost certainly be shadowing Walker for the entirety of the afternoon. Prior to week ten, Wiggins had only allowed 54 yards while in coverage this season. If he is able to prevent Walker from catching many passes, Maye will have to find other targets in the passing game.

Nate McCollum has had his struggles since the Virginia game with dropping passes; he could be a crucial piece in the Tar Heel passing game to move the football down the field. Bryson Nesbit also made some huge plays at the end of the Duke game and could be another factor in the receiving game if Wiggins shuts down Walker.

However, if Walker can get separation from Wiggins, it could be a huge day for the Tar Heel offense as Maye and Walker can connect plenty and force Clemson to assign two defenders to Walker’s side of the field, allowing for other receivers to get open.

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