Carolina is getting some much-needed rest this week before preparing to face off against Clmeson next week in Kenan Stadium. This game was meant to be one of the bigger games in the ACC this season. So
big, in fact, that Ludacris is scheduled to perform before the game, and the thought behind that was that the game would likely be in primetime. Is that what happened? No, both teams are so bad this season that this game will start at noon instead. Sorry Luda, but I hope that Get Back slaps as hard around breakfast time as it would at a normal performance time.
While the Heels have the week off, Vegas is already predicting how things will play out in this one. According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Clemson is the opening favorite by 12.5 points, and the over/under for the game is 48.5. A world where Clemson can win by over 12 points is not only within the realm of possibility, but they are likely going to win by more than that if things continue to go the way they have gone for Bill Belichick’s squad. There’s always a chance that this team comes out of the bye week looking like a somewhat better team, but there are some problems that just don’t feel like they can be fixed. Couple that with the questionable quarterback situation thanks to the Gio Lopez injury, and this game just starts to look dark if you’re a Carolina fan. Clemson is bad, sure, but they’re bad for Clemson. The Heels, though? They’re Michael Jackson bad. That’s the difference.
If the Heels were to win this game somehow, it would be because of two things. One: there’s nothing super intimidating about Clemson’s offense this season, and UNC’s defense has looked worse in previous years. I realize how unhinged that sounds given the fact that they allowed both Power Four teams to score 30+ points against them, but they haven’t been helped by the impotence of the offense. The other reason that this game could go in Carolina’s favor is the unknown of how Max Johnson could play against Clemson’s ho-hum defense. Again, that statement is compared to the Tigers’ normal standards. Even with all of that said, it truly feels like this game is destined to be a bloodbath that results in Dabo Swinney having a field day roasting national media for doubting him, but we will see how things play out.
The Heels will kick off against Clemson at noon eastern time next Saturday in Chapel Hill. The game will be broadcasted on ESPN, and will also be available to stream on the ESPN app.
