UNC Football vs. Clemson: Staff predictions for Week 12
The North Carolina Tar Heels return to the football field in Week 12 to face off against Clemson, looking to get some revenge for last year’s Atlantic Coast Conference title game.
UNC enters this game riding a two-game win streak, beating Campbell and then Duke. Last week, the Tar Heels were able to get past the rival Blue Devils in two overtimes as they earned win number eight on the year.
With two road games left to close out the season, getting a win over Clemson would be huge. The Tar Heels haven’t won at Clemson since 2001 and the last two losses to the Tigers have left a bad taste in their mouths.
Can North Carolina get a big win on the road and continue to close out the season strong? Will Dabo Swinney and the Tigers win yet another game against the Tar Heels?
Here are our staff predictions for the Week 12 showdown.
Zack Pearson
Prediction: Clemson 27, UNC 23
Record: 7-3
I hate picking against the Tar Heels but this is a tough road game for them here in the final two weeks. UNC hasn’t been able to prove they can beat Clemson, and while they want revenge for last season’s ACC title game, I think Clemson does enough to win this game at home.
Aidan Jensen
Prediction: Clemson 33, UNC 20
Record: 9-1
UNC heads to a place it hasn’t won in since 2001, but Clemson is not the same usual, dominant team who runs the ACC. Carolina is producing at an historic offensive rate, which includes its best passing and running game in recent memory. Drake Maye is better than anyone at spreading the football around to receivers, while Omarion Hampton’s breakout year means the Tar Heels have another dimension to their offense. Clemson has won two straight games, mainly thanks to its defense, something Carolina doesn’t have. Phil Mafah and Will Shipley are both healthy, which is a headache for any defense to try and contain. Let’s not forget, Cade Klubnik was chosen to take over as starting quarterback for the Tigers. Tomorrow is Clemson’s homecoming and, while UNC will show flashes of greatness, the Tigers will win.
Richard Adkins
Prediction: UNC 42, Clemson 31
Record: 7-2
There’s not much UNC can do to make up for the stunning losses to UVA and Georgia Tech, but beating a hot Clemson team can help. The Tar Heels have struggled as heavy favorites, but now the flip side as the underdog in enemy territory, it will be interesting if UNC comes out flat, or if they control the crowd early. I believe they do both. Expect a big game from Drake Maye as he puts up a performance that leaves zero doubt that he’s the best QB in the nation.
