I had the opportunity to talk to John Bauman, Editor of Keeping It Heel, and discuss the Clemson vs North Carolina match-up in the ACC Championship Game.
I had the chance to talk with John Bauman, Editor of Keeping It Heel, and discuss the Clemson vs North Carolina match-up in the ACC Championship Game this Saturday.
Here is what he had to say about the match-up.
Q. 8 p.m., ABC on national television. What’s your thoughts on the hype for this game and what it means for the ACC as a conference?
John: It’s big that the ACC, sometimes overlooked as a football conference, gets such a big time slot for the conference’s football championship. Both teams should look forward to playing on national television with the entire College Football universe watching and take the opportunity to prove themselves to the doubters — Clemson proving they deserve the no. 1 spot in the CFB Playoff ranks, and UNC proving that they are a different UNC Football team than people have come to expect from previous seasons.
Q. Obviously, UNC has one of the best offenses in the nation. What makes the Tar Heels so good on that side of the ball?
John: A few things. First, the explosive play ability of the offense is remarkable. There are few offenses on any level of football, from pee-wee up to the NFL, that are a legitimate threat to score on any play. I feel that the Tar Heels can count themselves among those few teams. Marquise Williams’ rocket arm in the passing game keeps safeties honest, Mack Hollins and Bug Howard are always threats to break open in the passing game, and Elijah Hood is always a threat to take any handoff for 30 yards. When the offense is rolling, like it was against Duke, Miami, and especially in the first quarter of the N.C. State game (35 points in 1Q alone), it is something special.
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The balance of the offense is also key. This is an offense that keeps defenses on their toes because they can do it all: run the ball up the middle with Hood, run read-options with Williams at QB, throw short screen passes, play-action passes and deep balls over the top of the defense. It is impossible to stop all of the weapons and different methods that the Heels have of moving the ball. Clemson’s defense should hope for turnovers and third down stops to get the offense out of rhythm.
Q. Who are some players that we may not know about, but will make an impact in the game Saturday?
John: On the offensive side of the ball, I will go with Brandon Fritts, a redshirt tight end. Clemson fans probably already know Quinshad Davis, Ryan Switzer, Hood and all of the Tar Heels’ big name offensive weapons, but Fritts is a guy who has been key in the redzone at times for the Heels. He doesn’t have anywhere close to the stats that some of the Heels’ top targets do — he has just 13 catches for 157 yards and three TDs on the season. However, keep an eye out for Fritts in the redzone Saturday. UNC may need him if drives start to stall out against Clemson’s tough defense.
On defense, I will go with another freshman: linebacker Andre Smith. He has come on strong at the end of the season here for the Heels, recording his first pick against State last weekend. Smith was a big time recruit coming out of Jacksonville, Florida. He’s a good enough athlete to hang with Deshaun Watson if he takes off to run, but also good enough in pass defense to cover Clemson’s slot receivers. Watch out for Andre Smith on Saturday evening.
Q. UNC’s defense still has some holes, but is much improved from last year’s defense. What are some strengths of the Tar Heel defense in your opinion.
John: I’m a huge fan of Carolina’s secondary. I can’t say enough good things about MJ Stewart, Des Lawrence, Donnie Miles and Sam Smiley. That group of four in the secondary has helped improve the unit so much from last season, when blown coverages and long passing gains were the norm. Now, the Tar Heel secondary generates turnovers, breaks up passes and is physical in the running game. They haven’t faced a quarterback as good as Watson yet this season, but I think they will be up for the challenge.
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Q. In your opinion, what must North Carolina do to beat Clemson on Saturday?
John: Play four great quarters. The Tar Heels have played one, two, even three great quarters in some games, but never four great ones all in one afternoon. The perfect example is last weekend against State, when the first quarter was great but the next three were merely so-so to good. The Tar Heels have enough offensive firepower and defensive willpower to compete, but they are going to have to pitch a perfect game. Anything less, or any mistakes in the form of turnovers or bad blown coverages, and the Tigers will pounce all over the Heels.
Q. What’s your predictions for the ACC Championship Game?
John: It feels too good to be true that the Tar Heels are even in the ACC Championship game. Regardless of the outcome, Carolina fans should be proud of the way the team played this season, defying everyone’s wildest expectations. I think the clock finally strikes zero Saturday night on the Heels’ magical season, and Clemson wins big, 50 to 35.
Next: Clemson vs UNC: Game Announcers, TV Info, and More
I would like to thank John for his time and wish him well going forward. Make sure you check out Keeping It Heel for some posts from the North Carolina perspective coming into the game Saturday night.