After a rough 1-3 start, this Saturday’s game against UNC is growing more important. Clemson has to get back on track after coming off their bye week, a week removed from losing 34-21 to Syracuse.
The Clemson Tigers travel to Chapel Hill this Saturday; there are several keys that Clemson must focus on as they take on the Tar Heels.
Key#1: Klubnik and Clemson offense must take care of the ball
Throughout the first four games of the season, Clemson’s signal caller on offense, quarterback Cade Klubnik, has to do a better job of taking care of the ball. Klubnik is averaging one interception per game. UNC is likely going to need to win the turnover battle to stay competitive in this game, so Klubnik keeping the ball out of the hands of the defense will be an important area of focus.
Similar to Klubnik’s troubles with ball security, starting running back Adam Randall has had issues with taking care of the ball. Through four games, Randall has three fumbles on the year, losing two of his three fumbles.
Key#2: Scoring in the red zone
Going into the Saturday matchup against Bill Belichick’s Tar Heels, Clemson needs to find ways to score in the red zone. UNC’s defense is ranked seventh in the country in opponents' scoring percentage in the red zone. UNC’s opponents are only scoring in the red zone at a 64.29% clip. The Tigers are a decent team at scoring in the red zone, ranked 88th in the country with an 80% rate.
Along with taking care of the ball, Klubnik needs to be able to find ways to put the ball into the end zone. Klubnik is very passionate about fighting back this season and searching for ways to win games.
Key#3: Dabo Swinney must get the bad taste out of his mouth
With a 1-3 record, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney has been under a lot of fire recently, and deservingly so. Getting this season under control is Swinney’s task at hand right now. Winning the game that is in front of you is the first step in taking control over the 2025 season. Swinney is looking to right the ship this week and get back on the winning path.
Key#4: Staying ahead of the chains early
Keeping the offense on track and in manageable down-and-distance should be a major priority of the Clemson offense this week. Averaging 5.6 yards per play is a great way to ensure that your offense stays ahead of the chains, which is what Clemson is averaging through the first four games.
On the flip side, UNC’s defense is allowing 5.7 yards per play, giving Clemson a great chance of keeping a good pace on offense.
If these four keys go in Clemson’s favor, there is a good chance that the Tigers will be 2-3 leaving Chapel Hill on Saturday. And this is a game that Swinney and the Clemson Tigers cannot drop.