This year’s Clemson defense was predicted to be one of the best units in college football coming into this season. So far, the Tigers have not lived up to the hype.
The Clemson defense is currently ranked 73rd in the country in total defense. Tom Allen’s unit is giving up 362 yards per game and 22.8 points per game. That is extremely disappointing considering the amount of talent on the defense
There are multiple NFL-level talents part of this group. Two players up front, TJ Parker and Peter Woods, have been talked about as potential first rounders in the 2026 draft class. Avieon Terrell, one of the few guys playing up to expectations, is regarded as one of the top corners in this class as well. Yet, the Tigers have given up over 1,400 yards of total offense in their first four games
There are many reasons that can be pointed to for the uninspired start by this unit. Problems can be found at each level of the defense. It starts with Parker and Woods not making the impact in games they are expected to. The second level is missing too many tackles, especially in space. Allen wants to play more man coverage to send blitzes, but Terrell looks to be the only defensive back who can consistently play one-on-one.
Much of this can be fixed and should’ve been addressed during the bye week. If the problems were worked on over the break, this is the game that Clemson shows it can still be dominant on defense.
The North Carolina offense is struggling to start the Bill Belichick era. The Tar Heels are bottom three in the FBS and dead last in the ACC in total offense. They are averaging 263.5 total yards per game. The run game leaves much to be desired with the Heels leading rusher Demon June only having 250 rushing yards and one touchdown in four games. Quarterback Gio Lopez has been inconsistent to start the year as well. He is completing 62.7% of his passes and has thrown three touchdowns along with three interceptions.
Many of the problems are caused by an offensive line that is struggling to find consistency itself. The offensive front is not great in pass protection in extended periods of time. They also don’t get enough push up front in the run game. The Clemson defensive front needs to dominate this game.
The Tigers should shut down the run game and show they can get after Lopez with just four rushers. The defensive line should wreck havoc on the UNC offense and force them to make mistakes.
That is how Clemson gets the win in Chapel Hill and starts building momentum as the halfway point of the season approaches.