Rapid Reaction: Clemson dominates 20 North Carolina for third-straight win
Clemson dominated time of possession as the Tigers handled the No. 20 North Carolina Tar Heels 31-20.
It may be that they're finally catching their stride. It could be that the youth movement has bolstered their ranks. It certainly seems like an emphasis on the run game has paid off. But whatever the reason, fans are finally seeing the Clemson team they expected to see this year.
Clemson's elite defense got after North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye all day, sacking him multiple times. The Tar Heels were able to gash Clemson a few times on the ground, but some timely forced fumbles - including an incredible effort from Nate Wiggins - kept North Carolina from ever finding a rhythm on offense.
Nate Wiggins had an interception and a forced fumble in Clemson's 31-20 win.
Takeaways
- If it was the freshmen show last week, it was certainly the upperclassmen who took the spotlight on Saturday. Multiple Tigers likely playing in their last game at Memorial Stadium had massive games. Jeremiah Trotter had another huge game, sacking Drake Maye. Will Shipley was massive, rushing for over 120 yards and adding 53 yards through the air. Nate Wiggins, who will likely be a first-round pick, forced a fumble after tracking down a North Carolina back on a pure effort play and then sealed the game with an interception. Wiggins saved his best performance in Death Valley for last.
- The more football changes, the more it stays the same. Clemson won the turnover battle, dominated time of possession, and converted more third downs. Really, the only life North Carolina had all day came after Clemson failed to convert a fake punt in their territory. Outside of that, Clemson handled the Tar Heels.
- Clemson is much improved on the field from the beginning of the year, but the biggest growth these past three weeks has come from offensive coordinator Garrett Riley. Clemson's offense has become much less volatile than it was early in the season. It may not be flashy, but it's worked and it's led to three straight big wins.
- Dabo calling a timeout with three seconds left to take a knee with seniors while fans ran onto the field was peak college football.
