Clemson, UNC to meet in ACC Championship Game

By: Mitch Mild, Chris Vannini, Nicole Auerbach

Clemson and North Carolina will face off within the ACC Championship Recreation in Charlotte on Dec. 3. Right here’s what you might want to know:

• Clemson (7-0, 9-1 ACC) clinched the ACC Atlantic with a 31-16 win over Louisville.
• The Tigers had excessive School Soccer Playoff hopes after being ranked No. 4 within the first set of CFP rankings, however a 35-14 beatdown at Notre Dame despatched them again to No. 10.
• North Carolina (9-1, 6-0) gained the ACC Coastal with a 39-34 win over in-state rival Wake Forest.
• Tar Heels redshirt freshman quarterback Drake Maye is making his case for the Heisman and was ranked No. 3 in final week’s straw ballot.
• Clemson and North Carolina performed within the 2015 ACC Championship Recreation, the place Deshaun Watson-led Clemson gained 45-37.

Backstory

Oregon and Washington stole the nationwide headlines, however North Carolina and Wake Forest performed one of the thrilling video games of the day. Each offenses appeared unstoppable at instances, however the sport was gained on protection when North Carolina intercepted Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman within the fourth quarter with the Deacons holding a two-point lead. That turnover arrange a short-field aim that ended up being the distinction for the Tar Heels.

Quarterback Drake Maye was sensible as soon as once more for North Carolina. He hardly ever misses a throw and performs with unbelievable poise. He additionally hurts defenses together with his athleticism. After watching Maye in individual, it’s clear why he’s being talked about because the potential No. 1 decide within the 2025 NFL Draft. — Mild

What this implies for Clemson

After Clemson’s lopsided loss to Notre Dame earlier this month, lots of people wrote off the Tigers as a reliable School Soccer Playoff contender. I’m undecided it’s a certain factor by any means, nevertheless it’s positively untimely to say that Clemson isn’t taking part in for a Playoff spot over the subsequent three weeks. If the Tigers win out, they’ll be a one-loss Energy 5 champion with at the least a few High 25 wins.

They’re additionally a staff that the choice committee valued sufficient to place in its preliminary prime 4 within the first midseason rankings. Clemson has zero wiggle room, however this staff nonetheless has an opportunity to play for a nationwide title. And it helps that the Tigers will get a very good UNC staff with a Heisman Trophy contender within the ACC title sport; they don’t at all times get a high-quality opponent like this with an actual alternative to strengthen their resume. — Auerbach

What this implies for North Carolina

North Carolina was one of many greatest underachievers of final season, beginning with a No. 10 rating and ending 6-7. The Heels entered this season with no expectations and at the moment are ranked inside the highest 15. They’ve a Heisman contender in QB Drake Maye and an out of doors shot on the School Soccer Playoff. The Heels solely have Georgia Tech and NC State left, earlier than Clemson within the ACC title sport.

It’s an extended shot, however a possible 12-1 UNC could be within the dialog. Maye, in the meantime, threw for 448 yards towards Wake Forest and retains rising within the Heisman dialog. The redshirt freshman has thrown for 3,412 yards and accounted for 39 touchdowns with simply three interceptions. — Vannini

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(Picture: Jim Dedmon / USA Immediately)