Clemson/North Carolina Prediction

Well, after dropping the ball big-time with Boston College, I think I redeemed myself nicely with Florida State. My game prediction was almost right on target (28-24 vs. 27-20). The best thing about it is the final score does not show how much the Tigers dominated the Seminoles on both sides of the football. Were it not for anemic ST protection, we could have won by a much greater margin. It's nice to be able to look back at a landmark victory and still see areas where you can say, "Hey, we can still do better." Easier to do that with a win under your belt.

Now this week, the rejuvenated Fighting Tigers return to Death Valley to take on the North Carolina Tar Heels. John Bunting's squad played what many would consider a "tune-up" game against the Furman Fighting Football Paladins last Saturday. Not me. The Heels were 0-2 going into that contest, had an unsettled QB situation and an average defense at best. I knew Furman would give them a run for their money and hoped to see them win.

Stas-wise, they should have won. Average defense? Forget that. Furman amassed over 520 yards total offense in this game. Against an I-A team (also consider that Furman struggled to move the ball in their first two games against I-AA opponents). Yet the final score ended up 45-42 in favor of UNC. The Furman faithful and I were bitterly disappointed. I wasn't expecting a repeat of 28-3 in our last visit to Chapel Hill, but I hoped for a win.

So it's up to the Tigers to set things right and give UNC a whipping.

First key to the game is to come out of the gate and smash them in the mouth. Score early and often. Tommy has said he wants to play more reserve offensive linemen in this game. That won't happen if things are close near the end of the 3rd quarter. The talent and experience edge is clearly ours, and we've got to showcase it.

Let one of the RBs have a breakout game. If James Davis is going to break a 100-yard game, this is the time to do it. The offensive line must do a better job of consistently opening the gaps to spring him loose for big gains as they did late against FSU. Continue to use Reggie and Spiller, certainly, but give the starter a chance to explode.

Defensive line. If they play with the focused intensity they showed last week, they'll be fine. Cam Sexton is fairly decent, but he's still green after making only his first real start against Furman last week. The more pressured he gets early the more mistakes he'll make. Keep C.J. Gaddis as a pocket rusher. He put a monster hit on the FSU running back last week. Secondary needs to stay focused on solid tackling and not giving up the big play. Also have to try to read Sexton's eyes and get in front of his receivers when possible. We need some more INTs.

Kickoff coverage was much, much better last week. Never gave up more than 5-10 yards at a time to an FSU returner. PAT protection...just spread sideways and be ready to block outside. Thanks to ESPN, everybody in the nation now knows how to block our kicks. So don't let the Heels do it. Dean needs to approach the ball at the precise second it lands in Cole Chason's hands. Two tenths of a second are the difference between a good extra point and two points back the other way. Or worse. Hopefully, this glaring problem will be fixed quickly.

Bottom line...its Hall of Fame Day. It's the 25th anniversary celebration of our 1981 national championship team. The game is a sellout. Clemson should have no trouble getting pumped for this one. If they need any motivation, just whisper one word to them: "Duke." The Blue Devils beat us in 2004 after our 24-17 overtime win, their only victory over an I-A opponent that entire year. And they have not beaten an I-A opponent ever since then. Ugh.

My prediction? James Davis rushes for over 120 yards, Stuckey has 150 yards in receptions, and Clemson wins easily. Oh, and we do not surrender a blocked kick for the first time...this year.

Clemson - 45
North Carolina - 21

GO TIGERS!!!