The No. 8 Clemson Tigers will try to continue their undefeated season in a tough road test against the North Carolina Tar Heels. The Heels have their hands full with the Tigers' stable of playmakers deeper than maybe any team in the country.
The Tigers overcame a huge scare against Maryland last week, winning 56-45 after being down 35-17 in the second half, riding outstanding freshman Sammy Watkins to the tune of a kickoff return touchdown, two receiving touchdowns and 345 all-purpose yards. Running back Andre Ellington ran for more than 200 yards, and the Tigers' offensive talent is almost breathtaking to watch when they're all clicking.
Meanwhile, the Tar Heels have had one semi-quality win — over Virginia, which was much less impressive before the Cavaliers knocked off Georgia Tech last week — and have lost to Miami and the Yellow Jackets, proving they belong right where the stand: in the middle of the ACC. Though QB Bryn Renner, RB Giovani Bernard and WR Dwight Jones are an impressive three-headed monster, can they really compete with the talent the Tigers put on the field?
Game date, time: 12 pm ET, Saturday, October 22
Location: Clemson Memorial Stadium, Clemson, South Carolina
TV channel: ESPN
Spread: Clemson favored by 10.5
Series history: Clemson leads, 33-18
For further reading, news, discussion and more, visit Clemson blog Shakin The Southland and North Carolina blog Carolina March. Here’s this week’s college football TV schedule, and stay tuned to SB Nation’s college football news hub for more.