Fedora: UNC deserves to be in playoff with win vs. Clemson

After a tight first half, Clemson pounded the ball in the second half, running its way to a 45-37 win over UNC in the ACC Championship game in Charlotte. With largely the same roster as a year ago, Carolina’s defense has gone from “tackling dummies would do a better job” bad to pretty average. They’re as explosive a team as you’ll see in the country. “I dont think theres any question that the ACC should be in one of them games. They’re the top ranked team in the nation for a reason, but their opponent today is no slouch. “They’re a complete football team”.

Saturday, the Tar Heels, the Coastal Division champions, try to reverse years of frustration at 8 p.m.

North Carolina are also on a streak, winning 11 in a row since losing the season opener to SC. Tar Heels by 4.

Before joining North Carolina, Fedora was the offensive coordinator at Oklahoma State from 2005-07 and the head coach at Southern Mississippi from 2008-11. That’s all I’m focused on, is us trying to win the game.

“UNC’s loss to the Gamecocks is their only one this season”, said Governor McCrory.

Yet North Carolina has a case to make to the CFP selection committee, especially if they can hand Clemson it’s only loss of the season. The Tigers have been a dominate 36-19-1 in a series that dates back to 1897, and won five of the last six games since 2002. It also was a growing program, with a growing quarterback and growing head coach. “We don’t get too many second chances and I get a second chance to go to perform and have fun playing a game”. “Tajh was starting to come in to his own”. One quarterback – Deshaun Watson of Clemson – is certain to be a Heisman Trophy finalist a week from now. Both great competitors, both great ambassadors for our program. “We know that’s an issue because they live by the deep ball”.

Watson’s targets stand tall.

“Our guys understand that challenge”, Fedora said.

The Tigers began to take control midway through the third quarter, turning a Williams interception in the red zone and failed fake punt into touchdowns to take 35-16 lead.

“Just take care of the football and not worry about outsiders”, he said. But he returned to the game after sitting out one play. Tar Heel WRs Quinshad Davis, Mack Hollins, Bug Howard, and Ryan Switzer have each been having outstanding seasons, but how will they fare against Mack Alexander, Cordrea Tankersly, Jayron Kearse, et.al? “I’m excited to play in it. It’s going to be a hell of a game”.

DABO’S 100TH GAME: Swinney is leading his 100th game.

“He really doesn’t have a weakness”, Swinney said.

“It’s the same things that attract me to it right now”, he said. We came up short. “But he’s doing well”.

Clemson fields a top-25 defensive unit by every measure, while only passing offense (266 yards per game, 33rd) falls outside of that realm for the Tar Heels.