ACC Championship North Carolina vs. Clemson “Inside The Numbers”

North Carolina (10-1) vs. Clemson (12-0) 8:00 pm (Charlotte,NC)

North Carolina:

Offense:

The Tar Heels have won 10 straight games since losing week one in the same stadium to South Carolina 16-13. North Carolina has won four road games this season by a total of 28 points (7 points each at Pitt,  GTech, 3 points at Virginia Tech in OT and 11 points last week at NC State). North Carolina is averaging 41.2 points per game and is balanced offensively rushing for 230 yard per game along with passing for 265 yards per game. Quarterback Marquise Williams is lethal dual threat signal caller that has completed 64.4% of his passes for 2,601 yards with 18 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. On the ground, Williams has added 786 rushing yards with 10 touchdowns. Running back Elijah Hood is an underrated back, who is an explosive runner that has great vision. On the year, Hood has rushed for a team leading 1,280 yards with 16 touchdowns. Wide receivers Ryan Switzer and Mack Hollins are a dynamic duo that have the speed to take the top off of the defense on each play. Both players have combined for 75 receptions for 1,297 yards with 12 touchdowns.

Key offensive stats entering this game:

North Carolina’s offensive line has protected Williams this season and has allowed 12 sacks entering this game (1 per game). Last week the Tar Heels rushed for 374 rushing yards on the road against North Carolina State and have averaged 302 rushing yards in the the last three games against Miami, Virginia Tech and NC State. North Carolina is averaging 48% on third downs this season, however, on the road the team has averaged 38% on third down situations.

 
Defense:

The Tar Heels have allowed 20.8 points per game and have allowed 208 rushing yards per game along with 186 passing yards per game. The team is +9 in turnover margin, however, on the road the team is -2 in turnover margin. On the season, the defense has recorded 23 total sacks and must be able to get pressure on Clemson quarterback DeShaun Watson to force quick throws on Saturday night.

Key defensive stats entering this game:

North Carolina has allowed teams to convert on 42% of their third down opportunities and on the road- the team has allowed the opponents to convert on 45% of their third down attempts. Over the team’s last five games, the defense has allowed 203 rushing yards per game. North Carolina has recorded 12 sacks over the last three games ( 3 per game).

Clemson:

Offense:

The Tigers have averaged 37.9 points per game and have rushed for 213 yards per game. Quarterback DeShaun Watson leads a balanced attack that is passing for 288 yards per game and is very good at getting their play makers out in space to create on on one match-ups. On the year, Watson has completed 70.3% of his passes for 3,228 yards with 27 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Watson is a confident quarterback that has a strong arm and can make plays with his feet. On the year, he has added 756 rushing with 9 scores and has averaged 5.6 yards per carry. Running back Wayne Gallman is a tough inside runner that has great vision in spotting open running lanes. Gallman leads the team with 1,145 rushing yards averaging 5.4 yards per carry with 9 touchdowns. Wide receivers Artavis Scott, Deon Cain and Charone Peake form a solid trio that has combined for 145 receptions for 1,802 yards with 14 touchdowns.

Key offensive stats entering this game:

Clemson has had 8 straight games where the offense has totaled over 500 yards of offense. The offensive line has played very well and has protected Watson-the unit has allowed 14 total sacks. On third down, the Tigers have converted on 47% of their opportunities- on the road the Tigers have been better converting 50%  of the time.

Defense:

The Tigers are allowing 18.8 points per game and are very good at shutting down the run allowing 128 rushing yards per game to their opponents. The secondary has played very well and is allowing 160 passing yards per game and must force turnovers against Marquise Williams this weekend. Clemson is -3 in turnover margin and -2 in turnover margin on the road this season. The defense has recorded 36 total sacks.

Key defensive stats entering this game:

Clemson has allowed opponents to convert on 24% of their third down opportunities and on the road the team has allowed a 25% conversion rate. Over the last 6 games the defense has allowed 141 rushing yards per game and 154 passing yards per game to their opponents (Miami, NC State, FSU, Syracuse, Wake Forest and South Carolina). Clemson has recorded 9 sacks in the last two games.