Clemson’s offense is a complete nightmare, ranking a dismal 134th out of 138 FBS teams in total offense. It’s a shocking statistic for a program that used to dominate, and it sets a bleak stage for their ACC opener against North Carolina this Saturday. What should be a premier showdown between two coaching titans inside Death Valley is instead a meeting of the miserable.
Dabo’s Loyalty Is Becoming a Problem, and Clemson Is Paying For It
Look, Dabo Swinney is a two-time national champion, but his 18th season is starting to look like he’s a victim of his own earlier success and, honestly, his stubbornness. The Tigers are off to a dispiriting start, getting absolutely hammered 51-10 at LSU in Week 1. Then came an uninspiring 22-7 win over Georgia Southern in Week 2, where their only touchdown “drive” was a measly 27-yarder gifted by a muffed punt. You gotta be kidding me! Chad Morris, back as offensive coordinator, is already catching flak, and with that 134th ranking, it’s totally understandable. Morris was a failed former Arkansas coach, out of football in 2025 after being an offensive assistant at Texas State in 2024. No other Power Four head coach would have hired him, but Swinney’s “unfailing loyalty” brought him back. It’s not working, and it’s certainly not resembling the glory days of 2011-14 when Morris first rose to stardom.
Bill Belichick’s Tar Heels Bring a Nasty Defense to Death Valley
On the other side, Bill Belichick’s “unsuccessful tenure” at North Carolina has been riddled with turmoil despite their 2-0 record. But don’t sleep on what they’re doing defensively. The Tar Heels are now 27th nationally in defensive EPA through two games. That’s a massive jump from 72nd during their miserable 4-8 campaign last season! And unlike many teams ranked higher, UNC has actually faced a Power Four opponent. This defensive improvement, combined with Clemson’s embarrassing offensive ineptitude, creates an “unpleasant dynamic” for the Tigers. UNC is primed to put up a much better fight than their 38-10 home loss to Clemson last season.
This Saturday, inside Death Valley, the Tar Heel circus rolls into town with a real chance to plunge Clemson into even deeper misery. The Tigers dropped three home games to unranked teams during their 7-6 season in 2025. If they repeat that trend in their ACC opener, the noise around Swinney is going to hit a whole new decibel level. Get ready, because this is going to be intense.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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