Clemson vs. UNC: Can the Tigers Turn It Around in Death Valley?

Clemson vs. UNC: Can the Tigers Turn It

Around in Death Valley?

Jacob Donald – I Bleed Orange Sports Network

So Tiger fans, here we are. Week 3.

And honestly, it has been a brutal start to the 2026 season for our Tigers.

After two weeks, there are a lot more questions than answers surrounding this Clemson team.

The biggest problem has been obvious. The offensive line has been terrible. For two straight

weeks, Clemson has been getting bullied up front, both mentally and physically. The Tigers

have struggled to protect the quarterback, establish the run and really control the line of

scrimmage.

Then there is the quarterback situation.

Clemson has two quarterbacks with plenty of potential, but at the end of the day, neither one

has much experience and both are still learning. Christopher Vazzina, a junior, has made too

many crucial mistakes through the first two games, and his lack of mobility has also been a

problem behind an offensive line that has struggled so much.

Then there is true freshman Tait.

It is clear to me that Tait has a much higher ceiling. Even as a freshman, you can see the

flashes. He is not ready to be a perfect college quarterback yet, and there are moments where

he looks exactly like what he is: a freshman. But there is something there. You can see the

potential for a really good college quarterback.

And now, he gets his chance.

With Vazzina out, Tait will make his first career start against North Carolina in Death Valley. He

will get all of the first team reps during the week and the entire game plan can be built around

him.

That could be a huge factor for Clemson.

Instead of preparing two completely different game plans for two quarterbacks with very different

strengths and styles, Chad Morris can go all in on Tait. Clemson can build around what he does

well and give him the best opportunity to succeed.

But Tait cannot be the only answer.

There have actually been some bright spots through the first two weeks.

Clemson still has elite weapons on the outside with Bryant Wesco Jr. and T.J. Moore. Those two

guys are as talented as any wide receiver duo in the country, and they are proving it again this

season. If Clemson can give Tait time, getting the ball to those two playmakers needs to be a

major part of the game plan.

The defense has also had some good moments.

The secondary, led by Elliot Washington and Ashton Hampton, has played well. Will Heldt looks

like he is back in his groove, and Sammy Brown has continued to show why he is one of the

leaders of this defense.

But now Clemson enters ACC play.

At noon Saturday, the Tigers welcome Bill Belichick and the North Carolina Tar Heels to Death

Valley.

And you can feel the questions getting louder.

Is Dabo the problem?

Are we looking at another 7-6 season?

Could this season be even worse?

Tiger fans have every right to ask those questions after the way these first two games have

gone. But I also think we have to remember something.

This Clemson team is still talented.

The problem is that the talent has to start playing like it.

The offensive line has to improve immediately. There is no way around it. Collin Sadler, Braden

Jacobs and the rest of that offensive line have to show up Saturday. They have to give Tait time

to settle into his first start and allow Clemson to get the ball to its best playmakers.

If the offensive line can control the line of scrimmage, everything changes.

It opens up the running game. It makes Clemson more balanced. It keeps the offense from

becoming one dimensional. Most importantly, it takes pressure off of a true freshman

quarterback making his first start.

The last thing Clemson needs is for Tait to feel like he has to play hero.

Do not make this kid feel like he has to throw Clemson back into the game by himself. Let him

settle in. Let the game slow down for him. Run the football. Make the easy throws. Get the ball

to Wesco and T.J. Moore.

Just let Tait play quarterback.

Because if Clemson gets behind early and starts asking a true freshman to win the game by

himself, that has disaster written all over it.

Defensively, the keys are pretty simple.

Bring pressure.

North Carolina wants to run the football, so Clemson has to control the run game and win the

line of scrimmage. Get Will Heldt, Vic Burley, London Merritt and Sammy Brown bringing the

heat. Make UNC uncomfortable and force them to make plays through the air.

Then trust the secondary.

If Washington, Hampton and the rest of that secondary continue to play the way they have,

Clemson has a chance to make things very difficult for the Tar Heels.

Ultimately, I think this game comes down to the trenches.

If Clemson controls the offensive line, gives Tait time and gets the ball into the hands of its elite

playmakers, I think the Tigers can escape with a win in Death Valley.

And maybe, just maybe, give this team and this fanbase some life again.

We have only played two games. There is still a whole lot of football left to play. But Saturday is

important. Not just because it is an ACC game, but because Clemson needs to start showing us

what this team can actually be.

Can the Tigers turn this thing around?

There is only one way to find out.

We will see you Saturday in the Valley.

And all God's children said...

GO TIGERS!