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Clemson defensive end Will Heldt (13) sacks University of North Carolina quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. (9) during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, September 19, 2026.

The Tar Heels were abysmal offensively this past weekend, and there's one clear culprit.

Clemson defensive end Will Heldt (13) sacks University of North Carolina quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. (9) during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, September 19, 2026.

The Tar Heels were abysmal offensively this past weekend, and there's one clear culprit.

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Sep 19, 2026; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; University of North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. (9) runs the ball downfield in the second quarter against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ashley Tumlin-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels' quarterback play was a glaring issue in the loss against Clemson.

Sep 12, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Jordan Shipp (1) attempts to catch the ball in the third quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels need to improve in several areas to enhance their chances of competing in the ACC.

University of North Carolina Head Coach Bill Belichick during warm up period before the game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, September 19, 2026.

The Tar Heels' promising start could turn into a nightmare.

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney and University of North Carolina Head Coach Bill Belichick briefly shake hands after the game in Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C., Saturday, September 19, 2026. Clemson won 28-20.

The Tar Heels are better than last year, but there is plenty of room for growth after three games.

Sep 19, 2026; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; University of North Carolina Tar Heels Head Coach Bill Belichick looks on the field early in the first quarter against the Clemson Tigers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ashley Tumlin-Imagn Images

Back on another bye week, the Tar Heels must consider a change that could change their course ahead of a challenging schedule.

Sep 19, 2026; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; University of North Carolina Tar Heels kicker Aeron Burrell(92) kicks a field goal against Clemson Tigers during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ashley Tumlin-Imagn Images

Here's how the Tar Heels performed on Saturday in the red zone.

Aug 29, 2026; Dublin, Co. Dublin, IRL; North Carolina Tar Heels defensive back Greg Smith (1) runs on the field against the TCU Horned Frogs in the first half at Aviva Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Laszlo Geczo-Imagn Images

Here's what fans learned from Week 3 based on snap count percentages.

Sep 19, 2026; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; University of North Carolina Tar Heels Head Coach Bill Belichick looks on the field early in the first quarter against the Clemson Tigers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ashley Tumlin-Imagn Images

Here is how every position group graded out in Saturday's loss.

University of North Carolina Head Coach Bill Belichick and Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney smile with each other during warm up period before the game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, September 19, 2026.

Here are the good and bad things that happened on Saturday for the Tar Heels.

Sep 19, 2026; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; University of North Carolina Tar Heels receiver Jordan Shipp (1) dives for extra yards against Clemson Tigers at Memorial Stadium. Jordon is wearing number 13 in honor of University of North Carolina Tar Heels Tylee Craft. Mandatory Credit: Ashley Tumlin-Imagn Images

Here are players who are rising and falling after Saturday's loss to Clemson.

University of North Carolina Head Coach Bill Belichick during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C., Saturday, September 19, 2026.

North Carolina had the win in their hands until they didn't, in what was a brutal defeat ahead of a tough schedule.

Sep 19, 2026; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; University of North Carolina Tar Heels players wait during a lightning delay against Clemson Tigers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ashley Tumlin-Imagn Images

Here are the standout and lackluster performances on Saturday.

University of North Carolina Head Coach Bill Belichick during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, September 19, 2026.

Here is how social media reacted to the Tar Heels' performance against Clemson.

Aug 29, 2026; Dublin, Co. Dublin, IRL; North Carolina Tar Heels offensive lineman Andrew Threatt (75) and wide receiver Mason Humphrey (4) celebrate after the game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Aviva Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Laszlo Geczo-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels have an opportunity to prove themselves on Saturday.

Sep 12, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick on the sidelines in the second quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The Tigers are not the program they once were, and the Tar Heels could take advantage.

Sep 12, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. (9) hands the ball off to running back Demon June (0) in the first quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels' offense must play well on Saturday.

Aug 29, 2026; Dublin, Co. Dublin, IRL; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick against the TCU Horned Frogs in the first half at Aviva Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Laszlo Geczo-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels are entering a major test on Saturday.

Oct 4, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney with North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick before the game at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Here are broadcasting details for the Tar Heels' ACC opener on Saturday.

Sep 12, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Benjamin Hall (7) with the ball in the first quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels have a chance to get their run game rolling against a former ACC powerhouse this weekend.

Oct 25, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick with the team before the game at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels' transfer portal activity was impressive. How did it measure up nationally?

Oct 30, 2021; South Bend, Indiana, USA; A detail view of a North Carolina Tar Heels football helmet during warmups before the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

The Tar Heels have a chance to achieve something really special this weekend.

Sep 12, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver C.J. Sadler (14) attempts to make a catch as ETSU Buccaneers defensive back CJ Gilmore (15) defends in the first quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels' passing attack could look vastly different against Clemson.

Aug 29, 2026; Dublin, Co. Dublin, IRL; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick at Aviva Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Laszlo Geczo-Imagn Images

GM Michael Lombardi and DC Steve Belichick have now both resigned from the program.

Oct 31, 2025; Syracuse, New York, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick looks to the clock in the fourth quarter game against the Syracuse Orange at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels learned their conference opponents for next season.