UNC Faces Huge Test Against Clemson’s Defensive Front

North Carolina has failed to find any success against high-quality opponents through four games this season. Big 12 schools have been the kryptonite so far in the Bill Belichick era, as the TCU Horned Frogs and UCF Knights did not make things easy for UNC during each contest.

Quarterback Gio Lopez, a South Alabama transfer, has not had the best four-game start to his UNC career — exiting two out of the four contests due to injury, leading to backup quarterback Max Johnson to relieve his duties.

Lopez has thrown a total of 430 passing yards, three touchdowns, three interceptions with a quarterback rating of 16.3. Statistically, Madison, Alabama native has thrown two touchdowns in the first quarter, zero in the second, one in the third and then zero as well in the fourth. However, on the flip side, he has been sack for three times in the first quarter. The 6-foot and 203-pounder has completed 42 of his 67 pass attempts (62.7 percent).

Johnson, in his two appearances thus far (TCU and UCF), has recorded 170 passing yards, two touchdowns, zero interceptions, with an 82.4 quarterback rating. The Athens, Georgia native has been able to make the most of his small moments of playing, making big plays, such as hitting his brother, tight end Jake Johnson, in the season opener, since injuring his leg. And then another passing touchdown against the Knights, landing in the hands of wide receiver Kobe Paysour.

All things considered, how does Clemson's defense stack up through its four games? Who should Belichick and staff be wary of heading into Saturday?

Sep 13, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick greets Richmond Spiders head coach Russ Huesman before the game at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Clemson's Defense During the 2025 Season Through Four Outings

There are five players on the defensive side of the ball that have double-digit figure tackle counts: linebacker Wade Woodaz (22), defensive back Ronan Hanafin (22), linebacker Sammy Brown (18), Avieon Terrell (14) and Ricardo Jones (12). North Carolina should be keen about the position of these players out on the gridiron, as the Tar Heels have struggled against talented defensives (and even struggled scoring against the Charlotte 49ers).

Peter Woods, defensive tackle, has 5 SOLOs and 10 ASTs. Defensive tackle Demonte Capehart, a senior out of Hartsville, South Carolina has seven SOLOs through four games. Defensive ends Will Heldt and T.J. Parker have 13 and 10 tackles each, respectively. These are four names that Tar Heel fans need to be on the lookout for whenever North Carolina gets set at the line of scrimmage, because if the offensive lineman is unable to contain the rush — it will be yet again, another beat down by a UNC opponent.

Head coach Dabo Swinney and the Tigers may have a 1-3 start, by they are still Clemson at the end of the day — that has not changed one bit. This matchup will contain two schools that have yet to meet offseason expectations and October 4 will be a perfect opportunity for each respective team to feel good about themselves.

At least for the moment.

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