ACC title, playoff bid on the line in Clemson-UNC

1. Familiar setting

Is there any benefit to North Carolina having played in Bank of America Stadium earlier this season? While UNC will be familiar with playing in Charlotte, it also played its worst game of the season in the season-opener against South Carolina.

2. Star quarterbacks

The matchup features the top two quarterbacks in the ACC. Clemson’s Deshaun Watson has passed for 3,223 yards and 27 TDs. UNC’s Marquise Williams has thrown for 2,605 yards with 18 TDs. They are also the second-leading rushers on their teams.

3. Protecting the ball key

Clemson has turned the ball over 10 times in its past three games, all against losing teams. If turnovers continue to be an issue, the Tigers will have much more trouble beating UNC than against Syracuse, Wake Forest and South Carolina.

4. Heisman statement

Deshaun Watson has a chance to make a statement for the Heisman trophy during prime time on the national stage. Clemson’s star quarterback is considered one of the top two candidates along with Alabama running back Derrick Henry.

5. Pizza party

Clemson will hold a pizza party on Sunday – win or lose. Coach Dabo Swinney said his team deserves to be celebrated no matter the outcome, but it’s hard to imagine much of a celebration if an undefeated season and a College Football Playoff bid is erased.

Matt Connolly

This story was originally published December 4, 2015 at 7:28 PM.