Tait Reynolds overcame a rocky start to spark a dominant second-half comeback, quieting critics and securing a pivotal victory for Dabo Swinney behind a relentless rushing attack.
North Carolina got off a hot start, but the Clemson Tigers found a way to finish and escape Week 3 with a 28-20 win.
With Tait Reynolds making his first start at quarterback, UNC took advantage of an offense that was out of sync by putting up two touchdowns in the first quarter. The Tar Heels took a 17-6 lead into halftime.
The second half was a completely different story. The Tigers defense stiffened, allowing UNC to score only a field goal in the game's final 30 minutes. Clemson outscored North Carolina 22-3 in the second half.
Clemson outgained UNC in total yards 401-349.
Here are three takeaways from Clemson's win over UNC.
Tait Reynolds grew up.
Reynolds had a slow start, but appeared to turn the corner in the second half (after he threw an interception to start the third quarter). He finished 20 of 29 throwing for 215 yards, one touchdown, and one interception while adding 26 yards on the ground.
Swinney praised Reynolds after the game, noting the freshman grew up during the contest. Reynolds got the start as Christopher Vizzina is battling an elbow injury. Maybe Swinney decides to keep Reynolds as the permanent starter after the win.
Dabo Swinney won a critical contest.
Both North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick and Swinney needed a win in the worst way on Saturday. Certainly, the comments on social media were not favorable for Swinney in the first half.
Reports circulated this week that some Clemson donors would like to part ways with Swinney. Obviously, a win over UNC won't keep those sentiments at bay, but the outcry would have been a lot louder had the Tigers lost on Saturday.
Will Heldt and Gideon Davidson stood out
Clemson entered the season as a bunch of nobodies. Davidson and Heldt had big games for the Tigers' comeback.
Davidson rushed 16 times for 105 yards (including a long of 45 yards) and one touchdown. Clemson's running game appeared to make UNC's defense tied in the second half.
Heldt recorded three tackles and two sacks. His pressure of UNC quarterback Billy Edwards was crucial to keep points off the board in the second half.
