Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

GAME OF THE WEEK

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No. 24 North Carolina Tar Heels vs. No. 10 Clemson Tigers When — 8 p.m. Where — Bank of America Stadium TV — ABC WHAT’S AT STAKE?

Clemson is seeking its seventh ACC championsh­ip in the last eight seasons. The Tigers won six straight titles (2015-20) before failing to reach the championsh­ip game last season. UNC has never won an ACC championsh­ip game, losing 45-37 to Clemson in 2015 in its only other appearance. The Tar Heels haven't won the ACC title since 1980, well before the creation of a championsh­ip game. Clemson's loss last week to in-state rival South Carolina likely killed any chance for the Tigers to reach the College Football Playoff.

KEY MATCHUP

UNC QB Drake Maye vs. Clemson's secondary: There are some observers who believe the redshirt freshman warrants Heisman Trophy considerat­ion, although the Tar Heels' two losses to close the season have dampened that enthusiasm. Still, Maye is a dangerous threat and a QB who some pro scouts already believe has the potential to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. Maye has thrown for 3,847 yards and 35 TDs to go along with 629 yards rushing and six TDs.

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