Oct. 18, 2001

WHEN CLEMSON HAS THE BALL: They are so much fun to watch when it is not YOUR defense that is getting sliced and diced and shredded like it was in a Ronco Vegamatic. Their offense is led by Heisman Trophy candidate Woodrow Dantzler and his talents border on the unfair. Picture Philip Rivers' passing numbers and Warrick Dunn's running ability all rolled up into one player who somehow does not get tired. He carved up NC State last weekend, running for two scores and passing for four more in a 517 yard personal total offense day. The week before, Georgia Tech's defense got tacklers to him unblocked, but Dantzler just ran right past them for 164 yards rushing, including the winning touchdown run in overtime. He rushed for 220 yards against Virginia.

The dimension he adds to their attack is incredible. When he is in a one-back set, opponents must defend that formation like it is a two-back set because of his willingness and ability to run. A two-back formation essentially becomes a three-back set and Clemson's empty set, (no backs) is a one-back attack. Manning up in the tackle box to account for Dantzler leaves you light in the secondary, without a safety to roam free, plug gaps and be an "extra player."

Dantzler is completing almost 69 percent of his passes this year, the Tiger's receiving corps is big and talented and their offensive line is among the most athletic and experienced in the conference. So how do you stop that offense? You can't. A defense can only hope to slow it down with sure tackling, patience against the misdirection and playing the airborn ball well when the Tigers throw downfield.

WHEN CAROLINA HAS THE BALL: Clemson's defense is quick and aggressive but not the overwhelmingly talented group they normally put on the field. They rank 5th in the league in total defense, averaging 359 yard allowed per game. (Carolina ranks 2nd in the conference in that same category.)

The Tiger defense is fairly multiple, however, and they give offenses fits with their variety of fronts, blitzes, twists and gambits.

You can block them if you can find them, but can the young Tar Heel offensive line get a hat on a hat?

INTANGIBLES: It is Clemson's homecoming. The Felines have won two in a row and 11 of the last 15 games in the series.

CAROLINA WINS IF: Clemson has three or more turnovers than do the Heels and if the Carolina defense can force the Tigers to settle for field goals in the red zone as opposed to touchdowns.

CLEMSON WINS IF: Anything other than that happens.