CLEMSON – The Clemson defense is a championship-caliber unit, and it enters the toughest test in Death Valley Saturday.

Potential No. 1 draft pick Drake Maye and North Carolina will take on the Tigers with hopes still alive to reach the ACC Championship. Clemson can slam the door shut, and this game is a battle of heavyweights.

To put into perspective how big of a battle it is between the Tigers defense and the Tar Heels’ offense, here’s three key stats for Saturday.

No. 3 total offense vs. No. 6 total defense

This game may not be a matchup of top-10 teams like it could’ve been in the rankings, but the on-field product is of that caliber.

North Carolina is averaging 520.6 yards per game, and features a balanced attack even with Maye at the helm. The return of wide receiver Tez Walker also plays a massive part in their success.

On the other side, Clemson is giving up just 271.8 yards per game and are coming off a performance where they suffocated Haynes King and Georgia Tech.

Omarion Hampton vs. Clemson’s 3.45 yards per carry allowed

The Tar Heel running back is second in the nation with 1,236 rushing yards on 6.0 yards per carry. He’s reached the end zone 13 times and is the perfect compliment to Maye’s game.

This is where things could get shaky for the Tigers because they’re No. 20 in the country in total rushing defense. Limiting the Yellow Jackets to 3.5 yards per carry was key progress.

Nonetheless, it’s a different beast here and it all starts up front.

Clemson’s No. 7 passing defense vs, No. 3 passer

Here’s where the Tigers can have an edge. Maye is third in the country in passing yards per game with 314.5, but the Tar Heels may have to rely on him.

North Carolina has surrendered over 30 points in four-straight ACC games. Clemson’s passing defense is terrifying when they get to pin their ears back. Ask King and Georgia Tech, who threw four interceptions last Saturday.

Maye is a much tougher quarterback to turn over, but the Tigers offense creating a lead can let that pass rush create fits.