CLEMSON – The Clemson Tigers and North Carolina Tar Heels meet in the toughest test for Wes Goodwin’s defense Saturday in Death Valley.

It’s a given that this will be one of the best battles between units, if not the best in Clemson’s 2023 season. With that in mind, here’s the key matchups for the Tigers and Tar Heels.

Drake Maye vs. Jeremiah Trotter Jr.

Not everyday you get to see an elite cerebral war on the football field. Saturday is one of those cases.

Maye is arguably the No. 1 pick in next year’s draft and Trotter is one of, if not the smartest linebacker in the country. We saw him confuse Adam Hartman all day two weeks back, and now it’s time to learn if he can do the same to Maye.

Clemson DL vs. North Carolina OL

For the No. 3 total offense in the country, the Tar Heels have a singular hole in that unit. It’s the offensive line.

On the other side, Clemson has a ferocious defensive front. It’s Senior Day in Death Valley to boot.

Xavier Thomas, Justin Mascoll, Tyler Davis and Ruke Orhorhoro will all be making their final trips down from Howard’s Rock and it’ll be an emotional day.

The Tigers defensive line needs to feed off that energy, stifle the run game of No. 2 leading rusher Omarion Hampton and pressure Maye early and often.

Clemson RBs vs. North Carolina defense

This matchup is against the Tar Heels defense, but it might as well be against the clock. Taking on such a prolific offense, relying on the run game is crucial for Clemson.

Phil Mafah and Will Shipley are playing their best football of 2023 and so is the Tigers offensive line. Choking out the time of possession is paramount and it’ll be on Clemson’s ground game to make sure Maye and Hampton aren’t on the field often.