CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Sometimes it just takes the right opponent.

After experiencing so many struggles during its 1-3 start, Clemson needed one of those get-right games. The Tigers got exactly that on Saturday, scoring touchdowns on each of their first four possessions, en route to a 38-10 blowout win over North Carolina.

For at least one weekend, Dabo Swinney’s team is feeling good about itself.

Who the opponent was does not matter. This Clemson team just needed a win, no matter who it came against. The fact that it played out the way it did can only help give a deflated team some of its confidence back.

Step In Right Direction

Make no mistake, everything that ailed the Tigers over the first four games has not been fixed, but Saturday was a step in the right direction towards finishing strong. Clemson did exactly what it was supposed to do against an overmatched team.

The Tigers had 401 yards of offense through three quarters of play, with 352 of those coming through the air.

The Heels might be one of the worst Power-4 teams in the country, but remember how discombobulated this Clemson team looked against a bad Troy team? At the very least, it gives this team a renewed sense of confidence and a boost of momentum heading to Boston College next weekend.

Defense Showing Signs of Life

This was what most were expecting from Tom Allen’s defense. The Tigers allowed a 58-yard drive on the Heels’ first possession that led to their first three points of the game, but after that, they barely allowed 100 yards before the starters went out in he second half.

North Carolina did have some success late, once the reserves subbed in, but when the starters were in, there were a lot of signs of progress. Even better, some guys looked to be playing with that chip that’s been missing in recent weeks.

Through the first three quarters, North Carolina averaged just 2.7 yards per carry on the ground, was 1-for-9 on third down and 0-for-1 on fourth down. One thing they didn’t do was force a turnover.

Hard to Gauge Klubnik’s Performance

If you look at the numbers, Klubnik was outstanding, and for the most part, he was. He completed 22-of-24 for 254 yards and four touchdowns before exiting in the third quarter. However, there were still a time or two when he was locking on to one receiver.

The biggest thing was finding some success on some of the easier throws. Klubnik got the ball to his playmakers in space and let them do what they do. He also wasn’t getting flustered and abandoning the pocket. However, he wasn’t under much pressure. The quality of the opponent has to be considered, but he did exactly what he was supposed to do.

Klubnik joins Patrick Mahomes as the only two quarterbacks to throw four touchdowns in a single half against a Bill Belichick-led team.

Mixed Bag from Vizzina

For everyone who wanted to see backup Chris Vizzina, the redshirt sophomore finally got an opportunity in this one. Vizzina made one really good throw to Antonio Williams on his first drive, putting it where only his guy could get it.

There were some other throws that were off-target, including two on fade routes into the end zone. To be quite honest, both of those should have been intercepted. A third attempt on third down, on a little out route, also could have easily been picked off. Maybe there’s a reason he’d not gotten a shot yet?

Vizzina finished 6-of-11 for just 39n yards.

Williams Still Perfect

Antonio Williams is still perfect as a passer. The senior wideout hit TJ Moore for a 75-yard touchdown on a trick play on the game’s very first play from scrimmage. For his career, Williams is now 4-for-4 passing for 143 yards with two touchdowns.

Too Many Penalties

Clemson had seven penalties on the afternoon, with three actually coming on one play.