Let’s call it what it is. Yes, No. 16 Clemson could’ve played better defense in the process of allowing 60 points to Miami in the second half to open up the new year. That doesn’t mean the Hurricanes don’t deserve credit, and any team shooting 75 percent from the floor in a half is often more a result of their play than the opponent.

This leads us into a heavyweight opportunity with No. 8 North Carolina, the first ranked duel the Tigers have played in this season. What plagued Clemson the most in their latest loss was the way Miami’s guards scored at will. Nijel Pack had 25 on 8-13 shooting while Matthew Cleveland added 23 on 9-14. Now just imagine if Wooga Poplar was healthy for the game.

The struggles forced the Tigers into a zone defense at times on the road. That’s something Brad Brownell doesn’t go into often, and his hand was forced. Heading into Saturday, the same issue cannot arise.

While the interior matchup of PJ Hall and Armando Bacot will be one to watch, this game will be decided through guard play. RJ Davis is the only player in the ACC averaging more than Hall, and that’s the task Clemson faces in Littlejohn Coliseum. If he catches fire the way Pack did, it could end in a similar result.

Davis is an efficient scorer that the Tar Heels offense runs through. He’s part of an offense that is No. 11 in the country according to KenPom. Beyond the challenge of Davis, star freshman Elliot Cadeau and transfer Cormac Ryan make it a dynamic backcourt trio. Sound familiar?

It won’t be simple or easy, but the struggles from Miami can be lessons that the Tigers translate into a signature win. Joseph Girard III and Chase Hunter draw the assignments, and their defensive performance will set the tone with what should be an impressive Clemson crowd Saturday at noon, televised on ESPN2.