During an ESPN College GameDay segment Saturday morning, analysts Nick Saban and Kirk Herbstreit gave some thoughts on Clemson ahead of today’s ACC opener at home against North Carolina.

Clemson (1-1) bounced back from a season-opening, 51-10 blowout loss to LSU with a 22-7 win over Georgia Southern last week.

Through the first two games, Clemson’s offense ranked dead last in the ACC for points (16.0 per game) and total yards (246.0). The Tigers are looking to get on track offensively vs. UNC, with the hope that true freshman quarterback Tait Reynolds can spark a sluggish offense that has struggled significantly.

“I think the big thing for Clemson is they’ve been able to establish no identity on offense,” Saban said. “They struggle to run the ball. They have too many negative plays, whether it’s sacks, penalties, putting themselves behind the eight-ball on offense. Tait Reynolds is just a young quarterback who needs the people around him to play well. And the strength of their team on offense is really Bryant Wesco, T.J. Moore and Tyler Brown, their three receivers, and they have not been able to get them the ball to make explosive plays.

“So, their defense played much better last week than they did against LSU the first week. And I do think North Carolina is better on defense. Their quarterback [Billy Edwards Jr.] is better. [Offensive coordinator] Bobby Petrino makes them better. So, this is going to be a heck of a game.”

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney officially named Reynolds the starting quarterback for the game vs. North Carolina. Swinney and offensive coordinator Chad Morris hope Reynolds, with his dual-threat ability, athleticism and physical tools, will revitalize the offense.

Vizzina started the first two games but struggled during the loss to LSU and was later injured against Georgia Southern. Reynolds came off the bench against Georgia Southern to finish 16-of-27 for 178 passing yards and 38 rushing yards, leading five field goal drives.

Herbstreit noted that Reynolds faces a tall task as a true freshman signal-caller against North Carolina coach Bill Belichick’s Tar Heels defensive front.

“True freshman, the challenge is North Carolina’s defensive line,” Herbstreit said. “Xavier Lewis, 90, and Jaylen Harvey, 11 – those guys are on fire, playing really, really well. And Bill Belichick, against a true freshman quarterback with that kind of defensive front, is a challenge.”

Kickoff is set for noon on ESPN. Clemson is a 3.5-point favorite.