Early in the game, both teams provided the level of entertainment expected in this game. After holding Clemson to a missed field goal, UNC moved the ball down the field to the Clemson seven thanks in part to a pair of Tiger personal foul. A snap infraction back the Tar Heels up to the 12 and from there UNC could get to the end zone. Nick Weiler's 30 yard kick gave the Tar Heels an early 3-0 lead.
Clemson answered immediately with an eight play, 75 yard drive and 16-yard touchdown pass from Deshaun Watson to Wayne Gallman.