CHARLOTTE--1. The amazing thing about Carolina’s 45-37 loss to Clemson in the ACC championship game was how close it was, all factors considered. The Tar Heel defense gave up two Tiger scoring drives of more than 95 yards. Marquise Williams did not have a vintage day. Carolina turned the ball over in the red zone twice. There were two special teams miscues.
And with all that, Carolina was one onside kick recovery away from having a chance to tie the game against the number-one team in the country.
2. To win the game, you figured the Tar Heels would probably need a game-changing play on special teams.