no. 9 Clemson is back in the ACC Championship Game after failing to make an appearance last season for the first time since 2014, and the Tigers are making the most of the opportunity thus far as they lead No. 23 North Carolina 24-10 at halftime. The Tar Heels jumped out to a 7-0 lead and forced Clemson into consecutive three-and-outs to begin the game before a quarterback change flipped the dynamics in this matchup.
On Clemson’s third series, coach Dabo Swinney put freshman quarterback Cade Klubnik into the game over starter DJ Uiagalelei, and results immediately followed as Klubnik completed 5 of 5 passes on a 71-yard touchdown drive to jumpstart the Tigers. From there, a costly North Carolina fumble and a blocked field goal attempt helped the Tigers extend their lead.
Neither team has hopes of reaching the College Football Playoff, but the winner is likely destined for the Orange Bowl. Reaching a bowl of that magnitude would mark a particularly significant achievement for a UNC program that has been revitalized under fourth-year coach Mack Brown. An ACC title would also mark a strong rebound for Clemson after the Tigers suffered a surprising loss to rival South Carolina in the final week of the regular season.
Keep it locked here as CBS Sports provides for live updates, analysis and highlights throughout the ACC Championship Game.