Sports

Photos: Clemson batters North Carolina in a crucial game for both teams

By Robert Willett and Ethan Hyman
Clemson’s Adam Randall (8) beats North Carolina’s Jaiden Patterson (18) to score on a 35-yard touchdown reception during the first half of UNC’s game against Clemson at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Sat. Oct. 4, 2025.
Clemson’s Adam Randall (8) beats North Carolina’s Jaiden Patterson (18) to score on a 35-yard touchdown reception during the first half of UNC’s game against Clemson at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Sat. Oct. 4, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

The Clemson Tigers come into Chapel Hill to face the University of North Carolina Tar Heels in a noon game that is crucial for both teams.

The Tigers, under Dabo Swinney are a disappointing 1-2, and the Tar Heels, under coach Bill Belichick, are 2-2. This is the first ACC conference action for North Carolina.

UNC quarterback Gio Lopez has been ruled out for the ACC opener at Clemson, making senior Max Johnson the starter after Lopez’s Week 4 leg injury.

Clemson led 35-3 after dominating UNC in the first half.

Check back after the game for more photos.

North Carolina coach Bill Belichick enters the field for the Tar Heels’ game against Clemson on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina coach Bill Belichick enters the field for the Tar Heels’ game against Clemson on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina coach Bill Belichick talks with Clemson coach Dabo Swinney prior to their game on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina coach Bill Belichick talks with Clemson coach Dabo Swinney prior to their game on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Clemson’s Adam Randall (8) pulls in a 23-yard touchdown reception during the first half of UNC’s game against Clemson at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Sat. Oct. 4, 2025.
Clemson’s Adam Randall (8) pulls in a 23-yard touchdown reception during the first half of UNC’s game against Clemson at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Sat. Oct. 4, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Clemson wide receiver T.J. Moore (1) beats North Carolina cornerback Thaddeus Dixon (1) to score on a 75-yard touchdown reception during the first half of UNC’s game against Clemson at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Sat. Oct. 4, 2025. The pass was thrown by Clemson’s Antonio Williams.
Clemson wide receiver T.J. Moore (1) beats North Carolina cornerback Thaddeus Dixon (1) to score on a 75-yard touchdown reception during the first half of UNC’s game against Clemson at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Sat. Oct. 4, 2025. The pass was thrown by Clemson’s Antonio Williams. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Clemson wide receiver Christian Bentancur (87) scores on a 45-yard pass reception from quarterback Cade Klubnik to take a 21-3 lead over North Carolina in the first quarter on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Clemson wide receiver Christian Bentancur (87) scores on a 45-yard pass reception from quarterback Cade Klubnik to take a 21-3 lead over North Carolina in the first quarter on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Clemson wide receiver T.J. Moore (1) celebrates following a 75-yard pass reception for the Tigers’ first touchdown to take a 7-0 lead over North Carolina on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Clemson wide receiver T.J. Moore (1) celebrates following a 75-yard pass reception for the Tigers’ first touchdown to take a 7-0 lead over North Carolina on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney celebrates with the team after they scored during the first half of UNC’s game against Clemson at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Sat. Oct. 4, 2025.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney celebrates with the team after they scored during the first half of UNC’s game against Clemson at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Sat. Oct. 4, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina fans let their feelings be known during the first half of UNC’s game against Clemson at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Sat. Oct. 4, 2025.
North Carolina fans let their feelings be known during the first half of UNC’s game against Clemson at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Sat. Oct. 4, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina coach Bill Belichick studies his tablet in the fourth quarter, down 35-3 against Clemson on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina coach Bill Belichick studies his tablet in the fourth quarter, down 35-3 against Clemson on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina quarterback Max Johnson (14) passes during the first half of UNC’s game against Clemson at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Sat. Oct. 4, 2025.
North Carolina quarterback Max Johnson (14) passes during the first half of UNC’s game against Clemson at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Sat. Oct. 4, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney is pumped during the first half of UNC’s game against Clemson at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Sat. Oct. 4, 2025.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney is pumped during the first half of UNC’s game against Clemson at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Sat. Oct. 4, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Clemson wide receiver T.J. Moore (1) pulls in a reception while defended by North Carolina defensive back Marcus Allen (29) during the first half of UNC’s game against Clemson at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Sat. Oct. 4, 2025.
Clemson wide receiver T.J. Moore (1) pulls in a reception while defended by North Carolina defensive back Marcus Allen (29) during the first half of UNC’s game against Clemson at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Sat. Oct. 4, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina kicker Rece Verhoff (90) connects for a 35-yard field goal in the first quarter against Clemson on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina kicker Rece Verhoff (90) connects for a 35-yard field goal in the first quarter against Clemson on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Clemson wide receiver Tristan Smith (3) pulls in a pass from quarterback Cade Klubnik over North Carolin defensive back Jaiden Patterson (18) for a 19-yard gain in the second quarter on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Clemson wide receiver Tristan Smith (3) pulls in a pass from quarterback Cade Klubnik over North Carolin defensive back Jaiden Patterson (18) for a 19-yard gain in the second quarter on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Clemson wide receiver T.J. Moore (1) pulls in a pass from quarterback Cade Klubnik over North Carolina defensive back Marcus Allen (29) in the second quarter on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Clemson wide receiver T.J. Moore (1) pulls in a pass from quarterback Cade Klubnik over North Carolina defensive back Marcus Allen (29) in the second quarter on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
during the first half of UNC’s game against Clemson at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Sat. Oct. 4, 2025.
during the first half of UNC’s game against Clemson at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Sat. Oct. 4, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Clemson running back Gideon Davidson (9) is stopped for a four-yard loss by North Carolina cornerback Thaddeus Dixon (1) in the first quarter on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Clemson running back Gideon Davidson (9) is stopped for a four-yard loss by North Carolina cornerback Thaddeus Dixon (1) in the first quarter on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) is sacked by North Carolina linebacker Andrew Simpson (2) in the third quarter on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) is sacked by North Carolina linebacker Andrew Simpson (2) in the third quarter on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) is sacked by North Carolina linebacker Andrew Simpson (2) in the third quarter on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) is sacked by North Carolina linebacker Andrew Simpson (2) in the third quarter on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina wide receiver Nathan Leacock (82) is stopped by Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell (8) in the third quarter on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina wide receiver Nathan Leacock (82) is stopped by Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell (8) in the third quarter on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina fans watch during the first half of UNC’s game against Clemson at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Sat. Oct. 4, 2025.
North Carolina fans watch during the first half of UNC’s game against Clemson at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Sat. Oct. 4, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Fans leave during the first half of UNC’s game against Clemson at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Sat. Oct. 4, 2025.
Fans leave during the first half of UNC’s game against Clemson at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Sat. Oct. 4, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
With most of the Blue Zone empty in the third quarter, Clemson safety Khalil Barnes (7) stops North Carolina wide receiver Javarius Green (9) on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
With most of the Blue Zone empty in the third quarter, Clemson safety Khalil Barnes (7) stops North Carolina wide receiver Javarius Green (9) on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick is not happy with the call by the officials during the first half of UNC’s game against Clemson at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Sat. Oct. 4, 2025.
North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick is not happy with the call by the officials during the first half of UNC’s game against Clemson at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Sat. Oct. 4, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina football team chaplain Mitch Mason is honored in the first half during the Tar Heels’ game against Clemson on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina football team chaplain Mitch Mason is honored in the first half during the Tar Heels’ game against Clemson on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina football team chaplain Mitch Mason shows his appreciation for the ovation, as he is honored in the first half during the Tar Heels’ game against Clemson on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina football team chaplain Mitch Mason shows his appreciation for the ovation, as he is honored in the first half during the Tar Heels’ game against Clemson on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina fan Emeric Tate has his photo taken with Jordon Hudson before UNC’s game against Clemson at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Sat. Oct. 4, 2025.
North Carolina fan Emeric Tate has his photo taken with Jordon Hudson before UNC’s game against Clemson at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Sat. Oct. 4, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
A fan has her photo taken with Jordon Hudson before UNC’s game against Clemson at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Sat. Oct. 4, 2025.
A fan has her photo taken with Jordon Hudson before UNC’s game against Clemson at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Sat. Oct. 4, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

This story was originally published October 4, 2025 at 11:53 AM.

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