Clemson Stages Dramatic Comeback to Defeat North Carolina After Lengthy Weather Delay

Clemson rallies past North Carolina 28-20 in a weather-delayed thriller. Gideon Davidson leads the Tigers to their first ACC win of the 2026 season.

Editorial Desk

September 20, 2026 2 Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Clemson, South Carolina — The Clemson Tigers secured their first Atlantic Coast Conference victory of the season on Saturday, overcoming a 14-point first-half deficit to defeat North Carolina 28-20 at Memorial Stadium. The contest, which spanned nearly six hours, was significantly impacted by a 2 1/2-hour weather delay in the fourth quarter.

Freshman quarterback Tait Reynolds, making his first career start, threw for 215 yards and one touchdown. Running back Gideon Davidson proved pivotal in the comeback, rushing for 105 yards and scoring the go-ahead touchdown with five minutes remaining in the game.

The game reached a critical juncture with 8:11 left on the clock and North Carolina threatening at the 7-yard line. Following the lightning-induced suspension of play, the Clemson defense successfully held the Tar Heels to a field goal. Shortly after, Davidson broke free for a 45-yard gain, setting up his own 8-yard scoring run to put the Tigers ahead 21-20.

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North Carolina quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. finished with 135 passing yards and one touchdown, while Benjamin Hall contributed 135 rushing yards and a receiving score. The Tar Heels’ final attempt to rally was thwarted when Clemson’s Elliot Washington intercepted Edwards at midfield with 32 seconds left to play.

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney and North Carolina coach Bill Belichick both addressed the challenges of the day, with Belichick noting that the Tigers simply executed better in the final minutes. Clemson is now set to travel to face California on Friday, while North Carolina enters a bye week before hosting Notre Dame on Oct. 3.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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