Kirk Herbstreit On Predicting ACC Champ: ‘It’s Coin Flip For Me’

The North Carolina hype is reaching new heights.

Yes, the Tarheels have recruited well under Mack Brown. In fact, according to ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit, North Carolina has recruited so well over the past three years, they are now in position to compete with Clemson for the ACC title.

On his annual preseason awards show, The Herbies, Herbstreit went as far to say that in his mind, it’s closer than others might think. However, he’s still rolling with Clemson, but barely.

“It’s a coin flip for me,” Herbsterit said. “I think North Carolina is that close to competing with Clemson because of the job that Mack Brown has done with the recruiting. I still give Clemson the edge.”

While the Tigers are replacing Trevor Lawrence with D.J. Uiagalelei, it’s the loss of Travis Etienne that is the bigger blow in Herbstreit’s eyes.

“They lose a lot,” he said. “It’s not just losing Trevor Lawrence. To me, it’s losing Travis Etienne. Losing Etienne could be a significant blow. So, we’ll see. I still give Clemson the edge.”

The Tigers have dominated ACC play over the past six seasons, winning six consecutive conference championships. While Herbstreit still gives Clemson a slight edge, he is far from convinced that the Tigers will win a seventh straight title.

“So, I’ve got Clemson over North Carolina, and I really could go either way on that one.”