Notre Dame Football: 3 Bold Predictions vs. Clemson in the Cotton Bowl
By Chase Eyrich
The Offensive Line Will be the Most Valuable Unit
There are a few key things that will lead to Notre Dame’s success. Tackling against a well-polished offense will be one, but Notre Dame’s offensive line will be the biggest.
We’re not going to see a low scoring game like we did against Michigan or Pitt. The winner of the Cotton Bowl is going to have to be able to put the scoreboard operator to work.
Notre Dame’s offensive line has received a fair amount of criticism. One reason for that is that they are being compared to the offensive line the Irish had last season. Additionally, they are being compared to the rest of the team — which is solid if-not-elite at every position group.
The fact is, Notre Dame’s offensive line is solid. Fortunately for the Irish, the rest of the team is just better. It’s a nice problem to have. They just happen to be the least talented group on an immensely talented team. With that being said, this line is still a huge reason the No. 3 Irish are in the Playoff.
The Irish will win this game based off of what the offensive line gives them. Yes, they are facing their toughest matchup of the season, but so is Clemson.
Notre Dame has been able to disguise their offense for much of the season with Ian Book under center. His completion rate this season has been a ridiculous 70.4 percent. He doesn’t need much time, but the offensive line will be responsible for giving enough time for the receivers to get downfield.
This is where Notre Dame has the advantage — their receivers vs. Clemson’s secondary.
On top of that, Dexter Williams also doesn’t need much space, but the offensive line will be responsible for those tiny holes for him to break off those big runs.
If they can do this, the offensive line will be the most valuable unit that will lead Notre Dame to victory.