Notre Dame Football: Key Defensive Matchups for the Playoff Semifinal

Notre Dame football is one day away from the College Football Playoff Semifinal with Clemson, and the Irish defense will face their biggest challenge yet.

For Notre Dame football fans, the talk about Clemson is of their devastating defense and deservedly so. They rank number one in many different defensive statistics. However, their offense is very potent in its own right causing headaches for opposing teams. From quarterback Trevor Lawrence to running back Travis Etienne to wide receiver Tee Higgins and many more, the Tigers’ offense will be difficult to contain at all levels.

Here is a look at the key defensive matchups for tomorrow’s game:

Trevor Lawrence vs. Irish Secondary 

The Irish secondary has been a strong suit all season, starting with All-American Julian Love at corner. The safety play is vastly improved with Alohi Gilman taking over at free safety and the development of Jalen Elliott at strong. It also helps that Notre Dame’s second corner, Troy Pride Jr., is typically the best athlete on the field at all times. With Clemson, however, that could all change. Lawrence is a true freshman, but he rarely, if ever, plays like one. He was the number number-one recruit in the 2018 class, and that has only showcased itself this season. It will be up to the secondary to contain the Clemson wideouts and make plays the ball when Lawrence has time to throw.

Travis Etienne and Clemson Rushing Attack vs. the Notre Dame Front Seven

Early on in the season, Notre Dame proved to be terrific against the run. With star players at defensive tackle, defensive end and inside linebacker, they made it difficult for opposing offenses. As the season wore on, teams started to exploit the lack of depth defensive tackle and linebacker specifically. Still, the defense remained solid. A month of rest should help Notre Dame be at full strength, but Etienne and the Clemson rushing attack is special. Etienne ran for over 1,450 yards on 176 carries (8.3 yards per carry) and 10 touchdowns. Behind him it wasn’t much different. Former five-star, Tavien Feaster rushed for 6 touchdowns and 409 yards. Senior, Adam Choice ran for 7 touchdowns and 506 yards, and coveted freshman Lyn-J Dixon put up 536 yards and 5 touchdowns.

Clemson is dangerous with any of these guys in the backfield, and the Notre Dame front seven will need to have their best game to date. I can’t emphasize enough how much the rest should play a factor in the overall performance of guys like Jerry Tillery, Drue Tranquill and Te’Von Coney.

Clemson Offensive Line vs. ND Pass Rush

Much like Clemson’s defensive line, Notre Dame’s is a major strength and able to provide a consistent pass rush with only four. Clemson’s offensive line is old and experienced in big games led by senior Mitch Hyatt at left tackle.

The Notre Dame pass rush makes the defense go, and this game will likely be won in the trenches. Khalid Kareem, Julian Okwara, Daelin Hayes and Jerry Tillery need to provide a consistent pass rush and get in the face of Trevor Lawrence early and often. Do that, and all of the other key defensive matchups become less prevalent. This could be the coming out party for Okwara and Kareem on the biggest of stages. ND fans know these guys are terrific, but the rest of the college football world doesn’t.

All of these factors will play big roles in the game. Clemson has many ways to attack opposing defenses. Both teams will face their toughest test of the season. We should see some very quality football on both sides of the football tomorrow afternoon.