Clemson Tigers at Notre Dame Fighting Irish: Game preview and predictions

Clemson Tigers at Notre Dame Fighting Irish: Game preview and predictions

Daniel Morrison

In order for Notre Dame to win on Saturday, they need to limit possessions for Clemson, score touchdowns when they get in the red zone, and force a freshman quarterback to beat them. In other words, win the line of scrimmage and contain Travis Etienne. That’s a big ask, and one I don’t think Notre Dame is up to, particularly on offense.

Clemson 27, Notre Dame 20

Carlee North

Notre Dame has a massive opportunity in front of them. Clemson will be without their generational quarterback in addition to being really banged up in the front seven on defense. Ian Book has to play lights out, and the time of possession needs to favor Notre Dame. The Irish offensive line also needs to show why they are one of the best units in the country.

The Notre Dame defense needs to continue what they’ve been doing all season, but also play with a bit more of an edge.

This game could be the biggest game of the Kelly era. I’m talking regular season games, bowl games, or playoff games. Notre Dame has to get over the hurdle of these big games. This is a program-defining game for Brian Kelly.

My heart says they can upset Clemson, but I can’t get past the recent history of Notre Dame in these spots. My head says that history will repeat itself once again. Please heart, be right this time.

Clemson 27, Notre Dame 24

Andrew Hall

One of the biggest home games in recent history presents a great opportunity for Brian Kelly and Notre Dame. Under Kelly, the Irish are 3-8 against teams in the top 10. On the other hand, Clemson has performed well in these situations. Even with players out, the Tigers have earned deference in making this prediction. Notre Dame plays well but it is unable to get over the hump.

Clemson 28, Notre Dame 24

Jack Leniart

In recent history, Notre Dame has performed poorly in games like this. The Irish have lost 19 of their last 20 games against opponents ranked in the top 5. That’s bad. Like, really bad. To me, though, it seems like Notre Dame is due for a win. The Irish could not have asked for a better opportunity to beat the top-ranked team in the country. In addition to Trevor Lawrence being out, the Tigers will also be without a handful of other key players.

James Skalski, Mike Jones, and Tyler Davis will miss the game entirely while Xavier Thomas will miss the first half due to a targeting penalty. Even with those absences, it will still take a great effort from Notre Dame to win this game. I think this game will be tied at 24 after four quarters, and the Irish will pull off the upset in overtime.

F/OT  Notre Dame 32, Clemson 31