Clemson Tigers at Notre Dame Fighting Irish: 3 Biggest Surprises

Clemson Tigers at Notre Dame Fighting Irish: 3 Biggest Surprises

The Notre Dame defense gave up 33 points in regulation and 40 points total in a game that the Irish won.

Heading into this game, Clark Lea’s defenses over the past two and a half seasons were allowing just about 16 points per game. Over that same span, the Irish were 29-1 in games where they held their opponents to less than 30 points.

If you were drawing up a winning formula for Notre Dame in their game against Clemson, that formula would include holding the Tigers to less than 30 points.

Well, as we all know, that did not happen. With just over three minutes left in the fourth quarter, Clemson scored a touchdown to take the lead and eclipse that 30-point mark.

Freshman quarterback DJ Uiagalelei had what may go down as one of the best games of his college career when all is said and done. He threw for 439 yards and two touchdowns while averaging 10 yards per attempt. He also had a rushing touchdown in the first overtime.

While the defense gave up 33 points in regulation, they also helped Notre Dame put points on the board. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah returned an unforced Travis Etienne fumble for a touchdown. Owusu-Koramoah forced a fumble on the following possession that set up a Notre Dame field goal.