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Notre Dame Football: 3 keys to victory against Clemson

By Brad Weiss

Nov 7, 2020; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Kyren Williams (23) stiff arms Clemson Tigers safety Nolan Turner (24) on his way to a touchdown in the first quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2020; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Kyren Williams (23) stiff arms Clemson Tigers safety Nolan Turner (24) on his way to a touchdown in the first quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
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Notre Dame football needs to take away Etienne
Travis Etienne must be neutralized by the Irish defense once again. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

Notre Dame football must neutralize Travis Etienne

In their first meeting, a big storyline coming into the game was the fact that it would feature two of the best running backs in the ACC. Travis Etienne, the conference’s all-time leading rusher is predicted to go in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, thanks to his ability to not only tote the rock but also make plays out of the backfield in the passing game.

On the Irish side, Kyren Williams was having a breakout season, and when all was said and done, he had a much better game than Etienne. In fact, Etienne finished the game with only 28 yards rushing, and while he was featured in the passing game, the Irish limited his big-play ability, taking away a huge part of what the Tigers like to do on offense.

On Saturday, that has to be the case once again, as Trevor Lawrence is back, and will certainly make plays in the passing game. If the Irish can hold Etienne under 50 or so yards on the ground, while letting him get a few dump-offs out of the backfield, it will go a long way in Notre Dame coming out on to.

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