Notre Dame Football vs. Clemson Tigers: Preview and Prediction
By Brad Weiss
Notre Dame football loses a shootout
This is a game that is going to light up the scoreboard, as they both have veteran quarterbacks who can pick apart defenses, some explosive weapons on the outside, and elite running backs. In the first meeting, the Tigers could not get Travis Etienne going, something they will definitely try to do on Saturday, while the Irish counter with Kyren Williams, a player who exploded onto the scene in 2020.
The matchup between Book and Lawrence is going to be exciting to watch, but it is really which defense can get stops late that is going to be the deciding factor. In the first go-around, Clemson was without three starters on defense, including linebacker James Skalski, their leader in the middle of the defense.
Having Skalsi back is a huge get for Clemson, who will try and stop this dynamic Irish offense. Notre Dame would like nothing more than to win the conference title in their one season as a participant, but beating Clemson twice in one year is a tall order.
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I actually like the Irish to do enough in this game to stay with the Tigers through the four quarters, but in the end, Clemson squeaks out a three-point victory. With the loss, the Irish still clinch one of the four spots in the College Football Playoff, but it also allows Clemson new life and a potential third meeting.
Prediction: Clemson 31, Notre Dame 28