Notre Dame Football: 3 Takeaways from road loss to Clemson

Notre Dame Football Offensive Takeaways

The Clemson Tigers did everything possible to hand the game back to the Irish in the fourth quarter. The Tigers did not score in the final frame, gaining only 27 yards in the fourth quarter. Cade Klubnik nearly lost a high snap, and Phil Mafah — who was otherwise dazzling in the game — fumbled late in the fourth quarter.

However, Notre Dame Football could not move the football after getting within one score. That is square y on the right arm of quarterback Sam Hartman. Not only did the Wake Forest transfer play poorly, but Saturday was his worst game in an Irish uniform and perhaps his worst game against Clemson.

Hartman was 13-30 for 146 yards and two interceptions. The passing game was inept, and when the Irish needed plays from the quarterback, he did not come up with the goods. With tight end Mitche l Evans out for this game and the season, Hartman could not find anyone else consistently.

The offensive line did a solid job in pass protection most of the game, and Audric Estime picked up the blitz and ran the football. Saturday afternoon was a stark reminder of the importance of having a playmaker at quarterback. Notre Dame does not have one.