Clemson vs. Notre Dame: Prediction and preview
Clemson vs. Notre Dame is shaping up as one of the most interesting games of the weekend.
It’s an impactful game for both programs. Clemson is looking to move to 9-0 and strengthen its case for the College Football Playoff. Notre Dame is looking for its third ranked victory of the year and could move into the top 25 with a victory this weekend.
Clemson vs. Notre Dame preview
These programs feature similar strengths and weaknesses — at least on paper. Both teams rely on an effective running game to move the ball, although DJ Uiagalelei has proven to have higher upside than Drew Pyne.
Similarly, the Tigers and Fighting Irish boast tough defenses that are loaded with NFL talent up front. Myles Murphy, Bryan Bresee, Xavier Thomas, Jayson Ademilola and Isaiah Foskey could all be playing on Sundays next season.
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Clemson and Notre Dame are situated beside one another in the national yards-per-play allowed rankings, at No. 27 and No. 28, respectively. The Tigers have been better against the run, whereas Notre Dame’s strength lies in the passing game.
That Clemson rushing defense will be tested in this game. Notre Dame gave 20 carries to two different running backs — Audric Estime and Logan Diggs — last week against Syracuse.
When the Irish do pass, it’s usually to tight end Michael Mayer. An incredible 74.6% of Notre Dame’s offensive plays this season have been a rushing attempt or a pass to Mayer. Clemson defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin seemed to identify these trends when meeting with reporters earlier this week.
On the other side of the ball, Clemson will be tasked with breaking down Notre Dame’s defense just two weeks after DJ Uiagalelei was benched vs. Syracuse. Uiagalelei turned it over four times before making way for Cade Klubnik in the third quarter. Uiagalelei is expected to start again, but he may not have as much margin for error in this game before the Tigers turn to their 5-star freshman again.
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This is a potential revenge game for Uiagalelei, who nearly led Clemson to a victory at Notre Dame Stadium in 2020 as a true freshman. Uiagalelei was filling in for Trevor Lawrence and played very well in that game. Notre Dame prevailed 47-40. However, the Tigers won the rematch in the ACC title game later that year, 34-10.
Clemson vs. Notre Dame prediction
Notre Dame has genuinely played well over the last 6 weeks, aside from that eye-sore of a loss at home to Stanford. But Clemson is the most talented team the Irish have faced all season. Notre Dame’s one-dimensional offense won’t cut it against a team like Clemson that has equal-or-better talent to the Irish.
Score prediction: Clemson 27, Notre Dame 13
