While Clemson is a heavy favorite heading into the Cotton Bowl against Notre Dame, the Tigers are currently listed as a 12.5-point favorite in the game, Dabo Swinney’s team will be taking the field without one of its best players.

If you missed the news on Christmas Eve, Dexter Lawrence failed a drug test recently for a banned substance. He did so along with two other Clemson teammates — offensive lineman Zach Giella and tight end Braden Galloway were the others.

The players tested positive for a substance known as ostarine. They claim to not know what that is or how it got into their system. Clemson is standing behind the players, however, the test results are expected to keep them out for the game.

The players have been retested, but the results of those tests aren’t expected to return until Tuesday. Clemson and Notre Dame meet on Saturday.

Lawrence had his first public media availability following news of the failed drug tests on Thursday morning. Here’s what he offered up, according to Ross Dellenger of Sports Illustrated.

“I’m not the guy to do a selfish act like that. Don’t know how that got in my body. … I’m just confused,” Wilkins said. “When Coach Swinney called me, I was in shock.”

Due to the fact the failed test result occurred during the holidays isn’t helping. Unfortunately, that is apparently the hold up in Clemson’s way regarding the speed of the retest. The good news is defensive line may be Clemson’s deepest and most talented position on the roster heading into the Notre Dame game.