ACC football season preview 2020: Can Notre Dame knock off Clemson?

ACC football Game of the Year: Clemson at Notre Dame on Nov. 7

This game could go a long way into determining the ACC Champion. This could be the only loss for the loser of this game. Notre Dame and Clemson is likely the favorite in every other game they play.

There is a lot on the line for both teams coming into this game. For Notre Dame, they are looking to break through the door and become one of college football’s elite. Since their loss to Clemson in the Cotton Bowl two seasons ago, Kelly has said he feels they are close to Clemson in talent.

During this current run, the Irish have four 10-win seasons in five years but Notre Dame has lost primarily to college football’s elite. Since 2015, the Irish are 0-3 v. Clemson and 0-2 v. Georgia. For Notre Dame to level up, these are the types of games they have to win.

They’ve proven they can beat inferior teams. The Irish have defeated teams that are even with them. Their next step is to defeat one of college football’s elite.

The Tigers have won 29 regular-season games in a row. Their last loss was in 2017 against Syracuse. Their previous game, against LSU, left a pretty bad taste in their mouths. These Clemson Tigers might be a tad ornery coming into this season.

Clemson understands this season; they have at least one team that can give them trouble in conference play. Notre Dame could legitimately keep them from winning the ACC Championship. This is the first game in a long time that Clemson is not a heavy favorite in the regular season.