3 reasons why Notre Dame will upset Clemson and 1 why they won’t
By John Buhler
Why the upset will not happen: Clemson’s talent will prevail in the end
It does not merit a deeper explanation than this. Clemson has one of the best and most complete rosters in the country. For years now, people have equated Dabo Swinney‘s football program to being one with SEC talent playing an ACC schedule. If you have watched Clemson for the last half decade, that is exactly what it looks like and plays like. So where does Notre Dame fall?
From a personnel standpoint, Notre Dame has a fantastic offensive line, as it has been the strength of the program throughout the Kelly era. Every year, the Irish will have defensive studs, as well as a top-tier tight ends. However, they will be at a disadvantage at many of the skill positions when compared to Clemson. They do not have enough guys quite like Travis Etienne.
It will take a total team effort for Notre Dame to slow down the Clemson offense enough to give Ian Book and the Notre Dame offense a chance. This means neutralizing Etienne from the jump and throughout, forcing Uiagaelei to try to beat you through the air, which he totally could. From there, you have to pray Book has the game of his life for the Irish to stun the Tigers.
Ultimately, Notre Dame has next to no margin for error to be able to defeat Clemson. They cannot make more than one mistake. If they do and they allow this game to be close, a team as well-coached and as talented as Clemson will take advantage of second and third mistakes and use them to fuel their way to a huge marquee victory on the road over the Fighting Irish on Saturday.
Everything has to go right for Notre Dame to pull off the upset, but it is not an impossibility.
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