Notre Dame puts Clemson on upset alert as Tigers self-destruct in first half

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have put the Clemson Tigers on upset alert.

Before the start of the season, the Clemson Tigers were expected to enter Notre Dame Stadium to start under center against the Fighting Irish. That didn’t happen, because Lawrence, unfortunately, tested positive for COVID-19. Would it create trouble for the Tigers? The answer is a resounding yes.

Notre Dame enters halftime with an early 23-13 lead, thanks to self-destruction by Clemson.

Notre Dame set the tone early vs. Clemson

The Fighting Irish let the Tigers know they weren’t here to get pushed over on the very first play of the game. Running back Kyren Williams took the first snap from Ian Book and rushed for a 65-yard touchdown and a 7-0 lead.

Clemson had the chance to come back after Notre Dame punted with a 13-10 lead but the Tigers literally fumbled away the opportunity. Travis Etienne was hit for an eight-yard loss and coughed up the football, allowing Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah to scoop it up and score, giving the Fighting Irish a 20-10 lead. Replay showed the linebacker’s knee was down before breaking the goal line at the one-yard line but the call was not reviewed or overturned.

Can D.J. Uiagalelei have a second-half comeback like he did last week against Boston College when they overcame an 18-point deficit? Obviously, No. 4 Notre Dame is a much stiffer test than Boston College and playing at Notre Dame Stadium could present some challenges.

You can watch the second half as No. 1 Clemson attempts to avoid the upset and win for the 51st straight game on a Saturday.

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