ACC Championship Game: Notre Dame vs. Clemson live stream, odds, predictions

The Clemson Tigers look to get revenge against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish as the two teams meet in the ACC Championship Game.

For those who have been living under a rock, one of the biggest impacts the pandemic had had on college football was the Notre Dame Fighting Irish joining the ACC for the 2020 season. And their first season could not have gone any better. The Irish are currently ranked second in the playoff rankings, are undefeated with 10 wins, and are looking for their second win over the Clemson Tigers this season, all in their first-ever appearance in a conference championship game.

Leading the Irish is quarterback Ian Book who has 2,282 passing yards and 15 touchdowns to just two interceptions, while also adding 465 yards and eight scores on the ground. Book’s numbers are impressive but what is more impressive has been his ability to step up and deliver in clutch situations. But no performance this season was more important than in the Irish’s win over the Tigers.

That win should keep Notre Dame in the playoff whether they win or lose to Clemson this Saturday. Many think Texas A&M will sneak in and that the committee would not want a potential third matchup between these two teams but if we are trying to have the four best teams competing for a national title, then we have to include Notre Dame. But a win over the Tigers would eliminate any debate so it’s probably best the Irish just take care of business.

The Clemson Tigers on the other hand will need a win to stay in the playoffs unless Northwestern upsets Ohio State. Now, back when Notre Dame took down Clemson, the Tigers were without their star quarterback, Trevor Lawrence and the debate created was that the Tigers would not have lost had he played in that game. But the quarterback play did not see a drop off — D.J. Uiagalelei was fantastic, throwing for over 450 yards, two touchdowns, running for one touchdown, and finishing the game with an 89.7 QBR.

The Tigers’ biggest issue heading into that early November game was the same issue that continued to show itself throughout the game and that was injuries. Some of Clemson’s best defenders either missed the game due to injury or were injured during this double-overtime thriller. This could also be the concern for the Tigers heading into the ACC title game as the Tigers had some players get banged up in their regular-season finale to Virginia Tech, including linebacker Jake Venables, who is out for the rest of the season with a broken arm.

So will injuries assist the Irish in taking the Tigers out for a second time this season? Or is the presence and play of Trevor Lawrence enough to keep Clemson atop the ACC?

Here’s how to watch and bet on the Notre Dame vs. Clemson game

• Date: Saturday, Dec. 19
• Start Time: 4:00 p.m. ET
• Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
• Stadium: Bank of America Stadium
• TV Info: ABC
• Odds: Clemson -1O.5, O/U 60
• Live Stream: WatchESPN

Prediction: In their first meeting, Notre Dame and Clemson combined for 87 points and nearly 1,000 yards of total offense. Those are high numbers to hit again but do not be surprised if this game resembles the same result. Notre Dame will have their hands full with Trevor Lawrence which should open up the run game for Travis Etienne, which was non-existent in their previous matchup.

The run game for Notre Dame however was a game-changer, as the Irish ran for over 200 yards, which got a jump start on a 65-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. Both offenses will have field days, but the rushing attack of Clemson being more active in this one will give the Tigers the edge as they win the ACC title and hands, Notre Dame, their first loss of the season.

Score: Clemson 41, Notre Dame 37.

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