Notre Dame sees College Football Playoff hopes fade with Clemson trouncing Fighting Irish

Is it possible that the Notre Dame Fighting Irish get knocked out of College Football Playoff contention with a loss to the Clemson Tigers?

Prior to their rematch with the Clemson Tigers in the ACC Championship Game, Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Brian Kelly hinted the team could boycott the College Football Playoff if family members of the team aren’t allowed to attend the Rose Bowl. That statement might’ve cursed the Fighting Irish.

Notre Dame did pull off the massive upset over Clemson earlier this season, but superstar quarterback Trevor Lawrence didn’t play due to testing positive for COVID-19. With Lawrence on the field this Saturday, Notre Dame got outclassed throughout the first half, resulting in them trailing 24-3 at halftime. That leaves the question — will Notre Dame even make the Playoff if they get blown out by the Tigers?

A blowout loss to Clemson could knock Notre Dame out of the playoff

In the first half, Clemson out-gained Notre Dame on offense 339 yards to the Fighting Irish’s 169. Perhaps the biggest challenge for the Irish was their lack of a rushing attack. Notre Dame could only tally 38 yards on 19 carries, while Clemson recorded 140 yards on just 13 attempts. Not ideal circumstances for the Irish.

Earlier in the day, Ohio State held on to defeat Northwestern for the Big Ten title. Meanwhile, there’s the looming SEC Championship Game between Alabama and Florida. If the Gators were to pull off the upset over Alabama in addition to a Notre Dame blowout, Florid could potentially steal the Fighting Irish’s spot in the College Football Playoff.

If they want to keep their National Championship aspirations alive, they need to bring it to Clemson and really make it a game. If not, the Fighting Irish will have to look at other bowl game options.

The College Football Playoff field will be revealed at noon on Sunday and if the Irish get waxed on Saturday, they’ll have a sleepless night awaiting their fate.

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