College Football
Cotton Bowl Classic Preview: Clemson vs Notre Dame
BYOG part two! Clemson last faced Notre Dame in the hurricane game of 2015 which saw the Tigers win 24-22.
This weekend there will be no elements as the Tigers and Irish face off at AT&T Stadium in Dallas for the Cotton Bowl Classic in the first round of the College Football Playoff. Both teams enter undefeated but who will be moving on to the national championship game?
Clemson O vs Notre Dame D
The Tigers have many playmakers on offense but the Irish aren’t too shabby on defense either. The main storyline will be how Trevor Lawrence continues to play. Will Lawrence continue playing like a seasoned veteran or will the freshman mistakes pop up? Needless to say, the Irish are going to have to keep him and a lot of playmakers in check. Travis Etienne is a gamer who can take it to the house any time he touches the ball. Tee Higgins, Justyn Ross, Amari Rogers, and Hunter Renfrow make the Tigers TOO DEEP in the receiving corp. The Irish are going to have their hands full and need to play their best game of the season.
Advantage: Clemson
Notre Dame O vs Clemson D
Ian Book has had a stellar Junior campaign as the starting QB for Notre Dame. How well he can get in rhythm against the Clemson defense is really going to determine how this game goes. Clemson has one of the best defenses in the nation. However, there have been times this season against better competition where it’s turned into pitch and catch against Clemson’s secondary. Clemson is going to get pressure early so if Book can get the ball out and connect on some deep balls this game could be close. If Clemson’s defense wreaks havoc in the backfield like they have most of the season then it’s going to be a long night for Notre Dame.
Advantage: Slight to Clemson
What Will Happen…
If you compare the stats, Clemson and Notre Dame are not much different. Both have good offenses and good-to-great defenses. I expect there to be both offensive fireworks and defensive stands. I could see a double-digit victory or a nailbiter. In the end, the team with more playmakers and the better defense wins…
Clemson 31 Notre Dame 21
Photo credit to sub z via Flickr.
