The game everyone had circled in the Tigers' schedule is upon us. Both Clemson and Notre Dame can use this game to spring them to national relevance. With a national audience watching, Saturday night is a big opportunity for Dabo's team to prove they are elite.
Clemson's Offense vs Notre Dame's Defense
Clemson's offense will have a tough matchup Saturday night but they can take advantage of the weaknesses in the Irish's defense. The Notre Dame secondary has been torched a few times this year. Through 4 games they have had only one interception. The downfield passing attack will create huge opportunities for the Tigers to win. With Artavis Scott, Charone Peake, and Germone Hopper as legitimate deep threats, it will be hard for the Irish to stop Deshaun Watson and company.
The running game may be more difficult for the Tigers to establish. Irish linebacker, Jaylon Smith, leads the team in tackles and tackles for loss. He's a superstar. It also helps that he has a good defensive line in front of him. Wayne Gallman had a big performance against Louisville but he may not have it so easy Saturday night. The Tiger offensive line has to find a way to open holes to keep them ahead of the chains.
Notre Dame's Offense vs Clemson's Defense
Notre Dame's success Saturday will depend on how effective CJ Prosise is. Thus far, he has averaged 150 yards per game. Not only is he talented but the offensive line is one of the best in the country. The Tiger D-line will have its hands full. Linebacker, Ben Boulware, will need a big performance for Clemson to have any shot at slowing down the Irish run game. The Tigers need double digit tackles from Boulware. If not, it could be a long night.
The main reason Clemson needs to stop the run game is because of the inexperience if Notre Dame quarterback DeShone Kizer. He's never played on the road in an environment like Death Valley. Because of this the Tigers will want to force him into mistakes. One thing he does have going for him is Will Fuller, one of the best receivers in the nation. Mackenzie Alexander will match up with Fuller and if he can contain him, the Tigers should do well.
Special Teams
Clemson has showen weakness in kick coverage. If Dabo and company haven't cleared up these coverage issues, the Irish will take advantage. Notre Dame's kick coverage success has been assisted by Tyler Newsome's 8 touchbacks. Clemson doesn't have that luxury at the moment.
Field goals will be important Saturday night. True freshman kicker, Justin Yoon of Nortre Dame could play a huge role in the outcome of this game. With no experience on the road in a place like Memorial Stadium, this will be a big advantage for the Tigers.
X-Factor
The weather will be the x-factor. The forecast calls for a lot of rain on Saturday night. A wet environment leading to fumbles and dropped balls could be a game equalizer. The best running team should benefit from the rain and that is the Irish due to their strong offensive line. If it stays dry the Tigers will benefit by being the better passing team.
Prediction
With ESPN Gameday in town and a prime time game, the winner will vault into the national spotlight and likely move up the polls. While Notre Dame has a really good team and talent, the lack of experience at quarterback is vital in games like this. Being the most important position on the field, the Tigers have to like there chances with Deshaun Watson. This game can launch him into Heisman talk and the Tigers into playoff contention. It won't be easy. It could go either way but having the better QB and homefield advantage is a lot for the Irish to overcome. Clemson wins 37-33.
Clemson Tigers vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish Preview and Prediction
