Clemson returned to the College Football Playoff for the 4th consecutive year to face the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame in the Cotton Bowl. The Tigers were strongly favored but the Irish came in with a very balanced team on both sides of the ball. ND likes to run the ball and the Tiger defense is one of the best teams against the run. Would the suspension of mountainous run-stopper Dexter Lawrence have an effect on the outcome?
Clemson won the toss and deferred. B.T. Potter put the kickoff into the end zone and ND took the fair catch.