SOUTH BEND, IND. — Twice before in the last nine seasons, Notre Dame has found itself knocking on college football’s penthouse door, had it opened and then slammed shut in its face.
On Saturday at Notre Dame Stadium, the fourth-ranked Fighting Irish get another chance to take their place at the table when they host No. 1 Clemson in a game that will have both Atlantic Coast Conference and College Football Playoff ramifications.
During his 10 previous seasons in South Bend, Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly twice has taken 12-0 teams into the postseason and seen them run over by their opponent.