Dabo Swinney and Clemson football need a huge win Saturday against Notre Dame as the doubt around this program has been rising over the past year.
The key on offense for a Clemson win is going to be running back Phil Mafah, who should be in for a heavy workload on Saturday. Star running back Will Shipley is hurt and was in concussion protocol following a big hit he took against NC State. Even if he does play, it will likely be a limited amount, making Mafah that much more important to this offense.
All season, we’ve seen this Tigers offense struggle to find their identity. The only identity they have right now is that of a turnover-prone unit that has failed to live up to expectations. The thing is, there is still time to prove that this offense has some juice.
Against the Fighting Irish, finding their form in the run game would do wonders for this offense. If they can beat the Irish on the ground, it’ll make starting quarterback Cade Klubnik’s job a lot easier.
Mafah needs a massive performance on Saturday for the Tigers to be in a position to win.