Michael Chen’s Notre Dame-Clemson Game Prediction:
If all things were equal — Clemson’s star quarterback Trevor Lawrence was playing — I just don’t see how the Irish could win. He’s a generational talent, at least on the collegiate level so far in his career, and has lost once in his 30-game starting career! However, in true 2020 fashion, Lawrence contracted COVID-19 and due to protocols, he’ll just be roaming the sidelines instead of dominating on the field.
This created a perfect storm for Brian Kelly and Notre Dame, an opportunity to defeat mighty Clemson and halt its 34-game ACC winning steak. Can the Irish pull of the upset at home? Yes, but will they?
I’ve wrestled with this one since the final whistle last week and the focus went to Dabo Swinney’s team with a freshman quarterback in D.J. Uiagalelei. I want to pick the Irish, but I rationally can’t. It hurts (and I hope I’m wrong), but I just can’t see this Irish team overcoming their one huge flaw, a downfield passing game, against the Clemson secondary. Kyren Williams will run well enough to keep the Irish in the game, but ultimately lose a heartbreaker.
Clemson 24, Notre Dame 21
Next – Jeff Feyerer’s Notre Dame-Clemson Game Prediction…