Notre Dame’s hallmark still is its defense, and its performances over the past two games only reinforce the belief fans have in that unit. This isn’t a defense any opponent should want to face right now. We’ve seen how capable it is of disrupting opposing offenses. By the time those offenses are able to pivot their game plans, it’s either too late to make a difference or simply doesn’t happen. It really is a matter of picking one’s poison.
This should scare Clemson’s offense, which has not matched up to the level of its defense. This once was a lethal unit, but it now looks very ordinary. In addition to the losses, it’s a large reason the Tigers aren’t even receiving poll votes anymore. It’s safe to say that lengthy run of success the program had has run its course.
Here’s a look at how the Irish’s defense matches up with the Tigers’ offense: