We’re a week away from Notre Dame playing its biggest game of the season at Clemson, but we’re already seeing implications for that contest. We don’t know how Trevor Lawrence will play coming off his COVID-19 diagnosis. Now, the Tigers will be missing part of their defense, albeit temporarily. Late in the Tigers’ 34-28 comeback win over Boston College, defensive end Xavier Thomas targeted the head of Eagles quarterback Phi Jurkovec.
Xavier Thomas was ejected for this hit
He’ll also miss the first half of #1 Clemson vs #4 Notre Dame next week
— PFF College (@PFF_College) October 31, 2020
Not only did Thomas cost his team an interception, but by rule, he will miss the first half of next week’s game in South Bend. Of course, missing only one player on defense for 30 minutes might only affect the Tigers so much. Still, the Irish’s offense might be able to breathe a little easier knowing it has the chance to take advantage of a player’s who’s temporarily absent thanks to his own stupidity. Every little bit can help with so much on the line.