Gridiron Heroics
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Trending
    • Bills Linebacker Makes Pro-Bowl
    • Saints Defensive End Named to Pro Bowl Roster
    • Hawaii Football: Remembering Jim Leahey
    • Two LSU Tigers Participating in 2023 East-West Shrine Bowl
    • Why the Dallas Cowboys Won’t make it to the Super Bowl Next Year!
    • Social Media Reacts to Tyler Huntley Pro Bowl Selection
    • Utah Locals in Super Bowl 57
    • Derek Carr Gives Hilarious Response To Being Added To Pro Bowl Roster
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Our Writers
    • Write for Gridiron Heroics
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Gridiron Heroics
    JOIN OUR FB GROUP
    Gridiron Heroics
    Home»College Football»Notre Dame vs Clemson: Can the Irish Shock the Nation?
    College Football

    Notre Dame vs Clemson: Can the Irish Shock the Nation?

    Notre Dame vs Clemson analysis & prediction. Do we smell an upset?
    Sam Jordan DudeckBy Sam Jordan DudeckNovember 4, 2022Updated:January 17, 2023No Comments6 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Notre Dame vs Clemson
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    Here we are, week 10 – and you know what that means? Notre Dame vs Clemson. The struggling program going through a coaching change with a backup quarterback against Dabo Swinney’s dynasty. After what’s been an… interesting year for Irish fans (and not necessarily in a good way) – Notre Dame finally circles around to the match-up we’ve all been waiting for… Number 5, Clemson.

    Notre Dame vs Clemson
    Notre Dame wide receiver Tobias Merriweather (15). (Photo by Michael Reaves)

    Ironically, for a team with just about zero chance at a National Championship – this matchup is just about as crucial as can be. Not just for the record, not just to crack the rankings – but to make a statement. A statement that lets the whole country know that Notre Dame is by no means “down and out”. It’s been a year far, far below the Fighting Irish standards and expectations. A win against Clemson would show the country what Notre Dame is capable of, and that they still remain a top program amidst the big boys down south. Maybe not now – but soon.

    Notre Dame vs Clemson
    DJ Uiagalelei Back to Pass-Bart Boatwright-The Clemson Insider

    Hell, it’s worth mentioning that even for Clemson who sits at number 5, it hasn’t been the prettiest of seasons, either! DJ Uigalalei was supposed to be the next big thing! Uh, hasn’t looked like it. A wide receiver room that has gone from DeAndre Hopkins to Sammy Watkins to Mike Williams to Tee Higgins has suddenly lost its star power. Clemson is no slouch at number 5, but they’re certainly not untouchable, either.

    So, the stage has been set for Notre Dame vs Clemson and I think everyone who has a say in this game knows the impact – so let’s take a deeper look into the head-to-head analysis:

    Notre Dame vs Clemson: Head to Head

    Notre Dame vs Clemson
    ND Fightin’ Irish HC Marcus Freeman

    Ironically, when you look at the QB stats – Drew Pyne and DJ Uiagalelei are not that far apart. Yup, you read that right. The guy who was pegged to be the heir apparent to Tahj Boyd, DeShaun Watson, and Trevor Lawrence is at the same level as a backup. It’s no wonder Swinney’s been mixing up the snaps behind center. And at receiver – Clemson doesn’t have the Sammy Watkins, Mike Williams, or DeAndre Hopkins they’ve been known for. Instead, when you look at the top receiver matchup – advantage Michael Mayer. However, Notre Dame’s depth at receiver this year has been awful – Lorenzo Styles has shown flashes, but few and far between. But again… Notre Dame has Michael Mayer.

    The Passing Game: 50/50

    When it comes to the run game, this one might be obvious. Jordan Shipley has been an absolute problem this year. However, while Audric Estimae, Chris Tyree, or Logan Diggs may not have the national star power that Shipley does, their performance has been a pleasant surprise in an otherwise abysmal season. A perfect example? Estimae and company had their way against number 16 Syracuse, as well as (then) number 16 BYU – and it carried the Irish to victory. But, as we all know, most running backs are only as good as their Offensive line – and that is where Notre Dame has the advantage. Look at the statistics alone, Clemson ranks 24th at the highest in all blocking categories, whereas Notre Dame averages an overall far higher ranking.

    The Running Game: Advantage Notre Dame

    On the defensive side, things get a little scary for the Golden Domers. Not only does Clemson have the advantage statistically, but their performances alone tell the story. Notre Dame has given up massive amounts of points in losses to sub-par teams like Cal, Stanford, and… Marshall. One of the scariest parts of all is the fact that Clemson’s Defense limits an average of only 87 rushing yards to opposing Offenses; an area that Notre Dame will need to rely on if they have any chance of winning. And yet – the irony is, Notre Dame was able to shut down Ohio State for 3 quarters… so you never really know.

    The Defense: Advantage Clemson

    Lastly, and probably most importantly, you have to look at the Coaches who will be leading these young men in this marquee matchup. On one side, you have a National Champion Coach with dynastic numbers, popularity, and a way with recruits. Whereas on the other sideline, you have… Marcus Freeman. Okay, that was a bit harsh – I do like the first year Coach and believe that he’s onto something, but these things take time, and it’s been a rocky start thus far. But, it doesn’t take a psychologist to know that this game is a defining moment for Marcus Freeman – so we’ll see if he can step up.

    The Coaching: Advantage Clemson

    Notre Dame vs Clemson: Prediction

    Notre Dame vs Clemson
    Credit: Sports Illustrated

    So, all in all – what do we have here – a pretty even match despite the massive variance in rankings and records. And that actually might be the defining difference – the glue, the confidence, the swagger of a team that hasn’t lost a game; versus a team who’s struggled and is still finding their identity. You can just see it in the way they walk, in the way they play – there’s a tangible element to the “swag”.

    Do I think Notre Dame can pull this off? Absolutely! There’s a reason they’re only +4 underdogs. But will they? I don’t know. All of the history goes against it – as Notre Dame has had a terrible recent history of blowing big games. BUT – who was the one major program they overthrew in recent history?

    Oh yeah, that’s right… Clemson.

    Overall, based on the head-to-head, and the fact that ND has shown up in big games under Marcus Freeman – I think it’ll be a close game. A shoot-out, but a close game. Clemson’s run defense has been stout, no doubt, but with the way that ND’s been running the ball – you have to believe that the three-headed monster of Estimae/Tyree/Diggs can keep it close. And if not, Pyne’s been capable, at least. He won’t win the Irish the game, but he certainly won’t give it away, either.

    Take all of that, and add in the fact that the game is in South Bend.

    My prediction: 24-28, Notre Dame Shocks Clemson in a Back & Forth Shoot-Out

     

    Related

    For More Great Football Content

    Follow us on Twitter at @GridironHeroics for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Football news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE

    Checkout our latest podcast!

    [powerpress_playlist limit=1]
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Avatar photo
    Sam Jordan Dudeck
    • Instagram

    Sam Jordan Dudeck is a 28 year old screenwriter based in Los Angeles, CA - and also, a former college athlete who still lives, breathes, and bleeds sports. His favorite teams are the Los Angeles Chargers, San Diego Padres, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and the Los Angeles Clippers - in other words, he's used to heartbreak and frequently says "next year will be our year".

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Bills Linebacker Makes Pro-Bowl

    By Jorden HamptonJanuary 31, 20230
    New Orleans Saints

    Saints Defensive End Named to Pro Bowl Roster

    By Tyler EschetteJanuary 31, 20230
    College Football

    Hawaii Football: Remembering Jim Leahey

    By Jorden HamptonJanuary 31, 20230
    College Football

    Two LSU Tigers Participating in 2023 East-West Shrine Bowl

    By Tyler EschetteJanuary 31, 20230
    FOLLOW US
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    READ MORE
    2022 college football season 2022 Fantasy Football 2022 NFL season Alabama Crimson Tide Atlanta Falcons Baltimore Ravens Big Ten Browns Buffalo Bills BYU BYU Cougars BYU Defense BYU football BYU Offense Carolina Panthers Chicago Bears Cincinnati Bengals Cleveland Browns College Football Dallas Cowboys Denver Broncos Detroit Lions Fantasy Football Football Green Bay Packers Indianapolis Colts Jalen Hurts Kansas City Chiefs Los Angeles Chargers Miami Dolphins Minnesota Vikings NCAA New England Patriots New Orleans Saints NFL Ohio State Buckeyes Pac-12 Philadelphia Eagles Pittsburgh Steelers San Francisco 49ers Seattle Seahawks SEC Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tom Brady Washington Commanders
    Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest
    © 2023 ThemeSphere. Designed by ThemeSphere.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.