Written by: Conner Pack
After the first quarter this game was tied 3-3, and it was seemingly a matter of time before one defense caved. Neither offense was able to generate sustained drives as both defenses did a great job of getting pressure on quarterbacks Trevor Lawrence and Ian Book as well as stopping each teams explosive running game. However, once the second quarter rolled around the Notre Dame defense began to crumble as Clemson reeled off 20 unanswered points to take a 20-3 lead going into halftime. At that point the game was essentially over because it was clear Notre Dame couldn’t match the physicality of Clemson. Also, Notre Dame offensively was unable to create big plays down the field in order to open up their run game. So throughout the second half, Clemson continued to dominate as the Tigers went on to win big 30-3.
Throughout this game the size and strength of Clemson really stood out to me. Both teams had great athletes and solid quarterbacks, but at the line of scrimmage Clemson was absolutely dominant. The Tigers defensive line, without Dexter Lawrence, had their way with the Notre Dame offensive line as time and time again they were hitting Ian Book, rattling him, and never allowing him to settle in to make good passes. Also, they shut down home run hitter Dexter Williams and the Notre Dame running game. On the other side of the ball, the Tigers offensive line, after the first quarter, really settled in and gave Trevor Lawrence great protection allowing him to make some big time throws.
The Tigers defense, even without future first round pick Dexter Lawrence, dominated this game. Notre Dame had zero answers for the size, speed, and strength of the Clemson defense. Entering this game Notre Dame was averaging 33.8 points per game and were a well-balanced offense in terms of run vs. pass production (265.6 passing yards and 190.5 rushing yards). Saturday night Clemson wasn’t having any of it as their defense combined for 6 sacks, 8 total tackles for loss, and forced 2 turnovers. The Irish were held to just 248-yards of total offense, 5-17 on third down, and only 88-yards rushing. Also, without the big guy in the middle, Dexter Lawrence, defensive ends Austin Bryant and Clelin Ferrell were dominate coming off the edge. From the start, both defense’s set the tone of the game, but ultimately Clemson’s defense was able to sustain a higher level of play throughout.
Offensively, I had my concerns about quarterback Trevor Lawrence, a true freshman, in whether or not the moment would be too big for him, but I’m glad I can sit here and say I was wrong. Lawrence played exceptionally well finishing the game 27-39 for 327-yards and 3 touchdowns. He did most of his damage without a run game, which is even more impressive. Now, for much of the season Clemson had a balanced offensive attack with running back Travis Etienne, who lead the ACC in rushing yards (1,463), average yards per carry (8.3), and rushing touchdowns (21), but Notre Dame for the majority of the game kept him bottled up. That was until mid-way through the third quarter when he broke off a big time game-clinching touchdown run that would put him over the 100-yard mark.
Final Thoughts
Overall as I’ve said throughout this piece this was an absolute dominating performance by the Clemson Tigers. Defense was great and offensively Trevor Lawrence lived up to the hype and was exceptional as he got everyone of his weapons involved. The Tigers elevated their play to another level and showed why they are one of the two best teams in college football.
Key Performers:
Wide Receiver Justyn Ross: 6 receptions, 148-yards, 2 TD’s
Defensive End Austin Bryant: 6 total tackles (4 solo), 2 sacks, and 3 TFL
Link to Stats/Info and Picture:
http://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=401032079
Leader of the Pack Sports 