Clemson Football Looks to Avoid Third Straight Loss Against Notre Dame
Clemson football is gearing up for a crucial matchup in Week 10 as they aim to avoid a third consecutive loss when they host No. 12 Notre Dame at Memorial Stadium. The Tigers (4-4) have not faced such a losing streak since 2010, making this game a must-win for the team. On the other hand, the Fighting Irish (7-2) are riding the momentum of two straight victories against Southern Cal and Pittsburgh.
One of the key factors to watch out for in this game is Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman. Clemson is no stranger to Hartman, who spent his first five seasons at Wake Forest. During his time there, he faced Clemson four times but failed to secure a victory against them. However, in their last meeting, Hartman showcased his talent by throwing for an impressive 337 yards and six touchdowns in a double-overtime battle. This season, Hartman has already accumulated 2,126 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and five interceptions, making him a formidable opponent.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney has expressed high praise for Hartman, stating, “That guy shouldn’t be playing college football; he’s a pro. He is smooth, he’s poised, he’s very confident, and he doesn’t flinch.”
Another area where Notre Dame could potentially exploit Clemson is turnovers. The Fighting Irish’s defense is tied for first place nationally in defensive touchdowns, with four. This includes two interceptions returned for touchdowns and two fumble recoveries. Considering Clemson’s struggle with turnovers this season, particularly with 10 fumbles lost (second-most in the country), Notre Dame’s defense could be a significant threat.
Clemson’s quarterback Cade Klubnik has faced his fair share of interceptions this season, throwing a total of five. In his past two games, he has thrown three interceptions, including a two-pick performance against NC State. Notre Dame’s defensive back Xavier Watts currently leads the nation with six interceptions, contributing to the Fighting Irish’s total of 13 interceptions, which ranks third in the country. This matchup between Klubnik and the opportunistic Notre Dame defense will be intriguing to watch.
While Clemson’s defense has been solid against the run, ranking 16th nationally in rushing yards per game allowed (99.13) and yards allowed per carry (3.13), Notre Dame running back Audric Estimé poses a considerable challenge. Estimé is among the top 17 players in the country with at least 100 rushing yards per game. He has amassed an impressive 901 yards this season, with his 12 rushing touchdowns tying for the fourth-most in the nation. How Clemson’s defense manages to contain Estimé will be a crucial matchup to monitor during the game.
In terms of the overall prediction for the game, it is anticipated that Notre Dame will come out on top with a score of 31-24. Clemson’s defense is expected to keep Notre Dame below their average of 38 points per game; however, the Tigers’ offensive struggles are likely to hinder their chances of victory.
As the countdown to kickoff begins, Clemson football faces a critical test against a formidable Notre Dame team. The outcome of this game could significantly impact the Tigers’ season and their aspirations for success.
[Author: Christina Long covers the Clemson Tigers for the Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network]