Are we really concerned about Clemson?????

[football1irish]

Haven't we graduated to the big boy table by year 6 of Kelly where we expect to be playing for a national title yet?

We beat F$U on the road last year (not including the BS call) and their pedigree of wins and talent is twice that of Clemson.

I expect us to be beat Clemson by 14 points.

USC will be a real test but if we pound the ball against them and get the crowd behind us we win by 7+.

 

[coolirish9]

clemsom is better than what you think because of there qb. they have a wr from florida that was a big time four star in high school that coach Kelly and staff wanted really bad also. they have some really good talent and plus our irish are playing at there place at night. i'll be surprised if this game is a blowout by either team

 

[Fifthhorseman25]

We went to Oklahoma at night and won (nobody thought we could). We went to FSU at night and won (bad call gave the game to them). This is the kind of game that the coaches seem to have the players ready and focused. Hopefully BK and the staff will be aggressive with the play calling.

If CP has 20-25 carries for 150+ yards it means we controlled the line. If DK has to throw 30+ times that will not be good.

 

[SALittleGiant513]

We lost the game against FSU... yall need to let that one go

 

[TimmyBobby]

Not to mention both true freshmen WR Ray Ray McLeod and Deon Cain were 5 stars. DL Christian Wilkins was a five star. All were not just rated that way, it shows as well as an accurate rating. So 3 games in and a bye week with all three getting more comfortable is great for our depth. Big boy football is exactly what you are visiting and you will understand after you personally view the atmosphere live. It's overwhelming. Very respectful of Notre Dame and its tradition. But make no mistake this is by far the most talented team you all have played so far. Just check all the recruiting rankings for the past 5 years and you'll see the roster. We are about even in talent

 

[HRC08]

ND also had Everett Golson and Tarean Folston at FSU last season. Neither will suit up this weekend. Kizer and Procise both look the part but until they do it on the road, expectations should be tempered. Idk what it is but Procise still seems to scare me with how he carries the ball a little losely. And with Stanley being a bit banged up, kizer Will get hit blindsided at least once against Clemson. Clemson has very good edge rushers. They also have a very good running back and Watson will make several plays down the field. Notre Dame will have to play it's best game obviously. It will likely come down to the offense of lines so I feel optimistic that Notre Dame will pull out a close victory.

 

[HRC08]

Not to mention both true freshmen WR Ray Ray McLeod and Deon Cain were 5 stars. DL Christian Wilkins was a five star. All were not just rated that way, it shows as well as an accurate rating. So 3 games in and a bye week with all three getting more comfortable is great for our depth. Big boy football is exactly what you are visiting and you will understand after you personally view the atmosphere live. It's overwhelming. Very respectful of Notre Dame and its tradition. But make no mistake this is by far the most talented team you all have played so far. Just check all the recruiting rankings for the past 5 years and you'll see the roster. We are about even in talent

Talk to us about Clemson's offensive and defensive lines please. I know that Clemson has several playmakers on offense and defense but what do you think about their lines? Are they experienced? Would you say that the defensive is better or the linebackers or defensive backfield? I noticed in the Louisville game that Clemson has a very good running back. Would you credit him or the offensive line more for their success on the ground?

 

[1Redrum]

I am more concerned with the fans / atmosphere in Clemson at night. It will be a sea of screaming people in orange. It is a sight to see but like any rabid fan base scoring early and often will quiet them down. Hopefully Notre Dame can get an early lead as this will help lesson the noise etc.

 

[ch_seahawkfan]

Clemson will be rocking,,,, literally. After the 1981 Natty people in the "Upstate" of SC went Clemson Crazy, had dreams of multiples and built awful upper decks on the stadium that look like they could tumble right into the field. I sat up there one time, it was a mistake. But it will be packed Electric Orange Sat. Night and will be a great atmosphere. ND should win but it won't be easy.

Clemson Memorial Stadium is also well known for being one of the loudest stadiums in the country and in 2007 reached 133 decibels in a game against Boston College. It’s not uncommon for opposing teams to struggle to hear one another

 

[CMTiger15]

Talk to us about Clemson's offensive and defensive lines please. I know that Clemson has several playmakers on offense and defense but what do you think about their lines? Are they experienced? Would you say that the defensive is better or the linebackers or defensive backfield? I noticed in the Louisville game that Clemson has a very good running back. Would you credit him or the offensive line more for their success on the ground?

Our Defensive front is more than legit. Everyone overlooks these guys because we lost several 'starters' last season to the NFL; however, these guys were the second string last season and pretty much played 50% of the snaps. There is not much, if any, drop off on the defensive front from our defense last season...which was tops in the nation.

Our LBs are solid. There is a little drop off in athleticism and leadership from Anthony, Steward, etc from last season; however, these guys have proven to be very disciplined and have been really solid so far...the real problem here is depth...we have ZERO depth at LB due to injuries in the off season and one guy deciding to give up football.

Our DB's are also really solid and athletic, but there will be opportunities for big plays, as our safeties have been caught looking into the backfield at times rather than covering over the top. If not for some errant throws, Louisville could have hit 2 long TD's on us and won that game.

***Alexander vs. Fuller will be a fun matchup to watch. One of the best CBs in the nation going up against one of the best WRs in the nation.

On Offense, yes, we have a wealth of athletes at the skill positions, led by Watson at QB. If Watson has time to distribute the ball, Clemson should be able to put some points on the board...that's a big "IF" though. Our Offensive line is young, and have been prone to missed assignments so far this season. This is where I give ND the definitive edge in this game.

That said, ND has produced much of a pass rush (even against UMass), even while blitzing. So, I don't really know what to expect here...but I do know that we have a true freshman starting at Left Tackle, our second string Center will probably have to start and play the whole game, and our right tackle is banged up as well. For a young unit who's already been prone to missing assignments and making mistakes, I can see a scenario where ND takes advantage of this and it ends up being a long night for Clemson fans.

All in all, it should be a great game...it should be a close game. Obviously, I want Clemson to win big, because I don't know how many more nailbiter games my heart can take...but I think we're in for a battle on Saturday night.

 

[IRISHJD98]

Our Defensive front is more than legit. Everyone overlooks these guys because we lost several 'starters' last season to the NFL; however, these guys were the second string last season and pretty much played 50% of the snaps. There is not much, if any, drop off on the defensive front from our defense last season...which was tops in the nation.

Our LBs are solid. There is a little drop off in athleticism and leadership from Anthony, Steward, etc from last season; however, these guys have proven to be very disciplined and have been really solid so far...the real problem here is depth...we have ZERO depth at LB due to injuries in the off season and one guy deciding to give up football.

Our DB's are also really solid and athletic, but there will be opportunities for big plays, as our safeties have been caught looking into the backfield at times rather than covering over the top. If not for some errant throws, Louisville could have hit 2 long TD's on us and won that game.

***Alexander vs. Fuller will be a fun matchup to watch. One of the best CBs in the nation going up against one of the best WRs in the nation.

On Offense, yes, we have a wealth of athletes at the skill positions, led by Watson at QB. If Watson has time to distribute the ball, Clemson should be able to put some points on the board...that's a big "IF" though. Our Offensive line is young, and have been prone to missed assignments so far this season. This is where I give ND the definitive edge in this game.

That said, ND has produced much of a pass rush (even against UMass), even while blitzing. So, I don't really know what to expect here...but I do know that we have a true freshman starting at Left Tackle, our second string Center will probably have to start and play the whole game, and our right tackle is banged up as well. For a young unit who's already been prone to missing assignments and making mistakes, I can see a scenario where ND takes advantage of this and it ends up being a long night for Clemson fans.

All in all, it should be a great game...it should be a close game. Obviously, I want Clemson to win big, because I don't know how many more nailbiter games my heart can take...but I think we're in for a battle on Saturday night.

Nice post. We've had an issue giving up some big plays. Watson can take advantage of that. I don't expect it, but I wouldn't be shocked if this ends up being a higher scoring game than people expect.

 

[skinsel]

I live in Charleston and have watched Clemson twice. Based on what I have seen, I'd say we are better on both lines - and that's most important in my opinion. In the recent past, Clemson has had players like CJ Spiller, Sammy Watkins, and Deandre Hopkins who could take it to the house on any play. I don't see a player like that on their team at the moment. Watson is talented but his receivers are good not great. Gallman is good not great. Clemson has played Wofford, App State, and struggled to beat Louisville - they haven't been hit like they are going to get hit Saturday night. I expect Clemson will not be able to handle our run game - their DEs are going to be giving up about 35 lbs each to Stanley and McGlinchey. My prediction for Clemson...pain.

 

[TurnoverMachine]

Haven't we graduated to the big boy table by year 6 of Kelly where we expect to be playing for a national title yet?

We beat F$U on the road last year (not including the BS call) and their pedigree of wins and talent is twice that of Clemson.

I expect us to be beat Clemson by 14 points.

USC will be a real test but if we pound the ball against them and get the crowd behind us we win by 7+.

You're right. It was a b.s. play call at fsu. Kelly should've coached and designed it up better.

 

[TurnoverMachine]

ND also had Everett Golson and Tarean Folston at FSU last season. Neither will suit up this weekend. Kizer and Procise both look the part but until they do it on the road, expectations should be tempered. Idk what it is but Procise still seems to scare me with how he carries the ball a little losely. And with Stanley being a bit banged up, kizer Will get hit blindsided at least once against Clemson. Clemson has very good edge rushers. They also have a very good running back and Watson will make several plays down the field. Notre Dame will have to play it's best game obviously. It will likely come down to the offense of lines so I feel optimistic that Notre Dame will pull out a close victory.

Golson is awful. I'm glad he's not suiting up.

 

[justacollegefan]

Haven't we graduated to the big boy table by year 6 of Kelly where we expect to be playing for a national title yet?

We beat F$U on the road last year (not including the BS call) and their pedigree of wins and talent is twice that of Clemson.

I expect us to be beat Clemson by 14 points.

USC will be a real test but if we pound the ball against them and get the crowd behind us we win by 7+.

You have 5 posts and sound more like a Clemson fan trying to flame this board and be ignorant. I respect Clemson and anyone who doesn't is purely ignorant. They have talent and we are playing at one of the tougher stadiums to get a win. Oh and don't forget, unlike this OP who is a tool, that Kizer will be making his first start on the road against a legit program.

The only thing this OP said, that I agree with, is that we need to run the ball against USC because if they have the ball too many times they will shred our DB's. That game isn't this week though so who cares, we have to win against Clemson first and as of now I think it is really a 50/50 shot. If Kizer can control the offense without mistakes, we can run consistently, and no special teams mistakes we have a good shot at winning. I think we will have to score 30+ to win unless our defensive front can finally get pressure on the QB and the secondary makes improvements.

By the way did anyone see how bad Virginia's QB looked against Boise St.? If we were as good on the field as we are on paper, with regards to pass rush and the secondary, he would have looked the same against our Irish. Instead we made him look like Montana and it is tough to see but I am hopeful the kids continue to get better. Just a little boost at both of those positions and we really have a great shot against any team, and Kizer will have less pressure settling in as starter.

 

[perseverare]

Haven't we graduated to the big boy table by year 6 of Kelly where we expect to be playing for a national title yet?

We beat F$U on the road last year (not including the BS call) and their pedigree of wins and talent is twice that of Clemson.

I expect us to be beat Clemson by 14 points.

USC will be a real test but if we pound the ball against them and get the crowd behind us we win by 7+.

are all these alias's coming from 1 source?
the season is the best of times and the worst of times.

 

[TimmyBobby]

Talk to us about Clemson's offensive and defensive lines please. I know that Clemson has several playmakers on offense and defense but what do you think about their lines? Are they experienced? Would you say that the defensive is better or the linebackers or defensive backfield? I noticed in the Louisville game that Clemson has a very good running back. Would you credit him or the offensive line more for their success on the ground?

Everyone on the Defensive Line (except maybe Dodd who is very solid)will be on an NFL roster and true freshmen backup Christian Wilkins is the most talented. CB Mack Alexander should be a late first round or 2nd round evaluation after his junior year. LB Boulware is a mad man on the field. The other LBs are very talented as well. Safety Jayron Kearse is the freak's nephew and plays like it. The other safety TJ Green is young and going to be really good. Tankersly is the CB opposite Alexander and is young but also going to be very good.

The Offensive line is the most talented under Dabo but also very young in depth and at Left Tackle. Interesting enough, the young tackle Mitch Hyatt was a rivals top 50 player regardless of position and is making strides in starting his true freshmen year. Interior Guards and Center are experienced and tough. RT Gore is experienced and has come along way. The strength here right now is the interior. Crowder will flat out put a hurting on his man

 

[perseverare]

Clemson has had top 10 recruiting classes in 2015 and 2011; and yes you rely on some of the young talented guys. Clemson is a notch below the top ~8 teams; but will be among the top 15.

 

[BGI User 1596]

It will all come down to the OL play - if we can dominate the line we will win the game. GO IRISH.

 

[IowaIrish1]

To the original question, yes I am concerned. I think Clemson fans probably feel the same way, counting out the homers that exist in every fan base.

Neither team has played a great schedule, but this can be said about everyone in the country. Clemson has a big advantage being at home. As usual this game will probably come down to a turnover or 2 and a couple big plays.

Can't wait for this game!

 

[1Redrum]

If the Clemson o-line is as raw and suspect as CMTiger15 says it sounds like we could be playing another Texas like o-line which saw ND in the backfield all day. Even with a better QB if you have no time....you have no time. We will see as ND did not generate a lot of pressure against UMASS last week early in the game.

 

[88ND]

ND also had Everett Golson and Tarean Folston at FSU last season. Neither will suit up this weekend. Kizer and Procise both look the part but until they do it on the road, expectations should be tempered. Idk what it is but Procise still seems to scare me with how he carries the ball a little losely. And with Stanley being a bit banged up, kizer Will get hit blindsided at least once against Clemson. Clemson has very good edge rushers. They also have a very good running back and Watson will make several plays down the field. Notre Dame will have to play it's best game obviously. It will likely come down to the offense of lines so I feel optimistic that Notre Dame will pull out a close victory.

Golson and Folston not playing gives up a better chance IMO.
One a ticking turnover waiting to happen. The other unfortunately got injured and that sucks but a silver lining has come from that. CJ is a better natural back with ridiculous speed. Nobody knew what was coming but sometimes you get that wonderful surprise.

 

[TigerNick76]

Our Defensive front is more than legit. Everyone overlooks these guys because we lost several 'starters' last season to the NFL; however, these guys were the second string last season and pretty much played 50% of the snaps. There is not much, if any, drop off on the defensive front from our defense last season...which was tops in the nation.

Our LBs are solid. There is a little drop off in athleticism and leadership from Anthony, Steward, etc from last season; however, these guys have proven to be very disciplined and have been really solid so far...the real problem here is depth...we have ZERO depth at LB due to injuries in the off season and one guy deciding to give up football.

Our DB's are also really solid and athletic, but there will be opportunities for big plays, as our safeties have been caught looking into the backfield at times rather than covering over the top. If not for some errant throws, Louisville could have hit 2 long TD's on us and won that game.

***Alexander vs. Fuller will be a fun matchup to watch. One of the best CBs in the nation going up against one of the best WRs in the nation.

On Offense, yes, we have a wealth of athletes at the skill positions, led by Watson at QB. If Watson has time to distribute the ball, Clemson should be able to put some points on the board...that's a big "IF" though. Our Offensive line is young, and have been prone to missed assignments so far this season. This is where I give ND the definitive edge in this game.

That said, ND has produced much of a pass rush (even against UMass), even while blitzing. So, I don't really know what to expect here...but I do know that we have a true freshman starting at Left Tackle, our second string Center will probably have to start and play the whole game, and our right tackle is banged up as well. For a young unit who's already been prone to missing assignments and making mistakes, I can see a scenario where ND takes advantage of this and it ends up being a long night for Clemson fans.

All in all, it should be a great game...it should be a close game. Obviously, I want Clemson to win big, because I don't know how many more nailbiter games my heart can take...but I think we're in for a battle on Saturday night.

The one thing I do have to say is that after watching the UMASS game they (UMASS) were getting 7-9+ yards easily on pass plays through the middle. They're short, easy passes and I believe if Watson can find Scott, McCloud, Cain, Peake, etc in the middle of the field, we should be alright. This is where we're going to really miss Williams though because he is a master of mid-field balls. Don't think he's ever dropped one in the middle of the field before.

I agree with one poster who said it's a 50/50 game. Death Valley is not an easy place to win, we've lost 4 games there in the past 6 seasons I believe (I will look it up and make sure I'm correct). At the beginning of the game, it will be loud. And if we get the ball first and score on the first drive, it will be louder. Crowd noise has found an enemy though in the hand clapping snap but communing will be a problem early on and probably through the whole game. Virginia is nowhere near Clemson's crowd noise and ND struggled. This should turn out to be a very even game but I still have to give the edge on Clemson with it being at home. 28-17/35-30 Tigers on top.

EDIT: Clemson is 34-4 since 2010 at home (5 seasons).

 

[StCecelia40]

Yes

 

[Mattiefat]

Haven't we graduated to the big boy table by year 6 of Kelly where we expect to be playing for a national title yet?

We beat F$U on the road last year (not including the BS call) and their pedigree of wins and talent is twice that of Clemson.

I expect us to be beat Clemson by 14 points.

USC will be a real test but if we pound the ball against them and get the crowd behind us we win by 7+.

You sound like several Oklahoma fans last year going into the bowl game. They have went missing since that game. We've had several weeks to prepare for this game, so I fully expect us to be well prepared for this game. ND isn't playing wake forest or Rutgers. This is big boy football. You'll see Saturday night.

 

[DWQB]

To the original question, yes I am concerned. I think Clemson fans probably feel the same way, counting out the homers that exist in every fan base.

Neither team has played a great schedule, but this can be said about everyone in the country. Clemson has a big advantage being at home. As usual this game will probably come down to a turnover or 2 and a couple big plays.

Can't wait for this game!

You better be, it's going to be a war.

 

[Epictitus]

A cole points for clarity to help those with cluttered minds:

- Yes, we lost the game at FSU, but the better team lost because of a series of horrific calls.

- Golson is far from terrible, a Notre Dame man forever, yet I hope he has great stats while losing every game.

- Kelly is a far better coach than anything you see in the ACC.

 

[88ND]

You sound like several Oklahoma fans last year going into the bowl game. They have went missing since that game. We've had several weeks to prepare for this game, so I fully expect us to be well prepared for this game. ND isn't playing wake forest or Rutgers. This is big boy football. You'll see Saturday night.

I'm not predicting a win but these are not your grand daddy's ..cough cough....Weis/Willingham players.
Clemson will see just how ridiculously fast we are on offense across the board. They will see MEN on the offensive line.

Defensively you will see one player with closing speed to the likes never seen. I promise. Whether he is used right is in BVF hands but he is amazing. Outside of him we have a middle linebacker whose heart is huge and some above average players but you will get points.
The key will be can you stop us or slow us down?

 

[TurnpikeMike]

This is a huge game. The battle between Fuller and their DB could very well determine the outcome of this game. If they can cover Fuller 1 on 1 and keep a safety in the box, they could slow our running attack down.

On defense, if we can get pressure on Watson withou our DL and keep our LBs in pass coverage, we can shut them down.

 

[dolamatt]

Haven't we graduated to the big boy table by year 6 of Kelly where we expect to be playing for a national title yet?

We beat F$U on the road last year (not including the BS call) and their pedigree of wins and talent is twice that of Clemson.

I expect us to be beat Clemson by 14 points.

USC will be a real test but if we pound the ball against them and get the crowd behind us we win by 7+.

You're sorely mistaken if you think you all are going to come into Death Valley and take care of us. Your stadium is probably about 1/2 as loud as DV and our D is more than legit. We have playmakers all over the field on offense as well. Young but talented. Will be a good game but we'll knock Kizer around enough to get him rattled and the good guys (Clemson) will take care of the domers on Saturday night. Best of luck

 

[dolamatt]

It will all come down to the OL play - if we can dominate the line we will win the game. GO IRISH.

NO WAY you will dominate our DL, just no way. Even with the possibility of our best DT (Reader) still possibly out this game. Our D is more than legit

 

[dolamatt]

I'm not predicting a win but these are not your grand daddy's ..cough cough....Weis/Willingham players.
Clemson will see just how ridiculously fast we are on offense across the board. They will see MEN on the offensive line.

Defensively you will see one player with closing speed to the likes never seen. I promise. Whether he is used right is in BVF hands but he is amazing. Outside of him we have a middle linebacker whose heart is huge and some above average players but you will get points.
The key will be can you stop us or slow us down?

Dude, have you not seen how are DL has dominated most every team the last 2 years? Ohio State, FSU, USC, Oklahoma, LSU, the list keeps going. Dan Brooks' boys don't get pushed around. Don't forget y'all were 8-5 last year, so not sure why everyone is so high on the domers.

 

[1Redrum]

Ronnie Stanley - Senior (projected top tackle in 2016 NFL Draft) 6' 51/2" - 315 LBS......Quenton Nelson - Sophomore 6'5 325 LBS, Nick Martin - 5th Year Graduate Student- 6' 41/2" 301 LBS, Steve Elmer - Junior - 6' 51/2" 315 and Mike McGlinchey - Junior 6'7 1/2 310 LBS should do just fine in my humble opinion.

 

[coolirish9]

our will fuller who is the best wr in the country has just caused a big stir with a tweet that he sent out to Clemson that promises to make this game even more exciting to watch. from what i'm reading It seems over half of the Clemson def players have favorited his tweet and tons of clemson fans are talking about it on twitter and different message boards. his message didn't seem like much to me but it sure has Clemson players and fans really mad. I don't have twitter personally but read his comments from a link to twitter that someone else posted on another board

 

[dolamatt]

And your point in all that is? This isn't Michigan you are going to face my friend. We aren't the wine and cheese crowd you are used to

 

[twalsh]

Big boy football is exactly what you are visiting and you will understand after you personally view the atmosphere live. It's overwhelming.

With tons of respect to Clemson, the last time an ND team was overwhelmed by a stadium atmosphere was before Rockne was coaching.

 

[88ND]

Dude, have you not seen how are DL has dominated most every team the last 2 years? Ohio State, FSU, USC, Oklahoma, LSU, the list keeps going. Dan Brooks' boys don't get pushed around. Don't forget y'all were 8-5 last year, so not sure why everyone is so high on the domers.

You can cite all the storied programs you want. I'm talking TODAY. Our line moves people. It's a thing of beauty.
If Kelly doesn't out coach himself it will be tough sledding for Clemson when we just keep opening up gaping holes.

As I side though turn about is fair play. Can we stop you? It will be tough and could be a scoring fest. Make no mistake, we will be able to run the football. Can Kelly resist the urge to take his very own running game...out of the game. Kelly can stop the ND running attack and only Kelly.

 

[perseverare]

I have no idea what is going to happen; that is a tough tough place to play for visiting teams!

This will be like a cage fight!

 

[SALittleGiant513]

Dude, have you not seen how are DL has dominated most every team the last 2 years? Ohio State, FSU, USC, Oklahoma, LSU, the list keeps going. Dan Brooks' boys don't get pushed around. Don't forget y'all were 8-5 last year, so not sure why everyone is so high on the domers.

You are talking about the Orange Bowl against Ohio State where your DL gave up 193 yards rushing and didn't get a sack? Dominant. Just absolutely dominant.

 

[echowaker]

I'm not predicting a win but these are not your grand daddy's ..cough cough....Weis/Willingham players.
Clemson will see just how ridiculously fast we are on offense across the board. They will see MEN on the offensive line.

Defensively you will see one player with closing speed to the likes never seen. I promise. Whether he is used right is in BVF hands but he is amazing. Outside of him we have a middle linebacker whose heart is huge and some above average players but you will get points.
The key will be can you stop us or slow us down?

he is being used right. get off it. resume ?