Although Clemson has Etienne, Lawrence, a ferocious D front, better recruiting classes, and they’re better in basically every facet of the game from a statistical standpoint, here are my reasons why ND can win...
Goal #1 = stop the run.
Goal #2 = start fast.
Goal #3 = create turnovers.
Goal #4 = shake the freshman qb
Shock the world.
- We have no pressure. Underdogs. Throw out the computer models and scrap.
- We only committ an average of 5 penalties per game. That can flip the field quickly over 4 quarters.
- We have turned the ball over only 15 times this season. No turnovers in this game is a difference maker. We are very disciplined.
- We have the best defense Clemson has faced all year. A&M kept Clemson to 27 points and our defense is much better. They also held Clemson to 72 yards rushing.
- We have a more veteran quarterback with only 6 interceptions and one of the best completion ratings in the nation. He has the quick release that could drive that defensive line crazy and is 4th in nation in completion percentage.
- Clemson lost a very key defensive lineman, Notre Dame gained a great defensive lineman off injury reserve.
- A&M tore up Clemson through the air with over 400 yards passing. ND is better offensively than A&M.
- NC State shut down Etienne. We can too. NC State’s secondary is the worst in college football. Ours is elite.
- We have the second best win of all playoff participants beating Michigan without Dex and without Book. Clemson has not faced the likes of Michigan.
- We beat 5 top 50 teams. That takes grit.
- We are a top 10 pass defense with a freshman quarterback for Clemson.
- Our best players like Tranquil are 100%.
- Our kicker is the best. Guaranteed 3 points. Best kicker in history of the program. 3 is key.
- We are smarter and more mature. This might be a stretch but I call it the Patriot effect.
- Julian Love is the all time ND leader in passes broken up. There’s been some good ones. None better.
- Statistically we are close. Clemson is 2nd in scoring defense, we are 9th.
- We are 20th in passing offense, Clemson is 31st.
- Clemson is 5th in scoring offense, we are 34th.
- Clemson is 1st in rushing offense, we are 50th but had 4 games without Dex.
- 3rd down conversions we are 27th, they are 31st.
- However, considering our stronger sos, these stats are way closer than they appear. The success Clemson has had is relative to the opponents they have played. It’s hard to give them a huge bump over ND considering vastly different opponents.
Goal #1 = stop the run.
Goal #2 = start fast.
Goal #3 = create turnovers.
Goal #4 = shake the freshman qb
Shock the world.
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