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There aren’t many things better than spending a Saturday afternoon watching Notre Dame getting their teeth kicked in. Especially if it’s Clemson putting the beating on them. And that is exactly what we got in Charlotte on Saturday.
This team just had that look today. A look of a team on a mission. The Tigers knocked off Notre Dame 34-10 and the game wasn’t even that close.
- Having Trevor Lawrence actually does make all the difference in the world. The junior quarterback had his way with the Notre Dame defense, making plays through the air and on the ground. When a defense has to account for the quarterback in the running game, it just helps open some other things up. Lawrence torched the Notre Dame secondary, throwing for 322 yards while hitting on 69.5% of this throws. Oh, and he added another 90 rushing yards and had three total touchdowns. He really should be your Heisman winner this season.
- After going 4-15 on third down in the first game the Tigers were 8-14 in this one. The offense was so much more efficient. Being able to run the ball tends to have that effect. The Tigers ran for 219 yards and averaged over 8 YPC. A masterful plan by Tony Elliott and the rest of that staff.
- Speaking of third down, after converting their first two, Notre Dame finished just 3-12.
- How about this Clemson offensive line? After getting whipped up front in South Bend, this group won the battle at the line of scrimmage in this game. One of their better efforts of the season and against a legit defensive front. A very good sign as they get ready for the playoff.
- After going six games without having 100 yards, Travis Etienne finally broke through today with 124 yards. And did it on just 10 carries. Against a team that had totally shut him down on the ground in the first game. Etienne is running hard and looks fresh as the team heads to the playoff for a sixth straight year
- The Clemson defense was just superb today. Dominant. Especially up front. Ian Book was frustrated all game long and the Tigers were able to sack him six times. The Tigers also had 10 TFL. Giving Brent Venables two weeks to prepare just isn’t fair to opposing coaches.
- What a difference having Tyler Davis makes. The Irish had just 44 rushing yards and had issues establishing the run from the start. Davis just means so much to this team when it comes to stopping the run.
- Having Skalski back was just as big. He is the quarterback of that defense. He finished with 5 tackles and a sack.
- Notre Dame receivers, or actually their tight ends, were able to have a little success on the first couple of possessions but after that, this Clemson secondary played lights out. They were physical and the coverage was fantastic.
- Just a very encouraging performance if you are a Clemson fan. This team looks dialed in. They look locked and loaded and ready to make another run at another national title. Bring on those Buckeyes.
