Notre Dame vs. Clemson: The Best College Football Game of the Year

The matchup between Notre Dame and Clemson was billed as the first great college football game of the year.

These two football powerhouses locked horns on Saturday, November 7, for what would be an instant classic and truly an exciting game all around. This game didn’t disappoint and it was one of the most-watched games of the year, but it wasn’t without its issues and questions.

Preparing for the Game Was Tough for Clemson

While it would have been even more fun to have both teams at full strength for the matchup, Clemson was faced with some serious difficulties. Starting quarterback, and presumptive number one NFL draft pick, Trevor Lawrence was unavailable for the game. This was due to a positive COVID-19 test and symptoms, which didn’t allow him time to be ready for the game. Add to this the fact that three defensive starters were out and Clemson was at a disadvantage.

Notre Dame Lacks Strength Against Top Teams

Going into the matchup, Clemson was ranked number one in the country with Notre Dame ranked in the fourth position. Over several years, including the entire tenure of Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly, the Irish haven’t shown up and played well against top competition. This would be a mental hurdle the Irish would have to overcome.

Strength and Toughness for Both Teams

Clemson Tigers

Clemson came into this game with a long winning streak including 39 conference wins in a row. With Notre Dame in the ACC for this single season, this could have been a game for Clemson to continue this streak. The Clemson team brought in a tough and fast defense, an amazing offense, and even with Lawrence out, a star freshman quarterback in D. J. Uiagalelei along with superstar running back Travis Etienne. It seems Clemson was ready to handle the Irish.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Notre Dame came into this game with a 12 game winning streak and 22 at home wins in a row. Normally an independent, the Irish get to enjoy the unique feeling of being part of a conference this year. The Irish came into this game riding a stingy defense that takes the ball away and holds opponents to only ten points per game. Along with this, the offense of the Irish is led by fifth-year senior quarterback Ian Book and an incredible running attack.

Kickoff and the Game Begins Between Clemson and Notre Dame

After winning the coin toss, Notre Dame elected to receive the opening kickoff and start on offense. Two plays later, we’re watching the Irish running back, Kyren Williams carry the football to the endzone to give the Fighting Irish an early seven-point lead. A couple of turnovers by Clemson and a few stalled offensive series later and the Irish took a 23-13 lead into the locker room at the half.

The Third Quarter was a Different Story

Coming out in the second half, D. J. Uiagalelei was on fire and lead the Clemson Tigers back to a 23-23 tie going into the third quarter. Notre Dame stalled on a couple of series, which caused the defense of the Irish to be on the field most of the quarter. It seemed the momentum had changed and the Tigers would capitalize on this shift going into the final frame.

Excitement in the Fourth Quarter

Very few college football games are as exciting as what we saw between the Tigers of Clemson and Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. During the fourth quarter, Clemson took a lead, Irish quarterback Ian Book fumbled in the end zone, and it seemed the Irish were doomed to lose another game to a top team. With very little time left in the game and down by seven, Book led his team down the field to score a touchdown to tie the game and send it to overtime.

A Pair of Overtime Periods Were Needed

With the score tied at 33, the Clemson Tigers went on offense to start the first overtime and quickly scored a touchdown on a run by Uiagalelei. Notre Dame responded with a TD of their own on a run by Williams, sending the game to a second overtime period. The second overtime began with the Irish on offense which finished with another TD run by Williams, giving him three during the game. The stingy Irish offense rose to the challenge and stopped the Clemson Tigers on their possession to win the game 47-40, cementing this game as an instant classic and getting Brian Kelly the much-needed win over a top-ranked team.