Cotton Bowl Classic Preview: #3 Notre Dame vs. #2 Clemson

2 of 4

SOUTH BEND, IN – OCTOBER 13: Ian Book #12 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks to pass the ball against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Notre Dame Stadium on October 13, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

Notre Dame Keys To Victory

Focused Ian Book

Without a doubt, this is the biggest game of the collegiate career of junior quarterback Ian Book. In his first season as the starter at Notre Dame, Book has been decisive for the Fighting Irish this season with 19 touchdown passes and just six interceptions.

The key games during the regular season for the Irish were played well by Book. In week five against Stanford, Book passed for 278 yards and four touchdowns en-route to a convincing win over their rival. On the road against Northwestern late in the fourth quarter, Book’s 23-yard touchdown extended a lead for the Irish that eventually led to victory.

However, this is a bigger test. Much more substantial. While Book has been the main key to the Irish offense this season, how he handles the magnitude of the College Football Playoff semifinal will go a long way to the Irish defeating Clemson and moving on.

Limit Clemson Big Run Plays

The Notre Dame run defense has had it’s moments during the season but it also had a few games that could have led to defeats because of the element showing it’s woes. On two occasions this season, the Irish gave up over 200 rushing yards and combined, gave up six rushing touchdowns. The Clemson offense presents a run game that is 10th in the country in runs of 10 yards or more

SOUTH BEND, IN – SEPTEMBER 15: Jerry Tillery #99 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish rushes against Devin Cochran #77 of the Vanderbilt Commodores at Notre Dame Stadium on September 15, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Vanderbilt 22-17. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

(100), 2nd in the country in runs of 20+ yards (40), 2nd in runs of 30+ yards (22), 5th in runs of 40 yards or more (12), and for good measure, they are 3rd in runs of 50+ yards (9).

Bottom line, the Clemson run game can produce heavy chunk plays whenever they feel. Notre Dame must keep this run game at bay.

Stout Offensive Line Play

Tied for 27th in the country in sacks allowed with just 19, the Notre Dame offensive line has played very well this season, especially with the attrition that the team encounter last offseason.

Standing in front of them is a Clemson defensive line that is third in the country in sacks with 46 and second in tackles for loss with 121. Easily the best defensive line that they have experienced all season long.

Home/College Football