December 29th, 2018

#3 Notre Dame vs. #2 Clemson in the CFP Cotton Bowl

By:  Evan J. Thomas

Today is the day!  It is finally game day an just hours away for the #3 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (12-0) in the 2018 College Football Playoff in the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX versus the heavily favored #2 Clemson Tigers (13-0).

The Irish faithful have waited over a month since the Irish capped off an undefeated regular season schedule at U$C.  The Irish players have been itching to get back on the field to play meaningful snaps rather than walk throughs, team practices and media days the past 4+ weeks.  Head Coach Brian Kelly has his team thoroughly ready and poised to “shock the world” with a potential victory today.

It’s been three seasons since the Hurricane Joaquin game at Clemson in which the Irish couldn’t pass the ball in the torrential rain and win in route to a 24-22 loss.  That game is way back in the rear view mirror for both teams.  Time to look to today’s matchup.

The Notre Dame offense is led by quarterback Ian Book will look to control the ball.  His precision passing will need to be demonstrated today. The running game will need to be at the forefront of the offense and is led by Dexter Wiliams.  Play action and big plays will give the Irish the momentum. For the Irish to win we have to limit mistakes and keep the chains moving.  

The defense can’t give up big plays and will need to stymie the Tigers offense, put pressure on the .  Easier said than done but I think it can and will happen.

My Prediction:  Notre Dame wins 38-35 and advances to the National Championship Game.

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