Clemson Football will play host to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish for the first time since the famous “Hurricane Game” in 2015. Clemson won the game when they stuffed the two point conversion attempt from the Irish. The 24-22 victory helped elevate Clemson to an undefeated regular season and Clemson’s first playoff appearance and first National Championship Game appearance since 1981.
Clemson has dropped two of the last three meetings (both losses were true road losses at Notre Dame). Clemson does however still hold the overall series record at 4-3 with two notable wins in the 2018 College Football Playoffs, and the 2020 ACC Championship Game.
Notre Dame is possibly the toughest game on the Tigers schedule and will be a major opportunity for the Tigers to show if they are ready to make a trip back to the College Football Playoff.
Notre Dame Offense:
In just the second year under head coach Marcus Freeman, the Irish are bringing in a new era on the offensive side of the ball.
Tommy Rees made the move to be the new offensive coordinator for Alabama. Gerard Parker was promoted to offensive coordinator for Notre Dame. Parker has had experience in the Big 12 as an offensive coordinator and passing game coordinator, and also in the BIG10 as an interim head coach at Purdue in the final 6 games of the 2016 season. Gerard Parker came to Notre Dame after serving as the offensive coordinator at West Virginia in the 2020, and 2021 seasons.
The Fighting Irish will also be breaking in a new quarterback. Transfer quarterback Sam Hartman will be the starter this season for Notre Dame after coming in from Wake Forest.
Last season Notre Dame seemingly had their way against the Clemson defense for most of the night, especially at the line of scrimmage. The offensive line for the Irish this year is anchored by two graduate players, Zeke Correll and Andrew Kristofic. The front for Notre Dame is expected to be a very good group this year and it will make their job that much easier when having Audric Estime back at running back.
Notre Dame rushed for 263 yards last season against the Tigers, and Estime had 18 carries for 104 yards. With Sam Hartman at quarterback and Audric Estime at running back… this is easily one of the best backfields that Clemson will face this season.
Notre Dame Defense:
In the 2022 matchup between these two teams Notre Dame not only handled the Clemson defensive line, but also had their way against the Clemson offense also. Starting quarterback DJ Uiagalelei went 27/39 for 191 yards with one touchdown and one interception. The Clemson rushing attack was held in check all night with 25 carries for only 90 yards, 21 of those yards coming on one play from DJU.
The Fighting Irish defense is a very veteran led group with 8 of their 11 starters being graduate players. Notre Dame brings back their leading tackler from last season in graduate linebacker JD Bertrand, and their interception leader Benjamin Morrison who had 6 takeaways last year.
Overall this is a very experienced unit, and could be the strength of the team.
What Will Happen This Year?:
Like I previously mentioned earlier, I expect this game to be the most challenging game in the regular season for the Clemson Tigers. Clemson has been on the short end of the stick the last two times they have played in South Bend. The 2023 matchup however, will be inside of the friendly confines of Death Valley. This late in the season we will know exactly what both of these teams are. This game could very well have playoff implications for both teams and should be a very high profile matchup in the 2023 season. It is too early to predict a winner for this game, but I do think that we may be in for an instant classic.
