As the autumn leaves tumble to signal another season of college football, two titans of the game, Clemson and Notre Dame, are preparing for an upcoming clash that carries with it a great deal of anticipation. However, the teams have major injuries, raising questions about team dynamics, strategies, and potential outcomes.
Clemson Injuries
Marcus Tate out for the year
For the Clemson Tigers, the injury toll has been mounting. Starting left guard Marcus Tate is grappling with a knee injury, throwing his participation in the upcoming match into uncertainty. The offensive line will undoubtedly feel the impact should Tate be sidelined. His absence could lead to a reshuffling of positions, with Tristan Leigh potentially shifting back to right guard and Mitchell Mayes, who previously filled in when Tate was injured last season, moving to the left.
Will Shipley Injury
But perhaps the most significant injury concern for Clemson is their star running back Will Shipley. Shipley was injured in a recent game against North Carolina State, and his status remains day-to-day while he is in concussion protocol. As one of the Tigers’ primary offensive weapons, losing Shipley is a considerable blow. If he’s unable to play, Clemson will need to lean on their other backs and possibly adjust their game plan to be more pass-heavy.
Other Injuries
Left guard Collin Sadler and wide receiver Tyler Brown have been grappling with injuries, raising concerns for the team. However, despite these challenges, both players are anticipated to push through and play.
Notre Dame Injuries
On the Notre Dame tight end, Mitchell Evans, who led the 12th-ranked Fighting Irish with 29 receptions and 422 yards this season, will miss the rest of the season due to an ACL tear1. This injury occurred during Notre Dame’s recent 58-7 victory over Pittsburgh. With Evans out, Notre Dame will likely look to Holden Staes or Eli Raridon to fill the void.
Analyzing these developments, it’s clear that both teams may have to adjust their strategies. Clemson, with potential gaps in their offensive line and running back positions, will have to lean heavily on Phil Mafah. Mafah has played in all 8 games. He has 439 yards and 6 TDs with his longest run being 49 yards.
The upcoming match between Clemson and Notre Dame is shaping up to be an intriguing battle, not just between the teams but also against the challenges posed by injuries. As we look forward to this clash, it will be fascinating to see how both teams adapt their strategies and overcome adversity.
