NCAA Football
4:00 PM EST
Rotation #245-246
Notre Dame +11.5 (10u)
It seems to be a foregone conclusion that Clemson will win this game, the disrespect to the Fighting Irish in this game in unbelievable. Clemson has looked almost invincible since their permanent switch to Trevor Lawrence at quarterback but they have shown some vulnerability on defense against the few offensively competent opponents they faced in Texas A&M, Syracuse and South Carolina were able to exploit. Notre Dame has one of the most balanced offensive attacks in the country and Ian Book boasts the nation’s number 8 passer rating. Ian Book has enough arm strength to stretch the defense and make big plays. If Clemson has a weakness it would be the back seven of the defense which Ian Book is more than capable of exposing. The Clemson defense gets all of the attention with their NFL laden defensive line but don’t underestimate the impact of the loss of Trevor Lawrence — Clemson’s front four has been it’s top strength all year and now it’s down to three. The Irish defense will be the best pass defense Clemson has seen all year and should force Lawrence into long down-and-distance situations.. This is an underrated defense that allowed the fourth fewest big plays (20 yards or more) per snap, which will serve well against Clemson’s offense that is so good at getting those big chunk plays. The big argument against Notre Dame in this one is they didn’t play anyone all year but the Tigers’ schedule was no great shakes either. Trevor Lawrence is just a freshman on such a big stage, I have an extremely hard time seeing him play mistake free football this afternoon. This is just too many points for such a big game with Notre Dame hearing for five weeks they have no chance. This game features two excellent offensive line, defensive lines, strong, breaking away threats in the running game, and quarterbacks that who have done a terrific job of protecting the football. As long as Notre Dame doesn’t turn the football over multiple times this game will be a LOT closer than what many think, I expect them to be live throughout with a shot to win in the end. I don’t see the points ever sweating. Take Notre Dame.
** This line is dropping, good for 10 unit play to 11 points. **