Clemson vs Notre Dame: Q&A with Slap the Sign

The Clemson vs Notre Dame game is less than 24 hours from kickoff. Everyone is arriving into town. Here is a game analysis from the Notre Dame perspective.

With the Clemson vs Notre Dame quickly approaching, I had the opportunity to interview Andrew Hall, insider for the Fighting Irish football. Hall is the editor of Slap the Sign, FanSided’s Notre Dame website.

Here is his take on the game Saturday.

Q. What can Tiger fans expect to see from Notre Dame’s offense?

Tiger fans can expect a balanced Notre Dame Offense that is averaging 284.75 yards while passing for 246.50 yards per contest. Starting Running Back C.J. Prosise is averaging 150 yards per game. He is a threat to take the ball to the house on every play. Wide Receiver Will Fuller is averaging 113.50 receiving yards. Both players have scored six touchdowns each.

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While Prosise and Fuller are the well-known flashy players, it starts up front with Notre Dame’s Offensive Line. The veteran group has dominated each and every opponent on the schedule at this point. However, the Irish have not faced a Defensive Line like Clemson to this point.

Q. Who are some guys that we may not know about but will make a difference in the game Saturday night?

C.J. Prosise and Will Fuller are well-known and will get a lot of the attention. However, Notre Dame Receiver Chris Brown is quietly having a solid season. He could be Notre Dame’s down-field threat if Clemson pays too much attention to Will Fuller.

Another potential difference maker is Freshman Tight End Alize Jones. Jones, the top Tight End in the 2015 class, has been working his way into the mix over the past few weeks. Last week, Jones caught 3 passes for 56 yards. With injuries at the Tight End spot, Jones could be set to make a significant contribution on Saturday.

Finally, Freshman Running Back Josh Adams could be key to the game on Saturday. Due to injuries and suspensions at the position, Adams finds himself in the backup role behind Prosise. So far, Adams is averaging 8.65 yards per carry.

Q. College Gameday, ABC 8 p.m. What’s your thoughts on the hype for this game?

The hype is to be expected. Notre Dame enters as the 6^th ranked team while Clemson is ranked 12^th. This is a big game just based on the rankings. When Notre Dame comes to a place where they have not been in a while, there is a TON of hype. Love them or hate them, those Gold helmets bring a lot of passion either way.

Q. Deshaun Watson vs Notre Dame’s secondary. Who has the advantage in your opinion?

At this point, Watson has the advantage. Notre Dame’s secondary has played very poorly. Possible future 1^st Round NFL Draft picks, Cole Luke and KeiVarae Russell, have been in position but have failed to make a play on the ball.

Watson is currently completing 74.4% of his passes. If Notre Dame cannot find a way to make a play on the football, Watson should have his way with the Irish defense.

With that being said, if the game is as soggy as it is forecasted, Watson and Clemson may have a difficult time throwing the football accurately.

Q. How do you think DeShone Kizer will fare in his first road start in Death Valley?

DeShone Kizer is an extremely poised individual. He is thoughtful and well-spoken. There are no indications that the road environment will affect them. However, Kizer has simply not made a start in this environment. It is not truly known how Kizer will react but everything points to the fact that he will be okay.