Clemson Football: 5 Storylines to watch vs. Notre Dame in Cotton Bowl

SOUTH BEND, IN - NOVEMBER 10: Julian Love #27 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish tackles George Campbell #11 of the Florida State Seminoles in the second quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on November 10, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - NOVEMBER 10: Julian Love #27 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish tackles George Campbell #11 of the Florida State Seminoles in the second quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on November 10, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
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CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 01: Mitch Hyatt #75 and teammate Travis Etienne #9 of the Clemson Tigers hold the ACC Championship trophy after their 42-10 victory over the Pittsburgh Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on December 1, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 01: Mitch Hyatt #75 and teammate Travis Etienne #9 of the Clemson Tigers hold the ACC Championship trophy after their 42-10 victory over the Pittsburgh Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on December 1, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

3. Clemson running game vs. Notre Dame defense

Notre Dame is the third best rushing defense that Clemson has faced all season, according to statistics.

The only two defenses that Clemson has played that rank ahead of the Irish are Texas A&M (No.2) and NC State (No. 13).

Against those two teams, Travis Etienne rushed for just a combined 83 yards on 23 carries (44  yards vs. TAMU, 39 yards vs. NC State).

The Irish rank No. 33, for those of you wondering.

I want to see the Tigers have some success running the ball against the Irish and establish that rushing attack early.

Schedule

Schedule