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) /

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SOUTH BEND, IN – OCTOBER 13: Ian Book #12 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish scramble to avoid the tackle from Rashad Weaver #17 of the Pittsburgh Panthers in the second half at Notre Dame Stadium on October 13, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

1. Ian Book vs. Clemson’s secondary

Really, the game will come down to this.

Ian Book vs. the Clemson secondary. Can the Tigers find a way to slow down the Notre Dame passing game?

Even if Dexter Lawrence can’t play Saturday, I don’t expect the Irish to have very much success on the ground. That means Notre Dame will have to throw the ball.

4-star TE Jaelyn Lay a huge pickup for Clemson. dark. Next

If the secondary of Clemson can hold up, the Tigers will be able to take care of the Irish.

If they can’t, the defense will have a rough day.

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