Clemson Football: 4 reasons Tigers simply can’t afford loss to Notre Dame

Nov 7, 2020; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Clemson Tigers running back Travis Etienne (9) runs the ball as Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Kurt Hinish (41) attempts to tackle in the first quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

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Clemson football Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports /

2. CFB Playoff hopes are out the window

Outside of the historical elements and things having to do with Notre Dame itself, let’s not forget that Clemson is likely one loss away from being eliminated from the CFB Playoff.

Sure, there’s a chance that if things fell perfectly that the Tigers could still end up in the playoff with a loss Saturday evening, but it’s not likely.

A two-loss Clemson football team (with both losses coming to Notre Dame) would likely not get in over an undefeated Ohio State- no matter how you feel- or even a one-loss Texas A&M.

If Clemson wants to continue that streak of making the CFB Playoff, the Tigers must go through Notre Dame to get there.

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