Clemson Football: Tigers dismantled by Irish, 35-14

Clemson football was dismantled by Notre Dame Saturday in Notre Dame, Indiana as the Irish outplayed the Tigers in all three phases of the game in a 35-14 win.

Clemson never really was in the game as an inept offense was exposed on a big stage, Notre Dame ran the ball at will and the Clemson quarterbacks looked lost.

The Tigers did not score until 10:14 was left in the game.

Notre Dame blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown on Clemson’s first drive and scored on their last drive before the half to take a 14-0 halftime lead.

Even with a relatively close game, there was no sense the offense was going to mount any challenge to a fired-up Notre Dame defense.

Coming into the game, it was hard to imagine a team that lost to Marshall and Stanford at home putting such a performance together, but the Irish were ready and willing to oblige their fans.

Sometimes you tip your cap and in this one I tip my cap to the Notre Dame offensive line that opened huge holes for the Irish running backs, especially Audric Estime.

For the Tigers, it’s back to the drawing board, even as the ACC Atlantic Division Champions.

There is obviously much work to do on both sides of the ball and many questions to answer as the team moves forward to Louisville next week.

Dabo has stood behind D.J. Uiagalelei for the better part of two seasons, but one wonders if it’s time to evaluate quarterback options after this game.

Clemson football has questions at the quarterback position

After 7 good games, Uiagalelei has regressed to 2021 form, looking slow and hesitant in the pocket, taking sacks and throwing bad interceptions.

Cade Klubnik didn’t fare any better in Indiana, but he is the future of the Clemson quarterback position.

Clemson takes on Louisville next week at Death Valley at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN.