Paw Predictions: 2018 Cotton Bowl
No. 2 Clemson will take on No. 3 Notre Dame later today in the 2018 Cotton Bowl. The Tigers will enter AT&T Stadium as nearly two-touchdown favorites, (-13) in Vegas. Our official prediction will come out later today, but you can see how the national media is viewing this matchup.
Take a look back at the last time these two met on the gridiron:
247 Sports, 31-24 Clemson/34-27 Clemson
What they said:
“Hummer: I like Clemson here. But I’d be doing a disservice to anyone betting this game if I recommend picking the Tigers to cover. As much as people have knocked Notre Dame this year for being a pretender, Clemson’s played in a weak ACC bubble. The two times they played teams of nearly equal talent (not counting the mess at Florida State) they struggled (Texas A&M, South Carolina). The Tigers are going to win this game barring a mess in the secondary, but I like Notre Dame to keep it interesting. Notre Dame’s got the front seven necessary to coral Travis Etienne … Clemson 31, Notre Dame 24.
Crawford: Something doesn't feel right about this betting line. And any time it doesn't pass the sniff test, I lay off. Clemson is better on both sides, but if Notre Dame can get pressure on Trevor Lawrence (and I think the Irish will), we should see a competitive game. I'm going to go on a limb and say this one will be one of bowl season's most watchable contests from start to finish ... Clemson 34, Notre Dame 27.”
What they said:
“Notre Dame has been doubted all year and is a double-digit underdog headed into Saturday’s matchup. Needless to say, there’s no shortage of motivation out there for Kelly’s team. However, even with an inspired performance, the Fighting Irish are likely to come up short. Although Lawrence is sidelined, running the ball against Clemson’s front won’t be easy. Notre Dame’s best shot at a victory has to rest with prevention of big plays, winning the turnover battle, third downs and red zone defense, with Book throwing 40-45 times to take advantage of Clemson’s secondary. The Fighting Irish keep this one within a touchdown into the third quarter, but the Tigers pull away in the final 15 minutes to book a trip to the national championship.”
Bleacher Report, 31-17 Clemson
What they said:
“Notre Dame matches up with Clemson relatively well thanks to the nation's eighth-most efficient defense in yards allowed per play. But the Irish also have to figure out a way to score on the No. 1 unit. Clemson hasn't played a game within fewer than 20 points since September. The pressure is squarely on Notre Dame quarterback Ian Book to propel the offense, while the defense tries to contain its toughest test of 2018 (by a wide margin). That's a heck of a task.”
What they said:
“Like most people, I expect Clemson will beat Notre Dame more often than not in this game. But unlike most, I do not think it will be a blowout. I think these two teams are far more similar than most people realize, though Clemson is better offensively. Both are terrific defensively, but Notre Dame's better on special teams, and that's something too many people overlook in these matchups. Like many of you, I believe we're destined for yet another title game between Alabama and Clemson, but I don't think the Tigers will have the easiest time getting there.”
College Football News, 35-24 Clemson
What they said:
“How does Notre Dame win this?
It’ll need a whole lot of luck, and to be brutal about it, needs Trevor Lawrence to get hurt or be miserable. Other than that, Clemson has the lines, the want-to, and the versatility to win this in a variety of ways.
The Irish have to pitch a perfect game on both sides of the ball, but in the end, the Tiger lines will win this. Travis Etienne with outgain Dexter Williams, the Clemson defensive front will finish with ten tackles for loss, and it’ll be off to Santa Clara for a shot at a second national title in three years.”
What they said:
“As the clear underdog, Notre Dame will embrace the doubters and the questions. But Clemson is Clemson. A showdown with Alabama seems to be inevitable going into the semifinals. A late touchdown by the Tigers will put the Irish away for good.”
What they said:
“Clemson and Notre Dame played a thriller in 2015 — a 24-22 victory for the Tigers. Notre Dame has a physical defense up front and they will test freshman quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Will Ian Book have enough time against Clemson's fierce pass rush? Expect the Irish to make it interesting again.”