Clemson Tigers vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish Betting Preview

The ACC Championship Game is set to take place on Saturday, and it will have huge College Football Playoff implications. Two of the best teams in college football will be on the field in what will be the second matchup of the season.

The 10-0 Notre Dame Fighting Irish are set to take on the 9-1 Clemson Tigers for the conference crown. Notre Dame won the first matchup of the season in South Bend by a score of 47-40.

Both teams are loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, and the NFL scouts will be keeping a close eye on this one. The Clemson Tigers are 10.5-point favorites in this rematch with Notre Dame with the winner clinching their spot in the College Football Playoff. 

Lawrence Set to Lead

Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence was not on the field for the first matchup against Notre Dame, and he will be motivated to play well in this one. Lawrence is widely regarded as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and is capable of having a big game.

Lawrence has thrown for 2,431 yards and 20 touchdowns this season to lead the Tigers to 46 points per game. Amari Rodgers is the top target for Lawrence, racking up 61 receptions for 845 yards.

Another big name on this offense is running back Travis Etienne, and he will be tough on the Notre Dame defense. Etienne has run for 758 and 12 touchdowns this season to lead the team.

The Clemson defense did allow 47 points to Notre Dame in the first meeting, and that unit will need to play better in this game. 

Notre Dame Wants to Run

Notre Dame is averaging 235 rushing yards per game, and they will look to run the ball in this game. Running back Kyren Williams leads the team with 1,011 yards and 12 touchdowns, and he had a monster performance against Clemson in the first meeting. 

Quarterback Ian Book is also having a huge season, throwing for 2,382 yards and 15 touchdowns. Book might not have the future NFL talent that Lawrence has, but he is the unquestioned leader of this team.

The Fighting Irish also feature a dominant defense that has given up just 17 points per game. Notre Dame will face a Clemson offense that can score in a hurry, but this unit is capable of a great performance. 

Clemson Gets Revenge in Close Game

Clemson nearly beat Notre Dame earlier this season without Lawrence, and they are a better team when at full strength. The Tigers are large favorites in this matchup, but Notre Dame is not getting a ton of respect. 

The Fighting Irish are a very good football team, and they will keep this game close throughout. Clemson will get revenge in winning the ACC Championship Game, but don’t expect a blowout. 

Take the 10.5 points and bet on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in this matchup of Nos. 2 and 3 teams on Saturday.

For more Dunkel Index picks, check out our NCAA football picks page.