News / Notre Dame vs Clemson 2020

Notre Dame vs Clemson an Instant Classic with a 2OT ND win 47-40

November 09, 2020

It doesn't get much better than this for long-suffering Notre Dame fans. Notre Dame extended it's nation's long 13-game winning streak and handed Clemson their first regular season loss since 2017 with an epic 47-40 victory.

With the win Notre Dame has moved up to #2 in both polls, it's highest since 2012 when they were #1. Knocking off #1 Clemson brought back memories of 1993 when Notre Dame beat another top ranked ACC opponent that day in FSU. And just like in 1993 ND will need to refocus all of their energy on Boston College the following week.

With the win Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly has now compiled a 40-6 record the last 3.5 seasons. Notre Dame QB Ian Book played a terrific game and is now 27-3 as the starter. Most importantly Book and Kelly shut up the naysayers who said they couldn't win the big game as an underdog.

Hats off to ND RB Kyren Williams who was outstanding from his first carry to his last resulting in touchdowns on both while running for over 140 yards. The Notre Dame lines beat the shit out of Clemson on both sides. The offensive line opened up holes and pushed around a very talented Clemson front. Likewise on the defensive side the ND defensive line sacked Clemson freshman QB D.J. Uiagalelie (who was sensational in only his 2nd career start) twice in the 2OT and held RB Travis Etienne to only 28 yards rushing on 18 carries.

From start to finish this was a classic nail-biter. Hopefully in about a month we can get a rematch in Charlotte for the ACC Championship if ND and Clemson both win out.

Go Irish!