"hurt" their product. Keep in mind the game is on ESPN. None of them are going to flat out say ND has no chance or this game will be over by halftime b/c they want as many people watching as long as possible. You can tell people like David Pollack and Marty Smith are just dying to say how they really feel.
You see this in other CFB games where it is a blowout by the start of the 2nd Q but one of the commentators (usually the color guy) will make up some bullshit like "if X happens and then Y happens, then the team currently getting their ass kicked will still has a chance"
Wouldn't it be great if ND shocks the world and beats Clemson decisively?
Of course the same "experts" (like Pollack and Smith) who were dying to say ND would have no chance will make it seem like they knew all along ND could pull off a victory.
Such is the World of ESPN and their cronies.