They are universally favored and possibly looking forward to Alabama? I mean, the Georgia that looked lost at LSU looked better than the Tide for most of the SEC championship game when they were underdogs and Alabama was already a lock to the playoffs. Psychology can be a huge factor in college football.
Just a game where they are outmatched.
Or, in lieu of wearing their game face, they might be ok if they pin their ears back
(no message)
(no message)
......the are Number one in the nation in rushing yds per carry and Number one in fewest rushing yards allowed. If the Irish coaching staff can overcome this disadvantage in the trenches and prepare a game plan that allows this team to win this battle, even his worst detractors will have to give them credit.
and that's if you consider South Carolina a tough opponent. Other than that, Clemson faced two almost good teams - Texas A&M and Syracuse where they won by a total of 6 points.
Yes they can score big time but those scores were run up against some not so serious competition - especially noting when in the season they played.
This is not saying Clemson is not a good or even great team - especially noting the QB upgrade.
Link: http://www.espn.com/college-football/team/schedule/_/id/228/clemson-tigers
The basic premise, "trap game" is a favorite creation of the media/fans..Ive heard many an athlete say there is no such thing..when you're preparing for a game..
Its a much overhyped theme..
I think trap games do exist, but generally they are a function of the schedule. It's tough to get fully up for every game, so after an especially emotionally charged rivalry game with another big rivalry or highly ranked team coming a week after the trap game it's certainly possible. Travel can figure into it as well. Having said that, this isn't one. The last game will have been several weeks gone and even if Clemson is rated to win handily, it's the playoffs and ND is probably the best team they'll have played this year, they'll be up for it.
Trap games are absolutely real. There is no way in hell the CFPs are a trap game for anyone.
(no message)