Notre Dame Football: 5 Reasons Irish upset Clemson in Cotton Bowl

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 24: Tony Jones Jr. #6 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish scores a touchdown against USC Trojans during the second half at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 24, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Todd Bennett/Getty Images) /

2. Clemson is down three players to failed drug tests

The Clemson will not be at full strength as they get ready to take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. No, I’m not talking about some seniors who have already declared for the NFL Draft, I am talking about three players will miss the Cotton Bowl for drug-related suspensions.

Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, tight end Braden Gallowayand offensive lineman Zach Giella will all be suspended for the Cotton Bowl after failing drug tests. Two of those guys are replaceable, but losing Dexter Lawrence is heartbreaking for this team. Lawrence has 37 total tackles, 7.5 for tackles for loss, one sack and is widely regarded as one of the most disruptive players in the country. Even if he doesn’t make the play, opposing offensive lines have to take note of the 6-foot-4, 350-pound junior and do something to block him from getting to the quarterback.

However, now the Tigers will be without Lawrence. With a secondary that is already struggling to keep up with the rest of the country, this team could not handle to lose someone along that coveted defensive front that has ranked among the top in the country in terms of pass rush.

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