Notre Dame Football: 3 bold predictions vs. Clemson in Week 10

Saturday night’s primetime battle between Clemson and Notre Dame football could help decide the playoff field. Who comes out on top?

Finally, the game we’ve been waiting for all season. Everyone knew that the top two teams in the ACC would likely be Notre Dame and Clemson at this point in the year, but no one expected Trevor Lawrence to be missing the showdown at Notre Dame Stadium in Week 10.

Unfortunately for Clemson, Lawrence tested positive for COVID-19 which means that he will be out for at least this one — after missing last week, too — and we all saw how much different this team looked without him against an inferior opponent like Boston College. This one could be a problem for the Tigers.

DJ Uiagalelei is still a talented quarterback as a true freshman, but playing his first road game with playoff hopes on the line will be pressure-packed.

Who will add to that playoff resume in Week 10?

3. Jordan Johnson finally breaks out

Alright, I’ll be the first to admit it: I’m on the Jordan Johnson bandwagon. I’m buying all the stock in the former five-star receiver recruit from Missouri and it’s shocking that we haven’t seen him yet for the Fighting Irish.

That should change this weekend against Clemson as Notre Dame is down multiple targets and looking for a spark in the passing game.

Brian Kelly has been hesitant to get this freshman on the field but the need for him is growing with a guy like Braden Lenzy out and Ian Book looking for a pick-me-up in the receiving corps. Saturday will be his time to shine against the No. 1 team in the country.

I’m not going with a 100-yard game here, by any means, but we will see more of the former five-star and I believe he’ll score his first collegiate touchdown on Saturday in primetime.