Notre Dame Football: Are Irish or Texas A&M more deserving?

Are the detractors, right? Is Notre Dame overrated?

The Irish have had a bit of Jeykll and Hide to them this season. Notre Dame football did come into this game undefeated with the win against Clemson in the regular season and some dominating performances against the hapless South Florida Bulls, Pittsburgh Panthers, Florida State Seminoles and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.

Then, there was the 12-7 debacle against the Louisville Cardinals. Louisville had one of the worst defenses in the ACC this season, yet the Irish had issues moving the ball against them. The Syracuse Orange found ways to move the ball against Notre Dame; so did Boston College, Duke and even Florida State.

Then there was round one versus Clemson. Undoubtedly the game of the season. Ian Book led the Irish to a 47-40 victory in South Bend. However, the narrative will be, “Clemson didn’t have their best player and were missing three critical defensive players and still almost won.” It seems as if that narrative could have some weight.

Not only did Notre Dame lose, but were also outcoached and out schemed. Trevor Lawrence left no doubt the difference-maker he is in last night’s game. However, offensive coordinator Tommy Rees had no counter punch for Clemson’s defense master-minded by Brent Venables.

Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea had no counter for future head coach Tony Elliot on the other side of the ball. Does this mean all of the Notre Dame detractors were right? Is Notre Dame overrated? There is no definitive answer to that question, but last night’s performance added fuel to that fire.