Notre Dame Football: 3 reasons the Irish will shock No. 4 Clemson

2. Michael Mayer will be a major factor in multiple ways

Michael Mayer is such a special player. He arrived at Notre Dame with huge expectations as a major recruit and has delivered big-time for the Irish.

Mayer really can do it all on the football field. He is such a huge and reliable target out there for Pyne to throw the ball to on the field. It is no surprise to see Pyne looking his way a lot to get the balls in his hands.

The junior tight end in Mayer had a rather quiet outing in the passing game last week against Syracuse only catching three receptions for 54 yards. What is great about Mayer is that he is so much more than just a pass catcher. He is very polished in the run game and has no problem sticking his nose in there and helping effectively run the ball with his blocking.

Mayer can catch, block, and run great for his size. This is why he is seen by many as the unanimous first tight end selected come April in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Whether it be having a huge game in the passing or helping out in the run game Mayer will be a main factor in the Irish coming out with a victory. If you are a betting person I would place a bet on Mayer scoring a touchdown on Saturday night.