Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman has yet to secure a victory in the four games he has started against Clemson. With the No. 12 Fighting Irish (7-2) heading to Death Valley on Saturday, the veteran signal-caller has an opportunity to finally achieve an elusive win against Dabo Swinney’s team before his collegiate career concludes.
Clemson, one of the more successful teams in recent history, has endured a challenging season thus far. At 4-4, the Tigers have already suffered their most conference losses in a decade. They are one loss away from matching the worst ACC record of Swinney’s tenure with the program. Clemson’s offense is averaging 30.4 points per game. Only the 2021 (26.3 points per game) and 2010 (24.0 ppg) have scored fewer points than this year’s team. Despite the .500 record, Irish head coach Marcus Freeman expects a tough game.
“I view Clemson as a premier program in college football,” said Freeman earlier this week. “What Coach Swinney has done is second to none. It’s extremely impressive. They play at a high level and have a great culture. Don’t let the 4-4 record impact your opinion. Just watch the film.”
Hartman echoed the words of his head coach in speaking to the media this week.
“There’s a lot in it for us as a team, as a program to go down there and play well,” Hartman said. “It’s a 4-4 football team but we know that one play here and one play there and they’re going to be right in there in the conversation.”
Sam Hartman vs. Clemson: The Final Showdown
Hartman, who was among the top players in the transfer portal last year after four years of starting for Wake Forest, has emerged as a key leader for the Irish. Hartman has racked up 2,126 passing yards, connecting on 149 of 228 attempts. On the season, Hartman has thrown 18 touchdowns and five interceptions.
In last year’s game against Clemson, Hartman shined for the Demon Deacons. He threw for a career-high six touchdowns in a 51-43 loss in double overtime. He completed 20 of 29 passes for 337 yards, but it was not enough to secure the win for Wake Forest. For Hartman to have success against Clemson on Saturday, the Notre Dame offense will need to be more aggressive and push the ball vertically.
“We don’t put a number on it, but we want to take shots downfield,” Freeman related. “I’ll say it in-game, let’s take a shot, but a lot of it is done earlier in the week. Our players know that. We have to do it no matter the result. Our coordinators know I want to be aggressive.”
Moving the ball against Clemson could prove to be a chore for Hartman and company. Clemson’s defense has proved to be one of the team’s bright spots this year. The Tigers rank sixth out of 133 FBS programs in total defense, giving up just 266.9 yards per game. The unit allows 167.8 yards per game passing (ranked 9th) and 99.1 yards per game rushing and gives up 21 points per game. While it won’t be easy, the Irish, if aggressive, should be able to challenge the Clemson defense. The Irish offense has compiled 21 passing touchdowns this year and 18 rushing touchdowns. Notre Dame has generated 3,851 yards of total offense this season and averages 38.3 points per game.
Mitchell Evans Lost for the Season
Notre Dame tight end Mitchell Evans will miss the remaining three games of the season as well as the postseason due to an ACL injury he sustained during the Irish’s victory over Pittsburgh last Saturday. Freeman confirmed on Monday that Evans will undergo season-ending knee surgery.
Evans has been a standout performer in Notre Dame’s offense this season, leading the team with 20 catches for 422 yards. His ability to make acrobatic catches has been crucial in clutch moments for the Irish. Injuries have plagued Notre Dame’s wide receivers, and the loss of Evans is a significant blow to the team’s offensive capabilities.
With Evans sidelined, Notre Dame will turn to Holden Staes to ramp up his production. Staes has shown glimpses of his potential this season, recording 12 catches for 163 yards and four touchdowns. In a notable performance during the Irish’s 45-24 victory over NC State, Staes hauled in four passes for 115 yards and scored two touchdowns.
Additionally, Eli Raridon and Cooper Flanagan should also see increased playing time. Raridon, who missed the first half of the season due to a knee injury, has made appearances in the last three games. He has yet to make a reception. Flanagan has primarily served as a blocker this season. But the freshman left his mark in his first career catch for Notre Dame, scoring a 19-yard touchdown against Pittsburgh.
“He will be asked to do more,” Freeman said of Raridon at Monday’s press conference. “Along with Holden Staes and Cooper Flanagan. You don’t make up for what Evans brings with just one guy.”
The Verdict
Notre Dame boasts a recent win against Clemson. In 2022, the Irish defeated the Tigers 35-14 at home. While Hartman has played well against Clemson, he has yet to defeat the Tigers. That can change on Saturday.
In a compelling clash, Notre Dame is poised to continue the momentum of its last two victories. Armed with a formidable and disciplined defense and an offense brimming with the potential to light up the scoreboard under Hartman, the Fighting Irish should secure a victory over a Clemson team struggling to find its identity this season. A win in Saturday’s pivotal game can serve as a stepping-stone for Notre Dame toward securing a coveted spot in a New Year’s Day Bowl Game.
