Notre Dame’s undefeated season, and hopes for a national championship, both came to an abrupt end on Saturday afternoon as they were blown out by Clemson in the Cotton Bowl Classic.
The Fighting Irish, who entered the game as the third-seeded team in the nation, fell behind early thanks to a massive second quarter surge by the Tigers, and they could never recover as Clemson advanced to its third national title game in the last four seasons.
Trevor Lawrence threw for 327 yards and three touchdowns, torching the Irish secondary throughout the game before being pulled in the fourth quarter. The Clemson offense had 538 yards of total offense, as Travis Etienne led the way on the ground with 109 yards and a touchdown.
Justyn Ross had six catches for 148 yards and two scores in the contest as Clemson moved their record to 14-0.
Ian Book had a rough day at the office for Notre Dame, throwing for 160 yards and an interception in the contest.
Clemson will take on the winner of Saturday’s game between Alabama and Oklahoma in the national title game on Jan. 7.
