As Notre Dame and Clemson set to have a rematch on Saturday night for the ACC Championship Game, we look at prospects the Chiefs could consider in 2021.
Notre Dame joined the ACC conference in football for the 2020 season—and only this season—due to COVID-19. The ACC board of directors put together a plan for the unusual situation where all conference schools and Notre Dame would play ten games within the conference and one nonconference game that they choose provided public health guidance approves.
Considering the Irish were scheduled to play six ACC teams this season already, the plan made sense. Notre Dame has been famous for its independence, but with health concerns due to the coronavirus, this allows the team to operate in a more controlled manner. By adding the Fighting Irish to the conference, there would be no divisions inside the ACC for the 2020 season. It would also make Notre Dame eligible for the ACC championship game.
On Saturday afternoon, the No. 2 Irish will take on the No. 3 Clemson Tigers in the ACC championship game in Charlotte. The game will be a rematch from their regular-season game in which Notre Dame prevailed in double overtime. The primary difference will be that Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, the likely number one overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, will be available this time around.
Lawrence missed two games earlier this season, including the game against Notre Dame, when he tested positive for COVID-19. Freshman quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei filled in for Lawrence during the regular season matchup throwing for 439 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Everyone who follows college football is interested in seeing what this game looks like the second time around with Lawrence back in the fold.
Between these two schools, there are several prospects to watch in the championship game. While the Kansas City Chiefs likely won’t be looking too heavily at either quarterback, there are plenty of players at positions of need who will be available in the 2021 NFL Draft. Let’s take a look at prospects on each side of the ball for Notre Dame and Clemson.