Notre Dame vs Clemson: 5 Wet & Windy Worries
The Northern Indiana November weather often matches the play of the Irish for much of this year. Inconsistent. As Nick Shepkowski indicated in his recent update, rainy and windy conditions may be in play as Notre Dame and Clemson square off Saturday evening.
In a game that is already full of interesting storylines and dynamics regarding both teams, atypical weather would certainly add another wrinkle into the mix. Who would gusty and rainy conditions favor and how? What extra precautions must be made in an effort to limit their impact?
Let’s examine some of the ways these conditions if they come to fruition, may impact the game.
The Passing Game
Sep 24, 2022; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Drew Pyne (10) looks to pass in the second quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Even in perfect conditions, [autotag]Drew Pyne[/autotag] has struggled to complete even 50% of his passes in the last three games. It’s not a stretch to think that wet and windy conditions will only make things more challenging in this regard.
The Notre Dame offensive line, which was already going to be leaned on heavily in the run game will become even more of a determining factor than it already is if indeed passing the ball is not a viable option due to weather. How much of each team’s plan must be altered and who can pivot the most effectively if need be?
Kicking Game
Oct 15, 2022; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Stanford Cardinal kicker Joshua Karty (43) kicks a field goal in the fourth quarter against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Nothing can be taken for granted regarding special teams when the game is played in rain and wind. From slippery balls to kicks that need to be judged like 9 irons in a crosswind, extra attention to detail is in order.
Brian Mason’s unit has been a terrific group this year. They are disciplined and have found ways to make game-changing plays consistently. Games played in weather like this can easily be decided by one big play in the kicking game. Fortune favors the well-disciplined in this regard.
Ball Security
Oct 8, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack fullback Jaylen Samuels (1) is tackled by Notre Dame Fighting Irish safety Devin Studstill (14) during the first half at Carter Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
Suffice it to say, ball security must be priority number one in wet conditions of any kind. Any fundamental sloppiness such as having one hand on the ball rather than both or making body catches rather than hand catches will carry increased consequences.
The team that plays the cleanest usually emerges victorious in “sloppy” games. What team is going to play clean on their end but cause and take advantage of miscues from the other? This could very well determine the game.
Cold Blooded
Notre Dame coach Ara Parseghian looks less than pleased as he watches his team during second half of game against Navy at South Bend, Nov. 4, 1967. Parseghians biggest problem of the day was keeping the heavy snowfall out of his eyes as his team snowed the Navy 43-14. AP Photo/Charles Harrity
While snow isn’t expected this weekend, where there is wind and rain, cold usually follows to a certain extent. What team is best able to adapt to the conditions and play as if they aren’t a factor that limits play?
There is a common debate that takes place when a “warm weather” team plays in a northern venue late in the season. The issue in question? Whether or not it’s an advantage for the home team who is generally more used to playing in and adjusting to cold conditions on the fly than the visitors tend to be. Will this be a factor Saturday evening?
Crowd Engagement
Sep 17, 2022; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Fans tailgate outside Notre Dame Stadium before the game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the California Bears. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Sometimes in games where the weather is objectively horrific, it ends up being fun. Folks give up on being dry and just embrace the experience for what it is. I’ve never been more content being freezing cold and wet than I was after leaving the Notre Dame-Stanford game in 2012. It added to the experience.
But the dynamic is much different this time around. Notre Dame already has a documented issue with not playing well at home and the team is not undefeated with everything on the line like in 2012. A rough start against a strong team combined with poor weather is a recipe for a muted crowd. On the contrary, if Notre Dame hangs in this game, the crowd will too!
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