One thing that I think that the pundits like Jim Mora and others haven't considered, and fail to consider, is the fact that ND hasn't been there. The media distractions, the prep, interviews and all that goes on apart from the actual game on the field... is a big deal. Clemson, Bama, and OK have been there but ND hasn't. Will this be a distraction and weigh on them? I don't know but I think back to Miami last year in the ACCCG or Pitt this year. Yes, Pitt was way inferior but Miami had better talent than Pitt last year and got blasted. Even Richt spoke about the distractions. There has to be something in the prep that many teams are geared for and others are not. I think Clemson is built for this and ND is not - regardless of talent and Xs and Os. ND may have already lost the game before they even set a foot on the field. So be it. Go Tigers!
Regardless of whether or not Notre Dame has been there, or not, I am comfortable knowing our coaching staff hasn't overlooked anything, including that fact. And if you think Notre Dame has already lost this game before they step on the field, I know where you can get an extra ticket to that Garth Brooks Concert held at Notre Dame last night.