What Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman had to say about Clemson

Notre Dame (7-2) heads to Clemson (4-4) on Saturday for a noon kick.

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman took time to answer questions during his press conference on Monday ahead of the Irish's trip to Clemson this Saturday. Freeman broke down what he'd seen from the Tigers on tape.

Opening statement on the Tigers. Freeman, like Dabo Swinney, has on multiple occasions, pointed out that Clemson has been in every game and probably should've won them all: "They've had a very unique season. You know, as you look at the record, versus what the film shows, and really what the games tell you, as you watch them, you know, those four losses, the two of them were in overtime, when they led in the fourth quarter, one on the first game of the year versus Duke, you know, the turnovers in a red zone, just a unique situation. And I don't know if I've ever seen a game like that. And then last week, they really - into the stats, if you just read the stats will tell you - they probably should have won that game. And you know, I think probably the turnovers, you know, ended up costing them that game. But this is a talented football team. And we understand the challenge that it will present on Saturday down at Clemson."

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman / Notre Dame Athletics

On the challenge of playing at Death Valley and the rivalry that's developed between Clemson and Notre Dame: "I view Clemson as one of the premier programs in college football. And what Coach Swinney has done with that program, over the course of his time there, has been second to no other program in college football. It's extremely impressive. And so they've recruited at a high level. They have an unbelievable culture, and they play at a high level. And that's why I want to make sure everybody in our program understands: don't let the 4-4 record reflect the team, you just watched the film. They are as talented as any team we face this year, across the board, and we have to understand it. I've never personally been to Clemson we have some coaches on our side, we have a coach you know, [Chansi] Stuckey that played at Clemson. And we have players that have played there that you know, continue to remind us of the challenging environment it will be... Any great competitors look forward to the opportunity of going in there to play."

On Clemson potentially being without running back Will Shipley who is in concussion protocol: "I don't know what exactly we'll get, depending on what happens with No. 1, you know, being able to play or not and so it's an interesting part of their offense and what they're going to do if they have one back or two backs. And so I think that presents some challenges."

On Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik: "He's a really good player. I know they've had some turnovers and what you realize is that not all turnovers are on on quarterback, even though they take the blame for it right and that he is a really good player, that that can really run an elite offense."