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The observer | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2020 | ndsmcobserver.com

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clemson game according to fans

ND MEN’S SOCCER

Irish fall 1-0 to Hokies, prepare for Louisville

Hayden Adams

sports editor

Well, we made it. In the words of grad student defensive end daelin hayes, “it’s clemson week, baby.” We asked notre dame fans for one reason they felt the Irish would defeat or lose to the Tigers, and here’s what they came up with:

Reasons for a Win:

No Trevor Lawrence

Yeah, don’t think this one needs explaining. If you don’t know why (and I can’t imagine you don’t if you’re reading this), I would point you to highlights of notre dame vs. clemson in the 2018 cotton bowl, highlights which are still too painful for me to watch.

Defense / The Defense, dude

A couple of people pointed this out, and it’s almost as

Editor’s Note: A version of this story was published online Nov. 2. head coach brian Kelly spoke with the media monday ahead of the upcoming home game against clemson on saturday.

The press conference followed another win for notre dame against Georgia Tech on saturday, making their record 6-0. both the Irish defense and offense held their own against the Yellow Jackets, with graduate students daelin hayes and Ian book leading their respective lines.

In the press conference, Kelly discussed several other players and their contributions to the team this season. he commented on graduate student nick mccloud’s improvement since his transfer much of a no brainer as no Trevor Lawrence, dude. defense has been and will continue to be the strength of this notre dame team throughout this season and pretty much every season that clark Lea continues to grace the Irish defensive coordinator position. If notre dame is going to win this game, the defense is going to have to keep this one in the 20s, because it is hard for me to see this Irish offense putting up 30 or more (although that’s partly based on what I think is a winning strategy; more on that later…). say what you will about notre dame’s defense giving up 30 points to clemson two years ago, but Alabama gave up 44 to the Tigers a game later. And seven of the 30 that the Irish surrendered were on a back-breaking run by Travis etienne where the defense sold out to try and get

Editor’s Note: A version of this story was published online Nov. 2.

In a tweet sent out Tuesday night, notre dame defensive end Kofi Wardlow announced his intent to transfer out of notre dame’s football program.

“After deliberate consultation with my family, I have decided it is in my best interest to enter the transfer portal.” Wardlow said in the tweet. “I want to thank coach Kelly, coach elston, coach Lea, the strength coaches, athletic trainers, support staff and the University of notre dame for their support of my success, I have greatly enjoyed my time playing for the Irish, and the community and relationships I have formed here will always be special to me.”

A three-star prospect and

see AdAms PAGE 14

ANNA MASON | The Observer

Irish junior forward Jack Lynn dribbles through two defenders during Notre Dame’s home 4-1 win over Xavier on Sept. 25, 2018.

By LIAM COOLICAN

sports Writer

on a cold, windy afternoon monday at Alumni stadium, the notre dame men’s soccer team fell to virginia Tech 1-0. head coach chad riley described the result as “frustrating.” notre dame (3-3, 2-2 Acc) began the game on the attack, dominating the possession in the opening 20 minutes. notre dame had two great chances in the 14th minute. Junior forward Jack Lynn had the first shot on goal for either side but was denied by a great save, and senior midfielder Aiden mcFadden followed that effort with a header that was just wide of the mark.

Lynn led the Irish with three shots in the game and leads the team with three goals on the year.

“he’s certainly a goal scorer but he’s more than that, and

see m soccer PAGE 13

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Kelly previews top-5 match up with Clemson

Wardlow transfers out of program

By EMILY DeFAZIO

sports Writer

Observer Sports Staff

[he] really brings a lot to our the no. 57 weak-side defensive end in the country per 247sports composite, Wardlow appeared in one game as a sophomore, against virgina Tech, and two as a junior, with zero appearances this season.

The 6-foot-2, 230 pound, senior from Washington d.c. recorded one tackle in his entire notre dame career last season against boston college on nov. 23. The Irish went on to win that game 40-7, and finished the season 9-2. he had only played football for two years prior to enrolling at notre dame and was the no, 9 overall recruit out of d. c. for the class of 2017. his offer list included such Power Five schools as maryland, michigan state, Pittsburgh, virginia Tech and boston college.

Wardlow will receiver his bachelor’s degree from the University after the fall semester.