No one would forget the last time Notre Dame and Clemson played each other. The East Coast was getting drenched by Hurricane Joaquin, while college football was preparing for its best weekend of the season, with five top-25 matchups. While some games in the storm’s path changed start times, No. 6 Notre Dame vs. No. 12 Clemson went on as planned. ESPN’s College GameDay hosted its show on campus, and the matchup remained in the primetime ABC slot.
As with any hurricane, officials on all sides monitored the storm all week. Clemson released a statement the day before the game confirming its ability to operate the game.