Clemson finally broke through with a huge offensive play early in the second quarter to take a one-score lead over Notre Dame in a game that had previously been all about defense and field position.
True freshmen Trevor Lawrence and Justyn Ross both made tremendous individual efforts on the first touchdown of the Cotton Bowl. Lawrence threw a gorgeous pass down the right sideline, and then Ross made a strong play to go up and get it before beating everyone down the field for the touchdown.
True Freshman to True Freshman
Lawrence to Ross for the Clemson TOUCHDOWN #CFBPlayoff pic.twitter.com/TdlxJX3x0G
— NCAAF Nation (@NCAAFNation247) December 29, 2018
This 52-yard touchdown was followed up by a blocked field goal, however, and Clemson took a 9-3 lead.