In a stunning upset, the Clemson Tigers triumphed over the No. 12 ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish with a final score of 31-23, bringing them one step closer to bowl eligibility. The victory came at a crucial time for Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney, who had faced criticism from fans throughout the week due to Clemson's underwhelming performance this season. Swinney even had a heated exchange with a fan during his radio show. However, the Tigers managed to silence the doubters by securing the win and improving their season record to 5-4.

Following the game, Swinney had a clear message for the naysayers, stating, "We haven't had much go our way this year... But if Clemson's a stock, you better buy all you freakin' can buy right now." The head coach commended his team's heart and fight, acknowledging that they have faced adversity but continue to persevere.

The standout performance of the game came from Tigers running back Phil Mafah, who rushed for an impressive 86 yards and scored two touchdowns. In the absence of injured running back Will Shipley, Mafah stepped up and delivered a remarkable performance. Quarterback Cade Klubnick also played a crucial role, throwing for one touchdown and leading the team to victory.

Clemson's defense played a significant part in their triumph, intercepting Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman twice. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Kylon Griffin were the defensive stars of the game, creating turnovers that ultimately contributed to Clemson's win. Trotter even returned his interception for a touchdown, solidifying the team's lead.

The victory holds special significance for Coach Swinney, as it now makes him the all-time winningest head coach in Clemson football history. This accomplishment cements his status as one of the most successful coaches in the program's history.

Notre Dame, who entered the game as the No. 15 ranked team in the nation, struggled to match Clemson's intensity and were unable to overcome their opponents. Despite a valiant effort from Hartman, who scored a rushing touchdown, the Fighting Irish fell short in their bid for victory.

The Tigers' success came after enduring a challenging stretch of away games, making the home win even more satisfying. The team demonstrated resilience and determination in the face of adversity, overcoming injuries and criticism to secure the upset victory.

Looking ahead, Notre Dame will have a bye week to regroup and strategize for their upcoming games, while Clemson will host Georgia Tech next week. The Tigers will undoubtedly carry the momentum from this significant win into their next matchup, hoping to continue their path towards bowl eligibility.

Overall, Clemson's triumph over Notre Dame is a testament to their resilience, determination, and ability to overcome obstacles. Coach Swinney and his team have proven that they should never be counted out, and they are ready to rise to the occasion when it matters most.