ARLINGTON, Texas—Both Cotton Bowl Classic opponents Notre Dame and Clemson are undefeated this season.

This is the first time that “new kid on the block” Notre Dame has made it to the college football playoffs.

“This is not a bowl game. This is a playoff game,” said Notre Dame’s Head Football Coach Brian Kelly. “There’s no denying this is one of the top if not the best defensive lines I can remember facing. You’re not going to bludgeon them up front but you have to keep them off balance, so that will be a challenge.”

The Tigers have reached the playoffs the last four seasons, even capturing a national championship.

“We’re excited. This is what it’s all about. You get a chance to play an unbelievable opponent. And yeah, we haven’t played Notre Dame very much at all. It seems every time they have played, they have been epic games,” said Clemson’s Head Football Coach, Dabo Swinney.

Clemson’s defense was dealt a big blow this week after star defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence and two other teammates, tight end Braden Galloway and offensive lineman Zach Giella, failed a drug test.

“I think it is a privilege when you’re in situations like this, which are so called pressure,” Swinney said.