Every moment of the men’s college season has led to one last weekend in Louisville, Kentucky. And as Clemson and Notre Dame are the only teams to have ever won the college cup, that means there is a significant possibility that Monday could present a first-time winner. Of course, that does leave the chance that the ACC teams win their semifinal games and leave us with what would be an in-conference final.

Clemson (13-3-5) vs. West Virginia (17-2-4) – Friday, December 8th, 6 PM Eastern, ESPN+

At this point of the season, all form does go out the window, but what does not is chemistry, and over the last few weeks, Clemson is playing like a team that has been together for years. But, take nothing away from the Mountaineers. The Sun Belt was brutal this season, and not only did the Mountaineers survive, they thrived.

Clemson Keys to Victory

With no goals conceded in the last three games, Clemson has clearly figured something out defensively. The three-back system that initially looked choppy after a slow start to the season now looks like a well-oiled machine, particularly from the two wingback roles. But against a West Virginia team that has no problem skipping multiple lines with a long ball, the Tigers have to make sure their counter-press is intact to prevent balls over the top, particularly towards Marcus Caldeira, who is among the best at leading a line as a lone forward in college soccer. Otherwise, the Mountaineers could match up three versus three with the Clemson backline and cause plenty of trouble.

West Virginia Keys to Victory

The key is transitioning and doing so quickly. Clemson will want plenty of possession, but with the two wing backs often pushing high up the field, the Tigers leave the three center backs isolated. If West Virginia can find a way to counter with pace, leaving the back three to defend alone, then there is an avenue to threaten in the right moments.

Oregon State (11-5-5) vs. Notre Dame (12-2-6) – Friday, December 8th, 8:30 PM Eastern, ESPN+

Notre Dame has rode its luck a bit to this point of the tournament with two straight penalty shootout victories. On the other hand, that also means the defense is locked in. Whereas Oregon State has shown it can win high and low-scoring games, a trait that makes the Beavers more dangerous than most.

Oregon State Keys to Victory

Pressure and pressure often. Notre Dame has demonstrated an exploitable habit of passive play, meaning sitting back in a defensive shape without an apparent interest in countering. Not that the Beavers should get carried away and leave the back line bare, but it opens the door for sustained pressure when the Irish eventually sink into that habit. The likes of Logan Farrington and Dante Williams will be vital when that happens.

Notre Dame Keys to Victory

The Irish must find a better mix of a stringent defense and a potent rest offense. The Irish have not scored from open play in the last 220 minutes of soccer, losing the possession battle in both games, and have been outshot by 25- all while playing at home. They did win in penalty kicks, but the struggle has been finding ways to pose an offensive threat while having the defensive fortitude necessary to secure championships. But they must find that balance and soon because the current run of play is not encouraging, to say the least.

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