ACC Basketball power rankings: Clemson and Georgia Tech rises, Duke falls
By Joey Loose
14. Notre Dame (4-4, 0-1)
It’s important to remember that the Fighting Irish are currently in a period of significant transition. Mike Brey coached at Notre Dame for nearly a quarter century and stepped aside last year, with this program not exactly in a glorious state. New head coach Micah Shrewsberry is an Indiana native who did wonders recently with Penn State and projects as a great addition to South Bend, but he’ll need time to turn things around. Even in today’s game, these things don’t happen overnight.
The Fighting Irish proved that patience will be required when they lost by double-digits at home to Western Carolina in the first weekend of the season. That was one of what’s become many porous efforts on offense, though the defense hasn’t been terrible for Notre Dame. They did beat Oklahoma State in overtime and limited a great Miami squad to 62 points this past weekend, but it’s clear that there’s work to do all around.
Even if Notre Dame finishes last in the ACC this season, there’s not yet reason to worry in South Bend. The Fighting Irish lost some significant pieces in the offseason, leaving Shrewsberry to scramble to complete this roster before his first season. Patience will definitely be required; after all Shrewsberry took Penn State to the second round of the Big Dance in just his second year. For now, Notre Dame will try to alleviate their shooting concerns, having had several abysmal performances from outside the arc.