Georgia Tech Basketball: Jackets Host Newcomers Notre Dame in ACC Home Opener

The Yellow Jackets have recently come off of an exciting battle against #16 Duke in Durham, NC. Earlier last week, their ACC season started against Maryland, however the ACC has proven to be more tough than their previous out of conference schedule. The next three games are Tech's first home series and the Jackets are looking to capitalize on home court advantage to pull out a W. Plagued with injuries, this team is looking for that game to provide confidence and kickstart their ACC season. Coach Brian Gregory is still waiting to record back to back ACC wins, and if there is ever a time for the Jackets to do it, it will be these next three games in my opinion. However, in order to do that, we must first make it through the Fighting Irish.

Not much is known about the new Notre Dame team as far as the ACC is concerned, however they made a huge splash, defeating the Duke Blue Devils in the ACC Opener. Following that win, they lost a close battle to NC State. As far as I'm concerned, I think this is anyone's game.

Let's break this game down a bit more.

Notre Dame is shooting well from all over the court and putting up a lot of numbers. One statistical comparison that is not surprising is Rebounds/Game, where the Jackets have defeated every team in this season other than Duke. Both teams commit too many turnover and need to get that part of their game in check for the tough ACC road ahead. One concern that will change these statistics for the Jackets as the season progresses is how players will step up and contribute now that our starting lineup is injured.

So the Jackets will return to McCamish without Robert Carter Jr. in the lineup. Furthermore, Kammeon Holsey will make his first ever start in the new McCamish Pavilion after starting over 43 games in his first two seasons, then never again. We will have to look for the bench (Quinton, Solomon, Stacey, and Bolden) to contribute if we want to be successful tomorrow. We will also need to be smarter about when to push the ball and when to set up the offense. Look to Trae Golden and Daniel Miller to be the leaders on the court once again.

Tipoff is set for noon EST. The game can be seen on WATL-TV, as well as heard on the radio at WYAY-FM, 106.7, IMG SPorts Network (Sirius ch. 134, XM ch. 194).

How do you think the Jackets will fair against the Fighting Irish? Are they going to be able to get their first ACC win of the season? What must the Jackets do differently to come away with a "W"?