Notre Dame dropped to a putrid 2-4 after losing 10-3 to NC State on Saturday, but in comparison to their other losses, they really do have a legitimate excuse for this one.
The game between the Fighting Irish and Wolfpack in Raleigh was played in some of the sloppiest conditions imaginable because of Hurricane Matthew. The game was delayed by 30 minutes due to lightning, and there was uncertainty over whether it would be played.
With the field muddy and rain whipping down, neither team managed to crack 200 yards in offense. Notre Dame had just 113 yards in the game. The teams combined for five turnovers. The only touchdown was scored by NC State on a blocked punt returned for a touchdown.
On Sunday, Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly called the playing conditions “atrocious.”
Brian Kelly calls conditions “atrocious” and said Sam Mustipher was "put in a very difficult situation."
— Irish Illustrated (@PeteSampson_) October 9, 2016
Nevertheless, Kelly was not happy about the team’s special teams play, which ultimately resulted in the defeat.
Brian Kelly calls some of the special teams breakdowns “unbelievable” and has difficult time reconciling the issues that have plagued ND.
— Irish Illustrated (@PeteSampson_) October 9, 2016
The Irish will face Stanford, Miami and Navy in their next three games — none of whom will be easy. They’re in danger of falling to 2-7 if they’re not careful.
