After the Clemson game, it goes without saying that any non-BC game is losable without Jefferson. But this is a game we should win. Notre Dame is just as short on players, and less talented. They are probably the worst defense in the conference. They can score, but they stop nobody.
Their lineup:
C - Zach Auguste is an All-ACC guy. He is sort of like Devin Thomas (Wake) only less aggressive and less moody. It is another tough assignment for Plumlee. Foul trouble can be a problem for him, and the backups are just low-skilled filler.
PF - Bonzi Colson is a miniature, low-skilled version of Elton Brand. He is a bull. Short (6'5") but really strong and long-armed. What he lacks in skill he tries to make up for with hustle, brute force, and athleticism. Ideally he is a third big coming in for energy, but the Irish are too thin for that this year.
Wings: Beachem and Vasturia can shoot and are not ashamed to do so. Can't leave either open because odds are they won't miss. We are getting to the iron men of the team, as both guys play well over 30 mpg in conference play. They are fairly tall, but not overly explosive athletically. Just good, consistent, system guys.
PG: Jackson is a handful. He is a little like Ulis at UK: small, lightning quick, surprisingly strong. The dude makes it all go offensively. He shoots, drives, dishes, and does all well. He is their most important player, because he is their only playmaker/ballhandler. Vasturia and Farrell will fill in as necessary, but they are just caretakers like Matt Jones in that role.
Bench: nonexistent. I am mostly serious here. They may play four guys (Torres and Burgett up front, Ryan as a SF/PF, and Farrell as a backup guard), but all are just filler. If not for foul trouble or fatigue, Brey would play his starters all 40 minutes. As is, he may play Jackson, Vasturia, and Beachem all 40. Colson and Auguste will likely earn time on the bench with fouls. ND can't afford foul trouble, especially at PG, but really anywhere.
Ultimately this should be a scorefest. We should win, if we can defend even a little and don't settle for (and miss) 3s. They are just SOOO bad on that side of the ball.