Following a 36-28 loss to Michigan State, Brian Kelly offered support for defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder in a regular teleconference on Sunday.
The Irish sit at 1-2 following last night's loss and a 50-47 double overtime loss to Texas on Labor Day Sunday. Notre Dame's defense ranks 94th or lower in yards per play allowed, scoring defense, pass efficiency defense and rushing defense.
Notre Dame entered the season ranked No. 10 in the AP poll and now finds itself unranked for the first time in 20 weeks.
Additionally, a rough night on the field created the appearance of one in social media for VanGorder and the Notre Dame staff.
Notre Dame hosts Duke on Sunday.