JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat Dec. 26, 2024

Notre Dame Football Live Chat Dec. 26, 2024

Eric Hansen

3:43

And on that note, I do need to end it here. Tons of great questions, including some I couldn't get to. I'm going to pencil in a chat for next Thursday at noon ET, but I'll alert you via social media and insideNDsports.com once I work through the logistics. Happy Holidays, everybody.

3:40

Eddie, thanks for the question, and you're right 39 minutes into overtime, that's a life that's going to take quite a while ... But I love that idea and will try to put it in a story as we lead up to the game. Thank you for the great idea and I hope you'll come back another week and ask me another good one.

Eddie from Honolulu

3:39

Aloha Kalikimaka Eric!!! Longtime admirer of your approach and analysis over the years. I admire your ability to sort through the chaos, keep your feet on the ground, and head cool. One of my favorite metrics you previously used to put context around disparate statistical performances was when you compared the performance of ND’s recent OC’s and DC’s relative to how they stacked up against their opponents’ season averages. (I believe you did this to compare defenses called by Diaco, BVG, Elko, Lea, Freeman and for offenses called by Kelly, Denbrock, Long, Rees, and Parker). Although maybe not a small lift, but could you do similar analysis how this year’s playoff teams have performed against opponents relative to averages that those opponents have allowed over the season (or at least those on ND’s side of the bracket)?

Eric Hansen

3:39

Happy Holidays, Matt. I will do this lightning-round style, since I am way into overtime. 1. I think it will be similar to this year, with a deep rotation and if you had to ID a leader, I'd give that to Drayk Bowen, but I think KVA is going to be electric. 2. Nope, nope, nope but yet both are amazing. 3. Elite O-line next year if they can avoid injuries or being abducted by aliens. Not sure yet who the best LT would be. I want to run that by some people who are way smarter than me about O-line play. 4. I see him as the starting field end next year who may be an inside player down the road, but I like him on the edge. 5. My tunnel vision until college season is over is going to make me look like I live on another planet, this is an awful guess . ... so go bet on whatever I don't say. but ... I'll be boring on one side and not boring on the other KC vs. Washington.

Matt (KC)

3:31

Happy Holidays. Everyone is asking about the playoffs and injuries I am sure, but I will do my quick five looking ahead to the draft and next year just to change things up. 1. Next year who is going to lead our LB core? (they are so good this year). 2. Is it possible Jadarian Price is actually a better NFL prospect than J. Love? (both are amazing). 3. Next year's O-line, do you think it will be just dominant if we are healthy and does Knapp or Jagsuah play LT? 4. OK, Bryce Young, where do you see him next year and in the future? He seems like an absolute physical freak with a high end motor. 5. Super Bowl pick this year, which two teams?

Eric Hansen

3:30

John that's tough. I am not going to include recruiting in my numerical grade. But given all the injuries and shuffling and Bryce Young's rise, I'll give him an 8 on your scale.

3:28

Thanks for the follow-up, Don ... now to John, ... Are you guys hanging out together?

John Scottsdale, AZ

3:28

Eric, thanks for hosting this chat on the day after Christmas and here’s hoping you host three more before the Irish are done playing this year. On a scale of 1 to 10 how good a job has D Line Coach Washington done this year? Has he met your expectations?

Don in Scottsdale

11-1 with the NUI loss early on was a significantly better outcome for the year.

3:27

Thanks for answering my question. Interesting with NIU as the biggest surprise, and it was. Even though Coach used it as a reminder, each win diminished the loss. Prior to the season I thought it would be 11-1 with a loss to USC. The

Eric Hansen

3:27

Mike, thank you. Can we adopt you, as an agent or even a relative? Let's start with biggest reasons for worry ... 1. Georgia's talent level/athleticism. 2. Georgia's coaching and experience in big games this season and in postseasons -- they are battle tested even if they have a couple of scars. 3. Rylie Mills' injury. Reasons for optimism? 1. ND has coordinators on both sides of the ball who can play chess at the line or scrimmage and make in-game adjustments at a high level. 2. Marcus Freeman has this team wired the right way mentally for playing at their best on a big stage, not tiptoeing there. 3. There are some matchups where ND aligns well with Georgia.

Mike

3:20

from Columbus, OH (yes, a stranger in a strange land). Long time reader, very rare poster. Appreciate you, Tyler, and the team. Many sites to subscribe to – but chose only this one. Best journalism (analysis, objectivity, and writing). Keep up the good work. An important program measurement coming up. How do we stack up now? What are your best reasons (1-3) for hope and what are your reasons (1-3) for worry? Thanks.

Eric Hansen

3:19

Len!!!!! Happy Holidays and thanks for finding me on a Thursday. One of my sisters last night made the best stuffed shells I've had in a long, long time. Yum. ... And maybe I am having some kind of Xmas hangover, because I am seeing two and not three questions, so let me answer the two I do see and I apologize for missing the third. ... I wrote on my column after the IU game about Marcus Freeman's vision three years ago about wanting to be an O-line/D-line-driven program and that that team showed up in his biggest game. And if next Thursday we're chatting about ND's playoff semifinal matchup Jan. 9 in Florida, we're going to be having a similar conversation. Can they win the rushing battle? I am predicting they will, not confidently, but I am predicting that Al Golden will cobble things together. How many times will Riley run? His season high is 13 vs. Louisville. His career high is 18 against ... Notre Dame in 2023. My sense is 11 or 12.

Len from the Jersey Shore

3:07

Hello Eric!!!!! A quick three questions. Before the season started I thought the ND D-line had the best mix of proven talent and depth. The list of players who have missed games from that group is too long for this forum, and that's scary. IMO besides the normal things like win the turnover battle, ND offense needs to finish. Georgia gives up yards but seems to win despite that. Second, when Georgia lost, or in their close game against Kentucky, their O was one dimensional. They could not run on Alabama or Ole Miss and just cleared 100 yards against Kentucky. Can our depleted D line, against a GA QB who can run, be able to control the run? Third, in addition Georgia seems to have difficulty stopping a running QB especially in the Alabama loss. How many times will Riley run in the Sugar Bowl? Hope you Christmas was great and thanks for hosting.

Eric Hansen

3:07

So yes, what can overcome overall talent differentials? Generically speaking, strategy, culture, cohesiveness, taking advantage of where you do have matchup, being mentally prepared for the big stages. Georgia's turnover margin has bitten it this season at times and at times they played a clean game. ND winning that category will be huge if the Irish can.

3:00

Hi Roger and thanks for doing all that math. And recruiting does matter and so does the portal. But it's not the whole picture. I'll answer your question, but let me preface it with ... the 2020-23 class rankings for Michigan 18-9-10-11 don't scream national champion, and those rankings or runner-up Washington even less so (24-89-42-19). Yes, the transfer portal matters a lot, and not in sheer volume necessarily, but fit and need. Thirteen of IU's transfers were from James Madison, for instance, so they knew Curt Cignett's systems. Look at ND, not high volume, but look at the impact the transfers have made, including Jordan Clark at nickel, who's kind of overlooked. Another factor is retention. It's one thing to get the No. 1 class. It's quite another to keep them. And Marcus Freeman has done a good job of keeping the players on the roster who can help the team to a playoff and in a playoff, including players who deferred their NFL dream, like Cross, Mills, Watts, Kiser, etc. (more)

Roger from Peoria

2:53

Eric: Just 364 days until Christmas, but who's counting? Hope your last one (yesterday) was special. The teams which recruit the better athletes typically populate the post season. Starting with the 2020 classes, Georgia has ranked #1, #5, #3, and #2. The Irish #22, #9, #6, and #11. Indiana #48, #62, #17 and #69. Indiana may have made up some of the difference with a #19 2023 Portal Class compared to the Irish at #38 and Georgia at #56. These rankings suggest why the Irish downed the Hoosiers, but also suggest the Irish will be at an athlete disadvantage against the Bulldogs. If the Irish win, what do you think will enable them to bridge the gap? Superior analysis of recruits? Better coaching? Better team chemistry? Pure luck? Thank you for your chats and let's hope when the calendar moves to January 2, 2025, the Irish will be undefeated for the year!! Go Irish!!

Eric Hansen

2:52

Hi Tom. It was almost a push. Very similar grades for Rocco and Sam Pendleton. Rocco had the better day run blocking, Sam with pass blocking. I would prefer a healthy Rocco Spindler, but I like that fact that Sam Pendleton has started 7 games, even if they came on the left side. And I don't think Mike Denbrock altered the game plan.

Tom in Evanston, IL

2:47

Hi Eric. I am curious how Rocco's replacement graded out in the Indiana game. I certainly understand the difficulty in coming in cold, but it sure seemed like things went backwards (literally and figuratively). Also, do you think Denbrock did enough schematically to account for the changed dynamics?

Eric Hansen

2:47

Hi Robert. Can we pick up this conversation after April 7 when we SHOULD have more clarity about exactly what the next stage of this will look like? This is a GREAT topic, but pretty broad, and you deserve much better than an off-the-top-of-my head answer. And I deserve to see more info ... but let me try to give you a stocking stuffer or two and not just a lump of coal or and ugly sweater that's itchy as all get-out. It does look like teams will have caps in terms of direct school payments. That's a good thing. I think a commissioner is a good idea that won't be picked up on. And I think it would matter WHO that commissioner is. But I think the SEC and the Big Ten have so much power now there's not a lot of incentive for them to embrace that concept. There's also some antitrust advantages, as they've been explained to me and my tiny brain, that make decentralized decisions a better option. o thanks for letting me kick off and take the ball in the second half. And Merry Christmas for Indiana's non-coast.

Robert, Dunedin, FL

2:40

Eric- Merry Christmas from Florida's west coast!! I am interested on your opinion regarding establishing a Commissoner for College Football. NIL/Pay for play is here to stay, but would some semblance/limits in what teams are/can spend perhaps a prudent consideration for the overall competitive trajectory of college football? While spending the most may not always equate to titles, I think statistically those who do will be playing for one than those who don't. What do you feel should happen to help promote the competitive health of college football in the future?

Eric Hansen

2:40

Hi Bob. I do not think he handled the big stage very well. I think ND was the better team, but the coach didn't help matters. And my opinion, Curt Cignetti does have a lot going for him for the future at IU, but he can get in his own way with the grating smack-talking.

Bob D Cordillera Colorado

2:38

I thought the Indiana coach acted strangely on Friday- over confident bravado on Game Day, overly conservative on Kickoffs and punts with fair catches and a “ deer in headlights “ pacing on the sideline. Was he this overmatched by the occasion?

Eric Hansen

2:38

Hi Joe. ND has played better elements of what Georgia has on its roster at various times this season. But not all on the same roster. And that's what you start to see in these playoff teams, just more complete teams, less flawed, better athletes, but maybe in some cases not as cohesive. Even if Georgia beats ND, I do not think it is a team that will win the national title. I think the teams that are most difficult for ND to match up with are in the other side of the bracket.

Joe - KC

2:34

Hey Eric, hope you had a Merry Christmas. Where would you say the biggest area of concern is for ND going against UGA? This certainly feels winnable at many levels but won’t be easy

Eric Hansen

2:34

Hi Bob. Athletically, I would take Georgia's front seven. But there are elements of other teams -- A&M's edge players, for instance, I like better. And certainly Georgia's defense didn't function as well as some teams ranked well above them in defensive categories that admittedly didn't play the same level of competition -- IU, NIU, Army, Miami (Ohio). I thought Indiana's front seven functioned pretty well. But I think there are fault lines in this Georgia defense that the last three Ga team did not have. So we'll see if ND can take advantage. And Merry Christmas.

Bob (Oxnard, CA)

2:26

Merry Christmas season, Eric. Do you think UGA’s front 7 is the best we will have seen this year? I thought A&M and even Indiana’s front 7 was actually pretty impressive.

Eric Hansen

2:26

Hi Mike. There are layers to that answer ... and thanks for adding your town. ... A lot of players don't come back from an ACL tear before the one-year mark. Evans hit the one-year mark in late October. So he has played eight gams by then and had some physical and mental hurdles to overcome early in the season. There was also the issue of little chemistry with Riley Leonard. They didn't have spring ball together -- and only Riley was healthy in the summer, so that took some time to develop. You also had an offense that was trying to develop more dimensions to it, including a running QB game and involving the wide receivers more. He did not have a good game against Indiana, but he still is ND's second-leading receiver this season with 31 and he still could turn out to be a key player in the Playoff games moving forward.

Mike from Rochester, Minnesota

2:19

Hometown now included for previous question

Mike from Minnesota

2:19

Hi Eric. I would like to know your thoughts on why Mitchell Evans has not played a greater roll in the Irish offense this season. Is he still not fully recovered from his injury? Thank you.

Eric Hansen

2:19

Hey Tom. There's nothing I value more than family and friends ... and good health. And so, I'm very grateful I hit that trifecta with Santa. ... There is more flexibility in the travel schedule, because there are no classes to rush back for, and yet it's "only" eight days between games. If Marcus asks my opinion, I will fall over. But I would vote with you if he did. He does have a sports science team and they go over all of that, and I'm sure they've already got tha figured out.

Tom from Toronto

2:14

Hi Eric, I hope that Santa was good to you. Presuming that ND is successful in taking care of Georgia, the game will probably not end until around 1:00 am. If they take a flight home early that morning ND could be looking at another low energy day against their next opponent al la NIU. Would you ask Coach Freeman whether the team could afford to stay another night in New Orleans? The players/staff might enjoy a late morning/early afternoon stroll around the City, eat a few beignets and then fly home. What do you think? A good idea, or one whose time has not yet come?

Eric Hansen

2:13

Well Cheers to you, Dennis. You made my day. Good bless and happy holidays!

Dennis2forus

2:12

HI Eric Im from Wilkes Barre PA. I'M 77 yrs old and i enjoy everything you right and the information you give us. I've been a Notre Dame fan since i was 10nyrs old. I just want to thank you and wish you and your family a great Christmas and New Year. God bless you and your family and Notre Dame. Go Irish. Dennis

Eric Hansen

2:12

If I forgot to wish Happy Holidays to anyone, it's that sometimes my football brain takes over my manners brain ... so here's to all if I missed you.

2:11

Joe, Al Golden differs from a lot of defensive coordinators, because he doesn't like to sit in that look, and to his credit. He'll mix it up. And Georgia is the most imbalanced, as far as pass heavy vs. run, in the 12-team field. But who will they be with a healthy Trevor Etienne and a QB with some running skills? I would test that young QB to see if he can carry the offense with his arm, but not at the risk of giving up explosive plays. So for me, it's about giving him lot of looks and different pressure to confuse him, rather than loading the box. But I like the way you thought that out. And Merry Christmas.

JoeP from Los Angeles

2:04

Merry Christmas to you and your family, Eric. Blessings and best wishes to you in 2025. I'm sure everyone is asking about the absence of Mills. Really heartbreaking for the team, but especially for that young man. My question is, with you now serving as ND's defensive coordinator, do you load the box with 8 to stop the run, leave one deep safety and rely on your young CBs to shut down GA's average-at-best receivers?

Eric Hansen

2:03

Happy New Year, Chris. Thanks, easiest question of the day.

Chris in Albuquerque

2:03

Happy New Years to you all!

Eric Hansen

2:03

Northern Illinois has been the biggest surprise. As far as good surprises ... not counting Anthonie Knapp winning the left tackle job, I'll pick something in season ... and that's what Leonard Moore has done replacing Benjamin Morrison. I knew he'd be good. He's been WAY more than good. Biggest miss ... I assume you're asking in content of my expectations? I thought the wide receivers would be more dynamic and consistent. As far as a miss not of my expectations, I think ND thought they'd get more mileage out of the RJ Oben transfer. And thanks for the compliment.

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