JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat Nov. 27, 2024

Notre Dame Football Live Chat Nov. 27, 2024

Eric Hansen

3:24

OK, not question-dodging today. I even tried to answer one about tennis ... and one about pie! Thanks for all the great football questions too. We'll be back to do it all over against next Wednesday at noon ET.

3:23

Steve, I believe the pavilion is staying and I'm not sure today where the new location of the outdoor courts will be, but I believe ND is renting the courts at the former South Bend Clay High School for the next few years.

Guest

3:19

Steve from Huntington Indiana. Whats the plan for the Tennis Pavilion and courts? Is the Pavilion staying and where are the courts moving to? Thanks

Eric Hansen

3:19

Oh Matthew. You are patience and I did promise, so I'll try to do it with the guys you mentioned, since there are 30 of them. When the season is completely over, I'll do a story. How's that ... than includes all 30. Now keep in mind, what happens these next few weeks plays heavily into the evaluation. What happens in the USC game in any year matters big time. What happens THIS year is massive. But let's take the snapshot right now. I would give Lanning at Oregon the highest grade. I would put Marcus Freeman at 2, BK at three but scuffling, Cristobal but rising, Riley and then Venables.

Matthew from Aldie, VA

3:14

Hey Eric, thanks for mentioning in last week’s chat that you may be able to get to my question this week. And a quick shoutout to Bill Bilinski for his solid coverage of men’s and women’s hoops!!!! Love that your website is a one-stop shop for all Irish sports. Here’s the Q from last week: How does Coach Freeman compare (in whatever metric you'd like, W-L record, recruiting success, big wins, positive program momentum, etc.) to the other coaches of major programs who began their tenures in the same year? I'm thinking about Lincoln Riley, Brent Venables, Mario Cristobal, Dan Lanning, BK, and anyone else you'd like to lump in. I think Freeman looks pretty good in comparison, especially considering he's a first-time HC (many others had previous HC experience). Would love to get your thoughts/analysis if you have the time for this question, and thanks. Happy Thanksgiving!

Eric Hansen

3:14

Hi John. I have not followed what Jeff is doing but can find out down the road when the playoff, portal and signing day aren't all converging. I plan to talk to the Zbikowski family over the holidays, so I will see if there's a story brewing there. Thanks for asking.

John - Elkhorn, Ne.

3:13

Hi Eric - any idea of what Jeff Samardzija is up to these days? He doesn’t seem to be mentioned of former players who return to ND for a game. Also, still hoping you are planning an article on Zibby. Thanks.

Eric Hansen

3:12

Happy Thanksgiving. John. This is a tough one to do off the top of my head, and I'll explore this more after the season in story form since year 3 is such a defining season of a Notre Dame head football coach historically. But again for the chat today .. messaging is well thought out and clear to the team. The continued lean into sports science, the mix of analytics with gut feeling on the sideline in pivotal game situations. The use of bye weeks. Hs continued knowledge growth on offense and yet knowing the limits of his expertise there and deferring to his offensive coaches. And then staying true to what he was good at in the first place, including his authenticity continuing to shine.

John Scottsdale, AZ

3:06

Looking back it appears the NIU loss was a point of growth for Coach Freeman this year. Where have you seen his most significant growth or evolution this year as a coach and where do you feel he still needs to grow moving forward? Happy Thanksgiving to you and the family and thank you for all the time and different media you use to keep the ND fan informed. It is greatly appreciated how you always go the extra mile.

Eric Hansen

3:06

Rick, same with you ... unless you sent it telepathically.

Rick Dierolf

Rick Dierolf Sinking Soring Pa. Hello Eric and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. If we get to

3:06

Rick Dierolf Sinkimg Spring Pa Hello Eric and Haooy Thanksgiving. My questions

Eric Hansen

3:06

Happy Thanksgiving Carlos, your question did not come through.

Guest

3:06

Carlos from Augusta, Ga

Eric Hansen

3:05

I'm determine to clear out the queue today. I haven't come close yet this season. ... JBuck, my thoughts are kind of scattered because you're all over the place LOL. Are you sure you're drinking coffee? Tyler and I last night on Football Never Sleeps talked about where the line would be in the rankings between teams that could win it all and teams that could not. And sometimes that's between 2 and 3 and I think this year it's 7-8 deep, so that would include ND. And playoff path/matchups matter. I don't think there is a conference title game that will negatively affect ND's ranking.

J Buckley, San Diego

3:02

Cmon. Let's go Irish, I'm going to be honest here, I'm jacked up for this game, but I feel I need to be pessimistic so my heart doesn't break... again. Whatever, the only thing I see USC bringing is an attitude to be spoiler, and they seem to have some peeps on the D line. I also feel that ND needs to put a whooping on them, in order to keep the committee from moving them down in the rankings after the conference championship games? The SEC this year is human, I feel ND has the talent to beat any team in the country not names NIU.LOL, Thoughts, and THANKS, THANKS , THANKS extra butter for you . Go IRISH. IT's Wednesday? I might have to go put something in my coffee.

Eric Hansen

3:01

Happy Thanksgiving, Tom. The best meal I have every year is Thanksgiving, bar none. Sidedishes, turkey, family and not in that order LOL. I have a lot to be thankful for. A LOT. Notre Dame's trump card in every game is defense. And everything builds off of that. And now they have an offense that's complementary and not dragging along holding onto the bumper. But ND's defense, its physicality in the run game and it's No. 2 ranking in turnover margin are what I see as the advantages. ... Is Marcus more serious since NIU? He's on point, on message. I still see him smile and he always taps my side when he walks past to the podium and gently hits my leg with his papers when he's walked off it. I'm glad he doesn't tackle me.

Tom F, Kennesaw, GA

2:55

Hi Eric. Hope that you have a very Happy Thanksgiving!!! What is your favorite side dish on Thanksgiving? For me, dressing with gravy!! How nervous should we be facing a USC team that has been in every game until late in the game this year? It looks like our biggest advantage might be in the OL and DL's. Agree or something else? If that is correct, is it enough of an advantage to control the game and not have it be close late in the game where the ghosts of Coliseum games in the past come back to haunt us?? Would you agree that MF seems much more serious in his PC's this year, especially after NIU?? He just seems to go straight to the answer and not as many smiles as last year. Happy Thanksgiving to all of the "chatters" and Go Irish!!!!!

Eric Hansen

2:55

Why would you say that? I vote in a poll every week with 61 other people, and I don't think there's ever been a week in the history of polls where we've all voted the same. And that means there's bias and we're just voting for who we like most?

Bob (Oxnard, CA)

2:54

If ND switched records with PSU, would the Committee rank ND behind PSU? (yeah, put me down for a definite Yes)

Eric Hansen

2:53

Hi Sean, well this is more of a rant than a question. So Happy Thanksgiving and I won't try to rob you of your angst.

Sean, Schaumburg, IL

2:50

Via Sunny Sarasota-Eric, I understand I maybe one of the more annoying followers on this chat. I look at things through my collegiate officiating lens. Perfection, when I step between those white lines, is demanded/expected. I expect perfection from the team. Again-our reach should exceed our grasp or what's a heaven for? That's the standard. I'm with Tyler on this-until a FG is made by Jeter the angst amongst the fanbase will persist until Jeter makes a FG. Freeman/Biagi need to show confidence in Jeter in the pressers. What situations do you think Freeman/Biagi are creating in practices to mimic game-like atmosphere? Make these FGs and the team doesn't have to do sprints at the end of practice? An extra slice of pumpkin pie for everybody if he makes the FGs? Creating that pressure in practice, I believe, can benefit Jeter. He needs to make a FG on Saturday. One would hope a FG isn't the difference between a CFP home game on Dec 20/21 and watching the CFP from home. ND 33 USC 23. Happy Thanksgiving. Go Irish

Eric Hansen

2:50

Sean, I know you have another question in the hopper and I'll get to this next. I wanted to post this response. That is why I brought up my association with the late Dave Parry. I learned a lot what goes on behind the scenes. And I am not a big fan or casting the "bias" net when there is not actual evidence to support it. If there is, fine. But as an AP voter, you would be surprised at how much people research me and why I could possibly "hate their school" and rank them lower than what they would.

Sean, Schaumburg, IL

2:47

Via Sunny Sarasota-I dispute Rich in Key West saying Game Officials are biased. We, truly, don't care about who wins or loses. To get to big time DI officiating guys are weeded out in a number of metrics and camps for Officials. Yes, some guys stink. The pressure to perform and be mistake-free is immense. Some guys get one opportunity-blow it-and never work a big-time DI again. Bias, in my view, doesn't exist.

Eric Hansen

2:46

Happy Thanksgiving, Damon. Win the turnover battle. Win the line of scrimmage. And let Al Golden eat.

Damon from Nashville

2:45

Eric, happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. What would be your keys to victory to beating those turkeys from LA?

Eric Hansen

2:45

Kevin :):):):) &%$#@@ 2 answers ... let's start with No. 2. Episodes 1 and 2 of the Peacock docuseries Here Come The Irish dropped on Aug. 29. Episodes 3 and 4 are set to drop Dec. 5, with episodes 5 and 6 on Dec. 19 and Episode 7 on Jan. 16. ... Now to question 1. Georgia is 98th nationally in rushing offense, which will be a stress point for the Bulldogs in the playoff if they stay on course and make it in. And yes I do think there is much more parity this year.

Kevin-Sleepy Eye,MN

2:37

Eric:):):):) Two things. 1) UMASS 2-9 team averaged 5.7yd per carry vs Georgia. More than Georgia averaged against UMASS (5.6y). Is there a better way to describe the parity in college football this season? The portal has stopped SEC dominance it appears. 2) When can we start seeing the documentary on the ND football team? This season has the ups and downs that can make that show really good! MF needs to be made the highest paid coach in college football so we keep him for a LONG time:):):):)

Eric Hansen

2:36

Hi Patrick. Thank you for the compliment. I think it would be easier in this format to answer your specific question than to get into all the elements of the game, which we've covered in stories, etc. USC has had its moments running the ball, but you're right, it was held to 86 yards on 29 carries vs. UCLA. USC is a pass-heavy offense. Ver comparable to Louisville in terms of sheer volume. The difference is Louisville throws it better and more consistently and has a more consistent run game to go with it. So if USC's run game isn't potent, it's going to create some third-and-longs and that is very favorable to ND's No. 1 pass-efficiency defense.

Patrick from Los Angeles

It is of interest that USC did not have much success running the ball against UCLA last weekend. If the Trojans have the same lack of success against ND, do you think that ultimately bodes well for the Irish? What is the optimum scenario by which ND pulls out a victory? Thanks.

2:31

Thank you for your generous contributions to ND Nation.

Eric Hansen

2:30

That doesn't mean a playoff game against anyone is easy. Even the first-round game my be the best opponent ND has played this season. But I like the mindset of this team to go along with how its played physically on the field.

2:29

Hi Dave. I think you could ask that question of the teams ND will face as well. The Irish have the No. 1 pass-efficiency defense, No. 1 in turnovers gained, No. 5 on third-down defense, tied for No. 1 in blocked kicks/punts, No. 3 in rushing yards per carry. So in some ways, even teams that play in tough leagues are going to face aspects of ND's team than are better than what they're used to. So my confidence level is boosted by the fact ND hasn't played down to the competition and since losing to NIU has faced the pressure of an elimination game from playoff consideration every week with no wiggle room.

Dave from DC

2:23

Hi Eric, thanks as always for doing the chat. How confident do you think we should be that ND's depth will continue to perform at a high level as they head into the postseason? Players like Knapp, Hinish, Moore, Ausberry, Young, Burnham, and Tuialamaka have shined the last two months. But it's no secret the level of talent and competition will be significantly better against playoff teams.

Eric Hansen

2:23

Happy Thanksgiving, Mike. I don't see a question in there, so I will nod, smile and move on to the next.

Mike, Phoenix

2:22

Eric, Happy thanksgiving to you and your family. I’m going to beat this drum again. Every time Marcus Freeman speaks it gets better and better. Chose violence. Who cares about the score of the game. We want to be greedy. Love it. I really don’t care who ND plays, with Marcus in charge I feel this team will not pull a Michigan or Miami flop like under the other guy. Don’t feel like #6 or #7 is much different currently with Oregon, Ohio State and Georgia in the top half of the bracket. Regardless this team brings physicality to the game and whichever team is on the other sideline seems to feeling the pain. ND vs OSU for the title. Marcus comes full circle from his 1st game. Cheers! Go IRISH!☘️

Eric Hansen

2:21

HI Denny, as nostalgic as this rivalry is, I think Marcus has been consistent with focusing on the task at hand. And winning a game that gets you into the playoff will be remembered more fondly and for much longer than jeweled Shillelagh. And that's what a great rivalry should be about -- high stakes, not just bragging rights. No, I do not believe Marcus Freeman gives a written test, but he is very aware of ND's traditions and shares them with the team, and they eat it up. And a lot of these guys were recruited by USC, so they know the rivalry from both sides. So yes, history gets its due.... and thanks for sharing YOUR memories.

Denny from Beaverton

2:15

Hi Eric; Well it is USC week and for a Notre Dame fan not much more needs to be said. I have so many great, and also gut wrenching, memories of this game over the years. I particularly remember my first game in Notre Dame stadium in 1977. Joe Montana led an Irish team that changed their blue jerseys to green after pregame warm-ups and then beat the Trojans something like 49-19. I remember that we arranged our honeymoon around this game and even brought my mother who was a great ND fan. We also watched USC beat ND in OT in both hers and Lou Holtz's last game from her hospital room in 1996. Lou Holtz, if my memory is correct, gave his players a written exam every year about the significance of this rivalry. Does Marcus do anything similar? In your interviews with the players of today, do you think they recognize the importance that this game has on the many followers of the Irish? Have a great week Eric and I am thankful for the great coverage you provide us fans out here.

Eric Hansen

2:15

Ced. I'm not sure if you are just giving me some statements or you have a question, but what I can say to either approach is ND does have the No. 1 pass-efficiency defense in the country and USC will try to put it to the test.

cederickwalker

2:14

ced walker saginaw Michigan aka sagnasty Saginaw pride im very worried about our corner being tested vs USC usc love to throw the deep ball al golden must have help side with our safeties god bless this football team here come the irish trust the process the golden standard rally we are nd god country go irish love thee notre dame our mother pray for us

Load More Messages

Connecting…

Message History

On Off

Your current subscriptions

None

E-mail Address	Chat Owner	Status	Remove

Enter your email address to be notified when Eric Hansen hosts a chat