JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat Oct. 12, 2022 | 10/12/2022

Notre Dame Football Live Chat Oct. 12, 2022

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Eric Hansen

4:01

OK, that's going to have to be it for today. Thanks for all the great questions (including some I couldn't get to). Thanks for putting up with me. We'll be back to do it all over again next Wednesday at noon EDT.

4:00

Shane, all off-the-beaten-path approaches are welcome. Somemtimes I'm too dialed into the question to acknowledge them, but I do appreciate the creativity, believe me. ... So very good win, but could have done better. ... and Potentially good. Lots to clean up. Nothing that isn't fixable.

Shane from White Deer Tx

3:58

Hey Eric. Hope all is well with you this week. Great win, good win, or yeah we won, but could have done better? I can’t decide. Can you help me with what I saw? I think I am kind of like that kid off of Polar Express. I want to hear the bell and believe. If you don’t mind me using an animated Christmas movie reference. Are we good, potentially good, or there’s going to be growing pains for the rest of the year? I love the chats, and value your opinion. Thanks.

Eric Hansen

And I like that Drew Pyne pulls him into the film room with him and makes Steve a better QB every day.

3:56

Hi Jim, and wishing you the best. Each week that Steve Angeli distances himself from being the scout-team QB and gets reps running the ND offense is another step forward. And if he were to actually get into a game for reasons other than an injury, it should be in these next two games against Stanford and UNLV. Should. But you asked me two different questions. Short term, against those two teams, Navy and BC, I think he could handle his limited part of the playbook well enough to pair with ND's running game to win those games as an emergency replacement within a game. To do that against Syracuse and Clemson, when facing elite run defenses, is a tough ask .. so is the USC game, even in a temporary role. If he had to start multiple games, I think he could play well enough not to make mistakes, but with defenses likely loading up against the run and daring him to win the game ... very tough. I like his demeanor, his intelligence and his size.

Jim Tal, Valley Center, CA.

3:45

Hi Eric, thanks for all the great content that you share with Irish fans. It is very much appreciated. I hesitate to even go down this road but it is something that must be addressed because teams must always be prepared for unforeseen developments. If Drew Pyne were to be injured, be it temporarily or for an extended period of time, could the Irish still compete and win with Steve Angeli at quarterback? In other words, how is Angeli coming along and progressing and what kind of confidence do the coaches have in him at this stage? As of now, in your opinion, would Angeli be competent enough to keep ND afloat so that the season wouldn't go down the tubes? As always, wishing you the best.

Eric Hansen

3:44

Rich, the legend. Doin' great here. How you doin'? Brandon was an All-American in 2020, then dropped of significantly last season. A big reason that he transferred to ND was to recapture the 2020 form at Northwestern. He is playing at a higher level than 2021, but not close to the 2020 version. He's been solid, but not spectacular. In his defense, ND doesn't scheme up to feature him like say a Kyle Hamilton or a JOK. Having said that, I anticipate his best football this season is still ahead of him.

Rich Hammer, Chicago IL

3:38

Eric, the man, the myth, how the heck are ya? My question relates to Brandon Joseph and what you think of his play thus far. For my money he's been a bit underwhelming and average considering he came in as a heralded All-American transfer. I'm not necessarily seeing explosivity in his play at safety or punt returner for that matter and he doesn't necessarily jump off the screen at me like i thought he might. Perhaps im being a bit harsh and had set my expectations too high, but i am curious to get your thoughts on what the Irish have seen form Joseph thus far.

Eric Hansen

3:38

Hi Dan, and thank you. I think we'll see more of Lorenzo inolved in the back half of the season. And he should be. I agree with you. ... This is what Tommy Rees had to say about him in the Tuesday media access:

"Zo played a really nice game. He made a big catch to start a drive. We have to try to get him a couple touches early. I have to get Braden (Lenzy) going. That’s on me. I have to find ways to continue to get him going. He’s playing at a really high level. It doesn’t show in the box score, but he’s playing at a really high level. We have to continue to find ways to get his ability out there."

Dan from Syracuse

3:33

Hi Eric- Thanks for all you do! Looking forward to Notre Dame making the trip here in a few weeks to play the Orange. Shaping up to be a great game! My question is about Lorenzo Styles. He is Notre Dame's best wide receiver and one of its best playmakers, but does not seem to be a featured part of the offense. I understand the offense has become running back and tight end focused, which I can appreciate. However, unless I am missing it, I'm not seeing a deliberate effort to get the ball in Styles' hands to let him make a play. Am I missing it? If not, is this on the play calling, on Styles, or a matter of there only being so much to go around?

Eric Hansen

3:33

If you're referring to the Jacob Lacey situation, it's not entirely new. Think Michael Young a few years ago and Lawrence Keys III last year. But a lot of kids will transfer with degree in hand just to play, even without a realistic NFL dream. Most of the time, those transfers actually free some space on the roster. Losing a quality player like Lacey I think will still be the exception to the rule.

Len from the Jersey Shore

3:30

Hello Eric!! Very good inputs this week. The words strides and flaws sums up where I see the team. A few quick comments. I am happy DP has had success. But there is no QB controversy. Just two guys who both can play with different skill sets both needing reps to get better. The fan base should not forget that Rees had to yell at Pyne as his performance against Cal in his first start did not begin well. Now consider that start being against Ohio St., a much better team with less support from the rest of the offense as compared to now. And the Blue Gold game performance was not inspring. Reps!!! Eric, ND seems to be getting hit by both sides of the transfer portal. It is difficult to bring in undergraduate transfers as you have discussed many times. And the staff sells a 40 year decision. Well once that degree is in hand and if a player is not starting should we expect many more players to go the Lacey route? Most palyers have that dream of playing in the NFL. Your thoughts are appreciated

Eric Hansen

3:30

I don't see a question here, unless it's rhetorical. But if you and I were having a beer, mine would have just come out my nose. I disagree that much.

Jay, Granger

3:29

With Estime & Diggs more than capable of running between the tackles will they start trying to run/pass Tyree the ball in space? Matter of time before Tyree gets hurt trying to run inside. Already looks a bit dinged up. Why should we be playing any 4th/5th yr wideout. Time to make full time move to youth. More talent and we need to evaluate who we want to keep with transfer portal options available to our young wideouts.

Eric Hansen

3:28

Hi Roger. I look forward to them too. The questions from the chat-heads provide me with a lot of inspiration for story ideas. ... I think Brian Kelly held a high standard in practice and correlated it to playing time. Where there might be a difference is with a guy like Deion Colzie or Prince Kollie, guys who missed a significant chunk of training camp that Kelly was able to work into the calculus of playing time before that player was actually practiing at a high level. But I think those situations were rare. I think it's pretty similar. ... At least at the beginning of the week, there are practice periods where game speed is simulated. What you don't get that often is taken players all the way to the ground. ... and there are times Marcus has gone 1s vs. 1s when he felt the team needed it.

Roger from Peoria

3:21

Eric: Look forward to your chats each week and really enjoy them. I have 2 questions, both regarding practice. It seems there is a significant relationship between a player's practice performance and game participation, particularly in contrast to the Kelly era. I will anticipate the evaluation of practice performance includes various elements, including (i) practicing hard (perhaps the traditional "hustling"), (ii) performing well (perhaps effective blocking, tackling, passing, pass catching, defending passes, etc,) and (iii) accurately performing the player's responsibility for the specific offensive play or defensive scheme called. Coach Freeman's comments seem to emphasize the accurate performance in practice of a player's responsibility for the specific offensive play or defensive scheme called. Do you sense this an enhanced emphasis in contrast to the Kelly era? Second, other than perhaps a red vest for the QB, are practice plays performed at full game speed?

Eric Hansen

3:21

But here are the raw numbers:
Marshall 94.7
Cal 152.4
UNC 171.1
BYU 185.4

3:20

Hi Mike. I would call it an evolving offense. They've leaned into the power running game, because they're playing complementary football (limiting the opposition's offensive touches) and they're playing teams that don't match up well against that strength. Eventually, they will face teams that do (Syracuse, Clemson). The goal is to eventually be very good at both the power run game and a dynamic passing game. I think that's more realistic in 2023, but Tommy Rees and Marcus Freeman would like to coax that versatility in the offense yet this season. ... As far as Pyne's numbers, I had that in Monday's notes column. You can read it for more context. (More)

Mike from Ann Arbor

3:15

Hi Eric. My impression through 5 games is that for the first time in over 20 years Notre Dame wants to become a power running team. While run / pass balance and competency in both is always needed, the running game now appears to be more than just to “keep the defense honest” or to slow down the pass rush. Unlike in the 3 previous regimes, the current staff seems to view a 4 or 5 yard run as a success, and worth repeating. I am wondering if you agree, and if this is mainly because of the current personnel vs. the mentality of the head coach (I think the latter).
Also, you have frequently mentioned pass efficiency as an important marker where ND needs to improve. I am wondering if you have data on Pyne’s passing efficiency over the last 3 games. Thanks.

Eric Hansen

3:11

HI JTA. Better play calls. Fixing the linebackers, which we've discussed. And some of that fixing involves the safeties. Just better run first. It's not an unfixable problem, but it sure is an urgent one.

jta109

3:09

Greensboro, NC Eric, really appreciate all your great coverage and I love the podcast. At this point, Notre Dame's rush defense is ranked lower than at any point in the Brian VanGorder era. The defensive line seemed to have regressed against BYU. There still seems to be too many big chunk plays on the ground against the defense. How can Al Golden turn this around?

Eric Hansen

3:09

Hi Tom. This offensive line has improved dramatically in a lot of areas. They are still not a finished product. And dealing with presnap movement as well as twists and stunts is the next step in its evolution. ... Sure, I'd add that play to the playbook. Might already be in there. ... I don't think Pyne has a red light, but he's going to be smart with the run, and know his limitations, and so far he has.

Tom from Grand Rapids via Dowagiac

3:01

Eric, with the emergence of the running game, as Diggs has returned, I still find it troubling that in 13 personnel (short yardage) this team isn’t getting their blockers up to the second level. BYU linebacks had free runs down on the goal line to blow up the 3rd/4th down runs. Is this a lack of execution or more technical than this line is prepared for? Also imitation is the greatest form of flattery. The first TD scored by BYU was just a nasty route, that was almost impossible to defend. I was thinking if ND put Tyree is a similar situation they could have similar results, does this coaching staff plagiarize plays like that? Finally, does D.Pyne have instructions not to run the ball? If he were to keep the ball on read option, there’s a lot of open space for him. Thanks as always, GO IRISH ☘️🏈☘️

Eric Hansen

3:01

Hi John. Colzie actually got a few more snaps both Satyurday night (10 to 3) and for the season (14 to 7) than did Tobias Merriweather. There's room for both if they both surge. The biggest impediment to playing time is if Joe Wilkins were heavily in the mix, which he's not at this point. 2. I don't like to speculate on specific players leaving in midseason. I don't think it's fair to them. A healthy Deion Colzie has ample opportunity to earn playing time.

John - Palmyra, PA

2:56

Following up on your response last week: I thought Bothelo should have worked at Mike since spring. I love how they are using Marist now. I felt Kollie would work his way to starter by the Clemson game. The ISO’s will come versus the more athletic spread teams. In essence you can’t wait for USC to beat USC. Need Henderson back, and a legit plan to fill downhill with thumpers, AND SOON! Bauer does this well now, but not the long-term answer. Now the question. Do you A) see Colzie getting any meaningful action this season with how they’ve been nursing Merriweather and B) do we lose him (Colzie) to the portal regardless? That would be a real shame IMO.

Eric Hansen

2:56

Kind of long and complicated with all the mitigating factors, so I'm providing you a link: https://wmfoa.org/files/40_Second_Play_Clock_and_Ready_for_Play_Cheat_...

skip / Houston

2:55

would you please help me understand when the play clock stops and starts in college football - thank you.

Eric Hansen

2:51

Hi Marie, thanks for being here and welcome to the concern of the week. As I've mentioned in some of the stories and the questions in this chat, the extensive cross-training and three schemes, three coordinators and three different linebacker coaches were challenges that perhaps were steeper than the coaching staff and the media had anticipated. I do like the concept of more Prince Kollie, but I think getting Marist Liufau right is a big priority.

Marie from Atlanta

2:48

Hi Eric, I hope you had a fantastic time in Vegas. Why do you think the play of the defense has been so inconsistent this year? Sometimes they look like world beaters other times they look like a sieve. Without fail in every game if you are at least one or two Busted plays and they seem to have a hard time handling tempo. Do you think that maybe the schemes are too complicated for the players and that Golden should simplify to help avoid the busted plays? Unfortunately, The linebacker play continues to be disappointing, what do you think should be done about that? Is it time to maybe get some of the younger players In more?
Kollie looked really athletic the few plays he played. As always, thanks for hosting the chat and thanks for your great insights.

Eric Hansen

2:47

Sitting at No. 25 nationally. In fact, he's under strong consideration to be upgraded to a five-star prospect in the next rankings update.

2:46

Pat, Buffalo Grove, IL

2:46

Just saw updates on recruit rankings and didn’t see Brenan Vernon. Has he completely fallen off the radar of top recruits? What is his story?

Eric Hansen

2:44

Michael. This is my first year not voting after decades of being on that panel. I am not defending their position, just explaining. Once a team has a couple of losses, the head to head loses some steam. And really, for every team, you need to consioder the enitre résumé, not just cherry-pick certain parts of it. If Notre Dame deserves to be ahead of UNC and BYU, then why doesn't Marshall deserve to be ahead of Notre Dame? Here's the good news: If the Irish win out over their November schedule, they'll be ranked when they play Clemson on Nov. 5.

Michael Henchal

2:39

Just a question. In the AP rankings this week, how does it happen that both BYU and NC got more votes than ND despite the fact that ND beat both of them and, indeed, dominated both games? Who are these voters and why would they come to such an odd conclusion?

Eric Hansen

2:38

Dan, thanks for the humor.

Dan, Granger, IN

2:37

Did the officiating crew blow it Saturday night Vegas by not calling a targeting foul on Bertrand? Just wondering!

Eric Hansen

2:37

Tanker, thanks for asking your question and love the name. You sound like an All-American at defensive tackle. ... If the guys who are playing some already, I expect you to see more production going forward out of CBs Benjamin Morrison and Jaden Mickey, LB Prince Kollie, DL Gabe Rubio, WR Tobias Merriweather, TEs Holden Staes and Eli Raridon. Of the guys who have not played, I could see LB Jaylen Sneed getting a shot to play at some point, and QB Steve Angeli in a back-up role. TE Mitchell Evans should be back from injury this month,

Tanker Lutz, Dulce NM

2:31

Eric!!!!! Long time reader first time writer here, but love the chat. After seeing flashes from more generally inexperienced players like Prince "Prince" Kollie and Jayden "Dat Dude" Thomas, I am encouraged that this team will continue to gain confidence/swagger, and as their internal processes continue to mesh & align, the talent on the roster will continue to take over and pay dividends on Saturdays.My question to you is which young players, either offensively or defensively, do you anticipate really finding their footing and maybe producing in a way that perhaps we haven't yet seen over the remainder of the season?

Eric Hansen

2:31

Hi Rog. Here's what OC Tommy Rees had to say about Braden Lenzy at the Tuesday night media access:

"He’s been a stud all year. I told him, he’s in the front of my mind. He’s someone that is doing things at a high level. He’s playing hard. He’s been a great leader, a great teammate, great with Drew, doing little things on the field well.

"We’ve had opportunities to get him the ball we’ve missed. Had some play designs that he was open on a dig on third down, we kind of danced around and threw it to JT. Ball should’ve probably gone there on schedule and it’s probably a 25-yard again for him. We have to continue to put him in the right spots, he has to continue to work as it is, and we have to get him the ball."

Rog in Saint Louis

2:29

Why does Braden Lenzy not get targeted much? With his long speed you would think that they would try to run a go route at least once a game to keep the safeties from putting 8 in the box. ND has to get more receivers involved in the offense if they are going to beat the top teams.

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