JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat Oct. 16, 2024

Notre Dame Football Live Chat Oct. 16, 2024

Eric Hansen

3:19

Ugh, I've gone overtime and I still didn't get close to clearing the queue. Thanks for all the great questions and creative punctuation. I'll be back next Wednesday at noon ET to do it all again.

3:18

PATRICK!!!!! All caps and exclamation points for you. You are spot on with Northern Illinois. They also have the best third-down defense nationally. And the No. 14 rush offense. Where they've fallen down in turnover margin. Otherwise, they'd be unbeaten. ND still should have won that game, but you make some godo points about them. I do expect the passing game to look good this week, and I do expect Mitchell Evans to be involved. I mentioned some of the other DB shuffling earlier, but I'll add I'm not sure this late in the season there's a WR who could quickly convert and positively impact the CBs room.

Patrick from Boulder

3:14

Eric!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Greetings from Atlanta (via Boulder). Hope you'll be here this weekend - it's sunny and nice. A few questions this week. I did a little research and saw that Northern Illinois currently is the #5 team in total defense. A lot of hay has been made about how horrendous ND played that day, and we did, but could Northern Illinois turn out to be a decent team? They beat a Bowling Green team last weekend by 10 that lost by a smaller margin to both PSU and A&M at home - without Antario Brown. Do you think they may be better than some thought when they laid an egg against Buffalo the week after the big upset? And, considering GT - do you expect the passing offense to take another step forward against a good GT offense, and if so, what do you expect to see? More Mitchell Evans and the TEs or something else? Also, given the exceedingly thin depth at CB, do you think the coaches are considering moving any WRs or Safeties over to CB? Thanks for all you do and GO IRISH

Eric Hansen

3:14

There's going to be some similarities to the Stanford game plan on both sides of the ball. Ga Tech does a lot of the same things -- dual threat QB, good run defense, lousy pass defense -- but they do all of it better than Stanford. So limiting the run is key, getting pressure on a team that's given up 1 sack this SEASON is key, turnover over a team that doesn't make mistakes is key, and that RPO game on offense is important.

Patrick from Los Angeles

3:11

Eric, what do you see as the keys to winning what you have aptly described as a trap game this Saturday? Thank you.

Eric Hansen

3:11

ND is still hoping Mitch Jeter is available, but I am skeptical that will happen. And they're being very quiet about their plans as to not tip off Ga Tech. It seems they've settled Goins into the kickoff role if Jeter can't, and there are no worries there. I've seen Yoakam and Marcello Diomede kick in practice back in August. Yoakam has more pop than you might think, and I'd say they're probably comfortable up to 45 with him. I'd imagine they'll take another look at the length of Goins this week as well.

MikeD from Rochester NY

3:09

Hi, Eric!!! I love that Mike Denbrock used Pat Coogan’s run after the catch as a teaching moment for the receivers. My question: if we need a FG in the 47-50 yard range, does Eric Goins get a shot at it or do we hope Zack Yoakum nails one?

Eric Hansen

3:08

JBuck. I saw your earlier question. Glad you had a good time. I had guests of my own and was worried about them and the lightning delay, but it didn't faze them at all. One even took a nap in the Mendoza School of Business. ... I don't know the voting process for the coaches, but it really doesn't help to overrank a school, because the AP and the coaches aren't going to determine who makes the playoff. As a voter, it does get tiresome that if you rank a team lower than someone in their fanbase thinks, that you have a built-in bias. Maybe you see the situation differently and there's no conspiracy to unfurl. I have ND 7th, but I can understand people who think they should be ranked lower. But if they go 11-1, they're going to be in the playoff. Now get off my lawn ... just kidding, it was a good question.

J Buckley, San Diego

3:04

Good Afternoon, what is your opinion about the current rankings. The Power rankings have us at 6, but the coaches and AP 11,12?? I realize it doesn't matter to much at this point, but still think the conferences are protecting there teams by ranking them higher than they should be.. Thoughts

Eric Hansen

3:04

Hi Mike. I am an AP voter myself, so I don't do a lot of comparison shopping about what others are doing and why. I stay in my own lane, and believe me, I'll get challenged or insulted or both from time to time. Comes with the territory. I feel confident in my research. But there are circumstances that make your brain hurt. And Alabama beating Georgia, then losing to Vandy and almost losing to South Carolina is one of them. Or teams that have played no one and won't until November at that. The good news is, these things tend to clear up in November. As far as Army/Navy, their offenses aren't as similar to each other as they've been in the past, so the schemes and personnel may differ. There are players who are exceptional in those situations (Greer Martini comes to mind). And perhaps Urlacher would fit that profile. As far as your story idea, that might have to be one that waits until the offseason. Thanks for the suggestion.

Mike, Phoenix

2:59

Eric, How do at least 6 AP voters have ND ranked behind A&M? Do they actually watch games? SMH. Any chance with the BMO injury we see Urlacher get more playing time with Navy and Army coming up? Any chance you have an article coming up on the players ND just missed in the recruiting circle in years past and how they are performing? Looks like the safety at Iowa is having himself a season although I’d still take Watts over anyone. And how about that Watts pick that was overturned because of some made up PI? That was quite the play! Thank you for afternoon chats! cheers!

Eric Hansen

2:58

Ray, I won't have time to watch this until sometime after the chat. So maybe a question for next week. Thanks.

Ray from Grand Rapids

2:58

Dear Eric, thanks for your hard work and insight. You are my go-to source for all things Irish football. Dunno if you’ve seen or heard about the interview with Connor Stalions on “Bussing with the Boys?” It starts at about 1:05 here:
The topic is VERY fascinating insight into the scouting and research of opponents, and it’s value and importance, and most importantly what is ethical vs unethical. Reminds me of Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” and his emphasis on the importance of spies to warfare. I am curious if you know to what degree such a program exists within the ND football program, and if so, how comfortable are you in sharing what you know? Go Irish!

Eric Hansen

2:58

Hi Tom, I hit the Ben Morrison question earlier, but wanted to get to the one about Billy Schrauth. Rocco did not have a good game at all against Louisville, then came back with an outstanding one vs. Stanford. And yet I think a healthy Schrauth is the best guard on the roster and will go back to his right guard spot. That leaves a decision by the coaches between Rocco Spindler and Sam Pendleton at left guard. And my sense is Pendleton would win that, but maybe there would be a timeshare there.

Tom

2:55

Tom from Golden Beach, Florida: Hi Eric! I hope Billy Schrauth is coming back this week. That said, Rocco Spindler did perform very well against Stanford. Do you think there is a chance that Schrauth returns at LG instead and Rocco stays at RG? Also, given the injury and surgery, do you think it’s still a given that Benjamin Morrison enters the NFL draft after this season?

Eric Hansen

2:54

I think it was A contributing factor that would play out differently if there were a rematch. But there were other factors on both sides of the ball. Drayk Bowen, in particular, is really finding his stride. I'm curious to see if he continues that on Saturday.

Mike from Rockville, MD

2:51

Hi, Eric! Thanks for these chats! I’m curious to know your thoughts about the linebacker rotation. Do you think our inexperience with the rotation affected the NIU game?

Eric Hansen

2:50

Hi Tom. Thanks for your questions. We've covered some of the tight ends stuff already, and Cooper Flangan's injury contributed as well. But I am surprised Eli Raridon has not been more of a factor, and again perhaps that's coming. ... Tom, I'm going to disagree with you on Collins. No, he has not been perfect, but he's been ND's best and most consistent receiver this season, and the best is yet to come for him. With a team in the playoff hunt, I think it would be unwise to play for 2025 if it comes at the expense of what's possible in 2024. Now, another situation is I think Bryce Young deserves to play more than RJ Oben at end. And that's starting to happen. But that not only benefits 2025, it benefits 2024. AND I loved THE pun!

Tom F, Kennesaw, GA

Oooops. Hit send by accident. Rairdon's TD was a drag behind the line of scrimmage. My other TE comment is about routes straight up the seam of the defense. ER has always been described as this unusually athletic TE which would make this a good route for him to take advantage of his athleticism but again haven't seen it. Am I missing something?? Can you help with this? Finally, with all of the drops that Beaux Collins has had is there some curse on the #5 for WR's? Merriweather had an awful case of the dropsies. Unless Collins is that much better than his backup, and since he won't be here next year, is it time to get his backup more snaps this year so we have as much experience as possible in '25?? As always thanks for all of your insight on all the multiple venues to keep Irish fans informed. You are THE best. ( a little pun for your OSU background). Go Irish!!!

2:45

Hi Eric. I'm looking forward to the Irish coming to Atlanta this week although I still have 2 tix to get rid of. My question is about the use of the tight ends and how much of it has been impacted by the slow rehab of Mitchell Evans. Irish TE's used to catch a lot of passes on drag routes across the field in front of the LBs. Don't see that much in 2024 although Reridon's TD was a drag behind the line of scrimmage. What do you think?? The other route I haven't seen much is just a straight shot up the seam. Rairdon

Eric Hansen

2:44

Hi Jonathan! You get one exclamation point back, despite your own restraint. I do think this is a team with a higher ceiling. And I think I missed this in Marie's flurry of questions. Morrison's absence isn't going to show up during the season as it might in a playoff situation. USC is probably the biggest stress point where his absence is concerned. But yes, backups are stepping up. Getting players back like Rubio and Burnham help. Bryce Young and the young LBs are surging and the offense is getting better. I would not tied the TEs' performance to the tight ends coach, if you're suggesting that's lacking. Evans' health and the need and desire to diversify the offense play big parts.

Jonathan in Hideaway, TX

2:40

Eric! I can’t get to multiple exclamation marks in light of the Morrison news. My injury-related question: Is it really possible that the Irish are improving (as your recent article and Coach Freeman’s press conference imply) despite the losses of Morrison, Craig, Traore, Botelho, and whomever I’m forgetting? Not to mention Mickey, who is a whole nother conversation in and of himself. I myself am dubious. If you have time for a second question, it’s this: Are there dots to connect between this year’s tight ends coach and this year’s remarkably disappointing tight ends’ performance?

Eric Hansen

2:40

Frank. the travel roster size is set by the conferences and not by the NCAA. And the conferences are free to adjust those. ND does not fall under those restrictions, so it's someone self-limiting, based on what's pragmatic and how many open seats there are on the charter.

Frank from Royse City, Texas

2:38

Eric, what all the injuries happening in football, will the NCAA increase the travel rosters?

Eric Hansen

2:37

In talking to Mike Denbrock Tuesday night, there was a very encouraging postscript at Tuesday's practice in which the growth curve continued ... so good sign of maybe things to come.

2:36

“You kind of have to learn the hard way, but I think we really understand each other now. There were plenty of early morning before everybody gets in the facility, where me and him are sitting down with coffee and bagels, eating and talking about life and then talking about the game plan — things like that. We really got to know each other really well. And every play — when you talk about knowing the ‘why’ of every play. I understand the ‘why’ now of the plays that he’s called.”

2:34

Hi Don, good to hear from you and glad the weather is now to your favor. Do you need any furnace filters? I've got some extras.

I think you nailed some of what accounted for a deliberate, un-microwavable if you will. timeline with Riley Leonard. But I also think there was some unintentional resistance. He's been processing the game the same way his whole life and knows he's got to make a change for the long term, but the other (limited) way is in his comfort zone and works for him. Here's the quote postgame after Stanford that I think was really significant from Riley:

Don in Scottsdale

2:31

Eric, hope all is well in SB. The weather finally broke in the Phoenix area. It's been a hot 5 months. My question this week regards Reilly Leonard. Was is slow start with an inability to see the whole field simply a matter of his injuries and lack of reps. New offense for all with Dembrock coming back but he had no live action until fall camp. MD did say the O after 8 games would be different (better) than game 1. Seems like that's the case. He throws well enough to keep things going. He's not Joe Burrow but he's a big guy that can run. A big QB who can run puts pressure on any D. Josh Allen of the Bills had trouble with accuracy his first few years but he seems to be the model for today's offense. Thanks and keep up the great work.

Eric Hansen

2:31

Xavier Watts.

Red From Goshen, IN

2:30

Who's your choice for Midseason MVP?

Eric Hansen

2:30

Red .... You had to throw in "like Texas" at the end of that sentence? I'm not sure anyone beats Texas this season or postseason, but we'll find something out along those lines this weekend when the Longhorns play Georgia. To the first part of your question, no, not at this stage of the season. But ND is a team that's built to be at its best in November and December, and it's trending that way. Barring another bombshell injury, I think ND will be competitive in a playoff game, if not win the playoff opener. But they need to stay on this trajectory or exceed it as far as weekly improvement.

Red From Goshen, IN

2:27

In your opinion, is Notre Dame Good enough to beat an elite team on an elite stage, such as Texas?

Eric Hansen

Ok back to to the queue

2:26

Sheldon, Aloha. We've seen Deion Colzie get some reps and catches in the blowouts. He's just on the outside of the rotation. But he has 51 offensive snaps spread over three games and has played in every game on special teams (KO return). Gilbert has played in two games, a total of 32 reps and dropped a TD catch vs. Stanford. Has a bright future. Cam Williams has yet to see action and will get himself in the mix, I think, next spring.

2:21

I've got a couple of questions to get to from our message board in The Insider Lounge. Normally I don't do this, but these are new members who haven't found the question queue and left them there. So here goes .... Any progress report, update, and/or news on Deion Colzie, Cam Williams, and Micah Gilbert? Notre Dame appears to be very aggressive with recruiting wide receivers in the 2024 cycle and could possibly sign up to 5. Thank you in advance. Sheldon Lau, Honolulu Hawaii

2:18

HI Ryan. You zeroed in on two guys who really needed to step up their games, and very much did. Cross finally looks healthy and is playing like he did last season, when he was an All-American. Mills is right there with them. The Irish need more of that. So good eye there. I like your prediction. I'm not ready for one yet. Still want to see if Ga Tech QB Haynes King is going to play.

Ryan Frankfort illinois

2:16

Eric What do you think about the play of Howard cross and Rylie Mills Both looked good vs Stanford my score prediction for this week is 42-28 Irish GO IRISH 🍀🍀🍀🏈🏈🏈

Eric Hansen

2:15

They do have replay TVs in the press box, and that helps, but sometimes they're hard to see by the angle they're at or from glare. So I have YouTube TV on my laptop, and there's a little bit of a lag, so I can watch the replays up close. But I still DVR the games in case I need to go back and watch something later. I do NOT do a full rewatch, as Tyler James and others do.

scubavt jamestown TN

2:13

Eric when you watch a game from the press box at a stadium do you also record the game at home ? I would think you miss a lot of close replays and other things that the telecast shows.

Eric Hansen

2:13

I hear it's called the Tom-from-Evanston-a-rooski. I was kidding Mike Denbrock about it last night at the coordinator interviews, and he said he made a point to his receivers that Coogan put his foot in the ground and went north and south, and that maybe there was a lesson there for them!

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