JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat Sept. 14, 2022

Notre Dame Football Live Chat Sept. 14, 2022

Eric Hansen

4:21

OK, sadly my brain and fingers moved at too slow of a speed to clean out the queue. OUTSTANDING questions and rants today. We'll ba back to do it all over again next Wednesday at noon ET.

4:20

Having the coordinators gives us additional insight into helping answer the questions we all have and gaining insights into the team. 2-0 or 0-2, sign me uip. It's great for everyone.

Doug from Sunny Florida

4:18

Eric, I watched the post-game press conference with HCMF and I saw something I haven't seen in a long time. He was feeling the pain of the loss and was visually upset and speaking from the heart regarding the loss. No coachspeak, no dodging hard questions, no short-tempered answers. Then, yesterday he makes the two coordinators available during the press conference for the remainder of the season. I'm enjoying seeing his passion for the team and the university and feel that it rubs off onto the other coaches and players. How have you (media) viewed this and how much does it affect the way you can accurately cover the team?

Eric Hansen

4:18

Jack Swarbrick wanted Tommy Rees to be retained, and when Tommy had another option (Miami), Freeman was absolutely committed to keeping Rees. If ND goes 0-4, I'll answer your Fickle question.

Guest

4:16

Mike Stillwater Ok, I am just curious why coach Freeman kept tommy and didn’t bring his guy. I can understand keeping a few high quality guys from the previous staff. I am with many on here when it comes to hiring a new coach at a university with no head coaching experience, it doesn’t always work out so well. I thought Fickle should have been hired and Freeman kept as D coach. I hope I am wrong. What happens if he goes 0-4 ?

Eric Hansen

4:16

Thank you.

Len from the Jersey Shore

4:16

I listened to the podcast but after I sent in my question. Thanks for answering

Eric Hansen

4:15

That did not happen. It's mythology that won't die.

Clemdog from Phoenix

4:15

Do you think BK called most of the offensive plays when he was here and kept TR in check? It seems obvious TR is completely not our guy,

Eric Hansen

4:15

Hi Stanley, and thanks for the phonetics lesson. ... I lean to too complex over too instense for the shortfalls on defense.

Stanley in Chester VA

4:13

Good High Noon, Eric! Based on this season's historical outcomes, I feel it is safe to say that the Irish would stand a pretty good chance against Norfolk State, don't you think? (BTW-the natives' pronunciation of "Norfolk" emphatically stresses the first syllable and quickly utters the latter, as in "NAR-fek", with the "A" being pronounced as it is in "are", and the "e" would be a short sound as in "ethic". Most folks outside the area really struggle with the pronunciation for obvious reasons necessarily omitted in order to maintain your "G" rating. Phonetics done...on to the question-Do you think the coaches misled us with the team's assessment, or were they really convinced the Irish were that good? And, if i may, is it possible that Coach Freeman's insistence that the teams "scrimmage hard" philosophy may be too much and is causing the obvious fatigue in the fourth quarter OR is Al Golden't scheme too complex to allow instant reactions? Sorry for the two parter, but I am curious.

Eric Hansen

4:11

Hi Tom. In general, I thought the offensive adjustments were too slow to come. I can't tell you why. As far as Matt Balis, I don't think the ineptitude on the two long drives had to do with conditioning. Matt Balis' track record is impeccable, and ND is lucky to have him. BUT I was as taken aback as you were about how both teams pounded the ball at ND and there was no answer. Let's take the Marshall drive on the initial third and 9. That should have been a three-and-out. But because of missed tackles and missed assignments, it turns into an 11-yard gain on a pass to the tight end. The fourth play of that 11-play, 94-yard drive should have been a punt.

Tom from Grand Rapids via Dowagiac

4:06

Happy Humpday Eric- Couple things if I may. From section 101 I was able to see Marshall bring undisciplined backside pursuit on the opening drives, please explain, if you can, why it took the offensive coaches so long to adjust to it? Also is strength/conditioning Matt Balis feeling some heat for a pair of 4th quarter collapses? Both o$u and Marshall didn’t do anything but pound the rock against this supposed strength of this team. Go IRISH ☘️

Eric Hansen

4:05

Chuck, thanks for watching and for the feedback on the Monday Night Live show. 1) Is my job easier or harder when the team is 0-2. Let me put it to you this way. is is waiter's job easier or harder (to get a big tip) if the food gets sent back to the kitchen? 2) Marcus Freeman's jmob is to hold everyone accountable, including himself. I trust that's what he is doing. 3) If Rees pursued QB who were only able to do the LOS staff and at the expense of being athletic, then that's an indictment of him. But that LOS stuff is pretty important. If you look at the top targets in 2023 (Dante Moore before that soured) and 2024 (CJ Carr), you're looking at QBs who can provide the best of both worlds. 4) To not slide protections and change bad plays to good and just ball out will get you an 0-12 season. You know better than that. It's your frustration talking.

CHUCK FROM CLEVELAND "THE LAND"

3:57

Hi Eric. Is your job easier or more difficult when the Irish lose? If they win, you have an electric audience with great future expectations. If they lose, you get overreactions and "fire everybody". Quickly: 1) Does Coach F. have the appetitive to hold Rees & Hiestand accountable? It seems that he wants to build cohesion among the staff vs accountability. If no changes are made this week on the Offense or O-Line, it will be very telling. 2) Rees wants to make the QB in his image & likeness, i.e., change plays at the line of scrimmage often. Rees had a subpar arm and no running ability. His core competency was reading the D and making calls at the L.O.S. We play hurry up but then take 25 seconds to snap - counterproductive. Is Rees capable of changing this "mirroring" mindset relative to our QB's? He had 9 months to study our Opponents defensive tendencies --- did he not study film? Why must he change the plays so often at the L.O.S.? Let the guys ball! Nice job again on Monday YOU TUBE.

Eric Hansen

3:57

Hi Jack, thanks for watching and for the feedback. You can subscribe to our channel and sign up for notifications and it will lead you to the live link. We'll also have a link on our homepage (insidendsports.com) moving forward. To me the biggest breakdown in the front seven has been guys misdiagnosing plays at critical junctures, and that leads me to looking at simplifying as a solution ust as ND did last season when they got off to a similarly bad defensive start.

Jack Strongsville, Ohio

3:50

Hi Eric. I enjoy watching you and Tyler on Monday Night Live. The last 2 weeks I have watched it on Tuesday morning. Where do I go to watch live. The defensive front 7 was perceived going into the season as the strength of this team. Thus far that has not been the case. In your opinion, what has caused the breakdown especially in the 4th quarter in the first 2 games.

Eric Hansen

3:50

What would have been appropriate discipline for two guys who gave to their all and let the frustration boil over a little but who are otherwise exemplary leaders? And as far as the O-line play, I expect to see a steady progressoin moving forward.

skip - Houston

3:49

Why were Cam Hart and Jarrett Patterson not disciplined for their disrespectful conduct after Saturday's game? What are your thoughts about the poor performance of the offensive line and Hiestand's coaching? Thank you.

Eric Hansen

3:45

Mike, there was plenty of separation some of the deep routes. There may have been some misccmmunication on some, but Buchner just flat out missed the target on plays like the one where he overthrew a wide-open Braden Lenzy before halftime.

Mike from Rochester NY

3:44

Hi, Eric and Tyler! Marshall was a shock, to say the least. They, and OSU, took the run away and dared ND to beat them with the pass. Tyler B rarely found open receivers other than Styles and Mayer. Was it that the other receivers weren’t creating separation or Tyler B just not going through his reads quickly enough?

Eric Hansen

3:44

Sean, the best thing I can tell you is I've seen situations like this that seemed more hopeless turn thsmselves around. And of it makes you feel any better, Mike Golic Jr. admitted he lost his mind during the Marshall game ... but he still feels Marcus is the right guy and that eventually he will lead this program to a place that will limit your need to vent like this. Again on the Dave Aranda example ... probably the best comp out there: 2-7 in year one. 12-2 in year two. And no, I am not predicting a two-win season at ND.

Sean Schaumburg, IL

3:40

Eric, the Irish are in trouble. I'm disappointed with Golden. That 3rd and 11 call in The Horseshoe was atrocious. Another 90+ yard drive to seal a defeat. To Marshall. Lame. I've been to the big games. 2011 Michigan game, every home USC game since 2015, I was in Athens, I was in The Horseshoe. I sat next to one of Brady Quinn's uncles who had a lot to share. Mainly, the high-skill 5 star guys don't wanna go to ND because of the academic rigors. My inside sources tell me that Keeley and Dante Moore were chasing the upfront money. ND said no, so they said "See ya". I'm getting sick of tired of losing these marquee games. The 2011 Michigan was a complete debacle. With Buchner out the team will be lucky to win 8 games. I'm willing to take a little pain now, Freeman/Coaching Staff growing into a solid coaching unit, for a decade of winning/winning another National Title. But, I'm deflated. Any words of encouragement? Golden has been a major disappointment. And, I'm hearing Rees might be the problem as OC. TY.

Eric Hansen

3:39

Hi Fred, and thank you. I think we were all surprised. Now, if they practice Sunday night, they get Monday off. They don't do both. It's not unprecedented at ND, and Marcus indicated that's been a staple at a lot of places he's been. I'll ask someone about altering the schedule in case of road night games. They won't have a lot of those left, though. BYU in Vegas, yes. North Carolina and Navy, no. Syracuse maybe. USC probably.

Fred from Chicago

3:36

Hi Eric. I was surprised to hear that the Irish are practicing on Sunday. Isn’t this unusual? It seems like the players would need a day to recover physically and clear their minds from a victory or defeat. Would the schedule stay the same even after a night game away? Thanks for all your great reporting on Notre Dame.

Eric Hansen

3:35

Good eye on the pass-pro shortcomings of this group so far. Running backs coach Deland McCullough has coached in the pros and at a high level, so he certainly knows the importance of it. In the practices we saw, I cant' say those periods were taking place while we were around. So,.t I can's say for sure how much time it gets or how Deland prioritizes it in terms of who's playing and who's not. So far, Chris Tyree has graded out the best among the RBs in pass blocking. But as a group, yes, there's a lot of room for improvement.

Rog in Saint Louis

3:30

Eric, a question on a small but important part of the game. The running backs protecting the qb in passing situations. Last year ND had an excellent one. This year not so much. How much time is spent teaching this to the young guys? Do they not know that if they have desires to play at the next level they have to be able to pick up defensive guys running free or they will not last long in the pros?

Eric Hansen

3:30

What I’m not sure he could have pulled off is signing guys like Junior Tuihalamaka and Jaylen Sneed and getting commitments from guys like Drayk Bowen and Jaiden Ausberry. I’m willing to reserve judgment on the linebackers for now and just let it play out.

3:29

Aaron, thanks. Wow, you guys are good. I was supposed to cut this off at 3, but we’re going to keep going. The quality and quantity of the questions warrant it. And this is a good example of that. … Let’s start with Al Washington. His track record with defensive linemen is stronger than his background with linebackers. I do think he’ll prove to be an outstanding recruiter at ND. But I am watching the chemistry and the performance of the defensive line closely, because I have the same questions you do. The sample size is too small, but it’s something worth watching as the season progresses. … As far as the linebackers, I think having Al Golden and James Laurinaitis double-team that position is something that will prove to be a positive. ND has played so much nickel in games 1 and 2, that I’m not sure we’ve gotten to see how good that base defense is with three linebackers. Clark Lea is one of the best teachers I’ve been around at any position. (more)

Aaron, Washington D.C.

3:14

Eric, greatly appreciate you taking the time for these chats as well as the outstanding reporting and insight you provide on all things Fighting Irish. My question revolves around the Irish defense’s performance from 2021 to present. During Clark Lea’s tenure, ND was sure tackling and developed their playmakers at linebacker (Tranquill, Bilal, JOK) which points to Lea’s coaching prowess. Would you agree that there has been a drop-off in linebacker play since Clark Lea departed? Similarly, the defensive line seems less impactful in the first two games with their new position coach (particularly run D). Given the significant returning production and lack of commensurate high performance to date, is it fair to consider the DL coaching change as a factor also? There’s not a large sample size but the returning production should not have a drop-off. I like Coach Freeman and his staff and root for their success but from a results standpoint, it seems that those two groups are declining. Thank you

Eric Hansen

3:13

Jim, thanks for the kind words and your candor about your reaction to Saturday's game. When you mention the portal, I understand your reference to be regarding a quarterback, but I think the most obvious need, even with signing up to four receivers will be an experienced receiver or two ffrom the portal. As far as the QB, yes commit to looking and be ready to go get someone, but let the season play out to detemine whether that's actually necessary when the time comes ... or even after the spring make that determination. And yes, I think Marcus will be in a better position to disagree and move on that notion than he was this offseason. Look, it happens all the time in staff with regard to players. BK once told me he had to pound the table for DeShone Kizer in recruiting and overrule those who didn't think he'd amount ot much in college. Drue Tranquill was a similar situation as a defensive player.

Jim, Oakwood, OH

3:07

Hi Eric, Such optimism in the Spring, summer and fall camp! I was flummoxed - not sure what my predominant emotion was - after Saturday's game...but since then it's evolved into massive disappointment for Tyler B, Coach Freeman and the entire team. But I BELIEVE...in the coaches, the team and the process of teaching and player development that Coach Freeman has initiated over the last 10 months. As an average fan, I have nothing to contribute to the "fixes" category other than what you reported. A tough, tough job...so starting with core values and team and staff leadership as you reported makes great sense. Your great column mentioning Kirk H's belief that TB needs reps, reps and more game reps to evolve, and the implications for 2023, was something that I had not considered. My question: It seems like a transfer portal search & selection next year is a must now, would you agree...and is there any possibility that MF and TR might disagree - again? Thanks for you for your excellent reporting. Be well.

Eric Hansen

3:06

Mike, thanks for the analysis and have a great day.

Mike, Los Angeles

3:05

Good morning Eric, was reading this morning that Rees said “ I’ll take the fricking blame for the offense”. Well yeah!!!! That’s a pretty generic and obvious statement but what are you going to do about it. I had to re-watch the game to make sure my facts were right but running the ball right up the middle for no gain on four consecutive second and long calls is not deceiving anyone. Your playcalling is so predictable. Please throw the ball to set up the run and open up the offense, this is not 1980 Big ten football. Thanks Eric, have a great day

Eric Hansen

3:05

Tom, Marcus Freeman's own credo is: Question everything. ... So that’s fair to wonder about the 1s vs. 1s in practice. I don’t get the sense this team is worn down from the practices. And I don’t think the problems and the solutions are the same from one side of the ball to the other. My strongest suggestion on defense is to simplify, to cut down on the mistakes and to have the defense play faster. Then add back in the bells and whistles. On offense, I think it’s about growing as the offensive line grows and more Chris Tyree, more creativity with getting the ball to players in space. I would not get Marcus more involved in the offense. Not on gameday … during the week, perhaps. Marcus Freeman’s acumen on offense can’t be microwaved, so let it play out in its natural timeline. That’s part of the price of hiring a first-time head coach.

Tom from Toronto

2:59

Hi Eric, I hope that you are doing well. Big changes coming. The most significant improvement last Saturday was in special teams – three good runbacks, a blocked punt and a really good opportunity to recover the on-sides kick. My questions are: Do you think that Coach Freeman may be asking too much of the team in practice, one’s against one’s, two’s against two’s, etc.? Are they leaving too much on the practice field and as a result, winding up running on fumes in the last quarter? Do you think that Coach Freemen needs to get more involved with the offense, and in particular, to start calling the plays? It would be a good way for him to learn that side of the ball, and give him something to do during the game. I would appreciate your thoughts. Thank you.

Eric Hansen

2:58

Chris, I don't spot a question there, but I did see the compliment, and that's good enough for me. Thanks for watching!

Chris in Albuquerque

2:57

Hey Eric, Monday Night Live was great this week. I believe this year will be rough but I also think we need to have faith in what Coach Freeman is building. I would like to see Tyree, Lenzy, Mayer and Styles in more packages just to get speed on the field and see what Merriweather could add to our offense. I complained last week about the passing, this week they threw down field however Buchner threw open wide receivers to be covered. Hopefully Pyne can be better otherwise we may be rooting for 2024 when Carr is our quaterback.

Eric Hansen

2:57

Adam, you are the man, but please take a deep breath. Here are something to temper your frustration. Notre Dame in 2018 played as poorly or worse against Ball State and Vanderbilt -- after winning an epic opener against a really good Michigan team. That 2018 team, which also narrowly got past Pitt later on, made the playoff. And last week's Marshall team would mop the floor with the 2018 Ball State and Vandy teams. The difference is the Irish found a way to pull out the wins in 2018, where this team did not last week. The best answer that I can give you, that I haven't already earlier in the chat, is stay patient. Let's revisit this is two weeks. Your questions are NOT unreasonable, but I think we're extrpolating too much beyond this week.

Adam (Dayton, OH)

2:47

Eric, you are the man. Goodness. I'm just going to rapid fire I guess. 1.) How did we overestimate the offensive line so badly? Why did we think they would be elite? 2.) What has Al Golden brought to the table? The defense is far from the biggest culprit. but there doesn't seem to be any exotic blitzes/coverage schemes. He likes to substitute. is he doing that too much? From my understanding backups have been on the field in back-breaking moments. 3.) What's wrong with Tommy Rees and the offense? We know he is supposed to be smart, but how can he not be finding easier ways to get the ball into Tyree's and Styles' hands? The offensive scheme seems to be: 1.) Run up the middle into an overloaded box. 2.) Over-rely on Michael Mayer. 3.) Take an unsuccessful deep shot. I am probably coming off as scathing and I don't mean to be, but it is frustrating that these guys that are well respected in the coaching community don't seem to have an idea of what their guys can actually do. How is that possible?

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