JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat Aug. 31, 2022

Notre Dame Football Live Chat Aug. 31, 2022

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Eric Hansen

1:11

Well Adam, the last part of the question if for you and your bookie to decide. As to the earlier part, you listed some of the reasons why ND's path to victory is narrow. Ohio State was able to outscore a lot of its mistakes and shortcomings in 2021. They'll likely be able to do that in 2022, and will likely have fewer shortcomings to shore up. Play this game on a neutral field in October, and maybe Notre Dame is in a better position to pull off an upset. There's no question, the Irish have more unknowns. And to get all of those to align perfectly as pleasant surprises is formidable. That's just reality. Doesn't mean they can't shock the world.

Adam (Dayton, OH)

1:07

Eric, thanks for the chats as always! So excited for this one, I'm on edge and it's only Wednesday! Going back and forth on my feelings on this game, part of me thinks that ND has a legitimate shot, but then a part of me tells myself that is just the "crazy preseason optimism" talk in my brain. Here is my question. In a previous chat, you said you believe ND has a "punchers chance". To me, that's sort of an "Irish luck" victory. In your mind, what makes you think that Notre Dame has such a small chance rather than a more legitimate shot? We all know the Buckeye offense is terrifying and will be a match-up problem for the secondary. And The Shoe at night is going to be an extremely tough environment. But, Ohio State's defense still has a lot to prove. Other than 2019, Ryan Day teams have been more finesse than tough. Is it fair to think that OSU, while extremely talented, is not that juggernaut-type team that should be favored by 17?

Eric Hansen

1:06

That was certainly an emphasis from January on, putting together a smooth gameday operation, building a game plan and being prepared to have to alter it. Adding seven new assistants who bring a lot fo the meeting tables in terms of ideas. Al Golden has been a head coach. Gerad Parker has been an OC and interim head coach. Harry Hiestand is the football equivalent of Yoda. Now, the irish coaching staff WILL have to adjust Saturday and Freeman has provided a structure for that to happen. Yet, they still have to go out and execute it.

1:02

Hey Rog. I think Marcus kind of word-saladed his way through is answer (yes word salad is now a verb), because he was asked and answered that question months ago and didn't expect to have to relitigate it Monday when there was so many other things to think and talk about. Yes, ND did not adjust well on either side of the ball in the Fiesta Bowl. Not a total pass there, but Freeman and Tommy Rees spent way more time trying to save the 2022 recruiting class from dissolving (and adding to it with Billy Schrauth) than they did in cobbling together answers for in-game scenarios. (more)

12:56

Davis Sherwood is a walk-on linebacker from Greensboro, N.C., who flipped to offense in the offseason. At 6-3, 228, he's a hybrid fullback/tight end. Really good blocker. Has some ball skills. We saw a lot of him in fall camp and he was awarded a scholarship, so I would be shocked if we didn't see him on Saturday night.

12:50

OK, hit the wrong button and have Rog sandwiching Drew's question. Let's start with Drew.

Rog in Saint Louis

12:49

28 points. Second half was a different story. They did not make the adjustments offensively or defensively and lost the game. Teams will make adjustments and you have to be ready with other options than your original game plan. Am I totally wrong about what happened or is it still a concern that this team can make the adjustments throughout the game. Sorry for the disjointed question, I hate when it auto sends.

Drew- From Alexandria VA

12:49

Davis Sherwood seems to be attracting attention. Has he played that well in fall camp? And, what role will he play for the Irish?

Rog in Saint Louis

12:49

Eric, would love to get your thoughts on something Coach Freeman said in his press conference yesterday. He was asked if he thought that Tyler Buchner should have gotten a series in the bowl game. He said no. They had a game plan and they were sticking with it. In the first half that game plan did work very well and they scoredd

Eric Hansen

12:48

Hi Tom, and thanks. I think Virginia Tech at Blacksburg last year is the one from which Buchner can draw the experience of having to operate the offense non-verbally. And if you remember, he played quite extensively in that game. He even mentioned last night during media interviews a learning point from that game when he forgot a motion on a particular play because of the communications challenges. ND has done its best in practice to simulate those conditions with piped-in crowd noise. We'll see if that pays off Saturday night.

Tom Kennesaw, GA

12:44

Hi Eric, hope you are having a good week. My question is regarding procedure penalties against OSU. First games are always tough but throw in the noise and atmosphere of a Saturday night game could prove tough. What game last year would have provided a similar experience for Buchner and the offense? Also, do you know what the Irish are doing in practice to keep the false starts to a minimum? Hoping for a strong performance Saturday but first games are always a difficult situation. Good Luck Irish!!!

Eric Hansen

12:43

I appreciate you breaking up the questions. I think it's easier to read in the transcript and it helps me from getting scattered and forgetting to answer one of the parts. ... I think the greater pressure is on Stroud. But he has the solace of knowing he'll be a high draft pick, that he's been in these games before and he has the best wide receiver in the country (in my opinion) on his team. Win or lose, the pressure for Buchner will build in subsequent weeks to improve and grow into the QB Tommy Rees envisioned when he offered Buchner a scholarship before he had ever started a high school game.

Marie from Atlanta

12:39

Hi Eric, submitting a second question instead of a four parter. Who do you think has more pressure on them this weekend Tyler Buchner or CJ Stroud I say Stroud because if they lose the outcry from the Ohio State fan base will be very loud, And I think Some will start to doubt Ryan Day, in the big games. .For Buchner it’s more of an opportunity to Get a great win and to prove himself as a high end college quarterback. Thoughts? Thanks for hosting the chat.

Eric Hansen

12:39

Hi Marie and thank you. There are so many factors beyond Buchner that Notre Dame needs to control, or at least have an edge. Buchner's numbers alone won't drive an upset. But in trying to give you an idea of what his share of the pie needs to look like, I think the most important number is 0 turnovers from him (and the rest of the offense). I think if he has 80 yards rushing and 200 yards passing, it will be indicative of Notre Dame being able to play ball control, which would be a good sign. ... The matchup most favoring Notre Dame is Michael Mayer vs. whomever they try to limit him with. As far as a unit matchup, I like ND's D-line/front seven vs. OSU's O-Line. That has to be a reality for the Irish to win Saturday night. OSU's advantage is its passing game vs. ND's secondary. And that's another reason the Irish D-line/front 7 must step up and create pressure.

Marie from Atlanta

12:31

Hi Eric, I can’t believe we finally made it to game week I know I’m excited I’m sure you are too. What kind of passing and rushing numbers would Buckner need to have for you to feel comfortable that Notre Dame wins the game? What is the matchup most favoring Notre Dame on offense and defense and most favoring Ohio State on offense and defense. Have a great time in Columbus.Thanks for all your great insights.

Eric Hansen

12:31

Not sure why that would be your reaction to Kirk. I think he's outstanding at what he does, but I realize it's subjective. Tye and Jake were the sons who originally went to Clemson. Tye is still there as a WR. Jake, I believe, transferred to Ohio State to focus on academics and is not on the OSU roster. A younger son, Zak, is a sophomore walk-on tight end for the Buckeyes who likely won't hear his number called on Saturday night. Then there's Chase, a QB who is still in high school, and has designs of eventually walking on at Ohio State. ... I'll be posting a story later today after talking to Kirk yesterday via a Zoom conference call. The focus will be Tyler Buchner.

Tim St Louis

12:19

Say it ain't so ? Kirk Herbstreit is doing Gameday and calling the game Saturday ? His twins are now on O State. Any idea if kids will see the field?

Eric Hansen

12:17

Hey Chuck. It feels like Christmas indeed, except I get to wear shorts and a short-sleeve shirt today and there's no mega VISA bill coming in the mail. So better than Christmas. 1) No I am not concerned. The Irish have quickness, depth and enough heft on their side. This HAS to be one of the boxes ND checks Saturday night, winning this matchup. 2) I don't think Marcus committed to deferring vs. OSU if ND wins the toss. I think he was talking more in general what he might do hypothetically and what goes into those kinds of decisions -- for all games, not just this one.

CHUCK FROM CLEVELAND "THE LAND"

12:12

Hi Eric, this week must feel like Christmas for you --- first game, #2 ranked opponent and your old stomping ground -- ENJOY. First an optimistic comment. OSU says that ND CB's have not seen Receivers in practice similar to OSU. I say that the OSU D-Line has NOT seen an O-Line as big and vicious as ND, * ** 2 questions: 1) Are you concerned over the OSU weight advantage in their O-Line vs our D-Line? We have no starters >300#. 2) Why would Coach Freeman DEFER if win the coin toss? Our Offense MUST take the crowd out of the equation IMHO. Yes, we had a penchant for going 3 and out last year when we got the ball but hopefully Rees has learned much in a year. Have a great Saturday, Eric!

Eric Hansen

12:11

Manny !!!!!!%%%**&&$$#@!!! It's also my favorite time of year. ... To your question, if Notre Dame holds Ohio State to 24 points, Marcus Freeman will likely do cartwheels all the way back to South Bend. In this game, it's strength vs. strength (OSU's offense vs. ND's defense), and units with something to prove matching up (ND's offense vs, OSU's defense). Normally 30 points scored for the Irish has been a magic number for decades. Since 1980, Notre Dame is 213-24 (.899) when it scores 30 or more points. I'm not sure 30 on offense gets it done for either team in this game. Part of Notre Dame playing good defense in this game is playing keepaway with its offense/running game. Think back to North Carolina in 2020 or the Music City Bowl in 2014 vs. LSU. If you see that script playing out, the Irish have a chance.

Manny from San Pedro

12:03

Eric!!!!!!!! It’s game week!!!! My favorite time of year! Listening to my marching band cd on a loop!!! My question…..The defense seems stacked with seniors on defense while the offense is very young. To Beat your Buckeyes, do we need our defense to hold them to under 24?

Eric Hansen

OK, on to the questions.

12:03

A quick reminder we'll be back on Wednesday for the balance of the season.

12:02

Also a friendly reminder to please include your NAME and HOMETOWN with your question. "Guest" is not a name, nor a legit hometown.

Same rules as always.