JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat Dec. 16, 2020

Notre Dame Football Live Chat Dec. 16, 2020

Eric Hansen

3:12

I wish I had more time, but that's got to do it for today. We should have updates on Clark Lea's situation later today. So check out ndinsider.com. By the way, Kia Kahanu did sign his letter-of-intent. Logan Diggs and Audric Estime could eventually do the same before the early signing period ends on Friday. Thanks for all the great questions. We'll be back to do this all over again next week.

3:08

Jorge, thank you for the kind words and good wishes. And same to you and your family. I do think there's merit to what he's saying. The problem is it also comes with a high price tag if you're going to play a conference schedule only. Dan Wetzel mentioned this on the podcast, and I wholeheartedly agree. Notre Dame wants to and NEEDS to recruit nationally. If you play in the ACC, you're not in California anymore playing. Are you going to get players like Ian Book, Isaiah Foskey, Jack Lamb, Ramon Henderson, Aaron Banks, Tyler Buchner, Isaiah Rutherford, TaRiq Bracy, Javon McKinley, etc., if Notre Dame is a cold-weather team in a regional conference? The one commitment I would make is not playing Navy every season. Maybe once every three years.

Guest

3:00

Jorge from the highlands of Western Panama. Eric, love your articles and live chats. Hope you and your family keep safe and have a very Merry Christmas. After the game with Syracuse, Kyle Hamilton said something which I had not thought of before. In his opinion, it is easier for ND to play in a conference than not to. His premise is that conference teams tend to offensively play a similar style and it is easier to prepare and strategize against them, unlike in ND's normal football schedule where they have to prepare against very divergent teams: USC's west coast air attack, Navy's triple option, the Big 10s predilection for the spread offense and hard nose defense, and so on. It is also easier to plan to play teams that you see from one year to another, unlike ND which only plays USC, Stanford and Navy on a regular basis. Do you think that there is merit in Kyle's argument and that possibly ND would have greater possibilities at winning as a regular member of the ACC, with a less difficult schedule?

Eric Hansen

2:59

Hi Erik. Clemson has played in 8 ACC title games before this one, including the last six straight. In those last six there were no rematches. But in 2011, Clemson swept Va Tech 23-3 and 38-10. In 2009, Clemson was swept by Georgia Tech, 30-27 and 39-34.

Erik (Granger, IN)

2:51

Have Clemson’s prior ACC championship games been against repeat opponents from the regular season? If so, do you think that experience gives them (especially Dabo and their coordinators) an advantage over us/ours? I can’t recall ND playing the same team twice in a season.

Eric Hansen

2:50

Thanks, I have to say I enjoy them quite a bit too.

Bruce from Dayton Ohio

2:49

Hi Eric. Really enjoy these chats, thanks for keeping us updated.

Eric Hansen

2:49

OK now Bruce, thank you. The scheme works really well not just in games, but as a player development model with some safeties migrating to rover over time. It's not a deal breaker to go in a little bit different direction, but I wouldn't want to go to a 3-4 at this point. I could comment on some of the other candidates, but Elston and Freeman are at the top of my list and I'll leave it there for now.

2:47

Alex first. Happy holidays to you. If you're going to beat Clemson, there better be a lot of picks to click. With that said, let me give you a couple of wild cards. Offensively, I could see Tommy Tremble doing something surprising, maybe Braden Lenzy. On defense, I think Kyle Hamilton is going to have a monster game, but the surprise will come from ND's interior defensive linemen.

2:45

I goofed up again. I need to turn my phone off. Too many texts.

Bruce from Dayton Ohio

2:44

Hi Eric, thanks for doing these chats and keeping us updated. What is your thoughts on Kelly keeping the same base 4-2-5 defense? Would be open to another scheme? I would think with the success of the last couple of years and with players recruited specifically for this defense that no matter who the DC is it would be a must to stay with the current. Also feel Clark Lea's ability to make in game adjustments was amazing and will be difficult for most DCs to replicate. Even though Lea was a first time DC and had the success he did is it going to be too much for someone else to fill the role without having experience? Could you please give us your thoughts on a few potential DC candidates. Mike Elston, Marcus Freeman, and couple other names your hearing. Thanks so much!!

Alex from Jackson, MO

2:41

Merry Christmas, Eric! Hope your holiday is great! Who is your pick to click on Saturday? Hopefully we will put a lot on the board.

Eric Hansen

2:41

Kevin, thanks. We'll do some of these in the offseason, though not weekly. Then we'll go back to weekly when spring practice comes around (which may be later than normal). To your question, Alabama has squashed two top 10 teams and probably will do the same to a third on Saturday. For me, they are the No. 1 team unless they lose.

Kevin, from Calgary

2:40

Hey, Eric! Gonna miss the chat transcripts (almost) as much as the games once the season is over. There’s been a lot of talk that of ND wins Saturday, especially in a close one which is probably inevitable, that Clemson remains in the top four. My question is, how then does the committee not elevate the Irish to number one (two victories over a top four team another against a top 15 and undefeated) and not make Clemson the number four seed, setting up the unenviable, even from the committee’s standpoint, of a inside conference playoff rematch? And I know it’s not supposed to matter, but do you think Notre Dame should also be given credit, even with a loss Saturday, with the fact they’ve actually defeated three of the current top 15 teams in 2020?

Eric Hansen

2:38

Doug, a quick thanks for all those nice compliments. To your question, I think Notre Dame has to blitz Lawrence, but you have to mix things up with him. I'd say early in the second quarter is when I'd start to mix in those looks.

FarmerDoug

2:36

A “Hi Y’all” from Garner, NC, Eric. Quick thanks for the Trib’s great coverage of all things Irish, especially this weekly forum for your thorough and well-written analysis. Brings back memories of getting the SBT delivered in the mail daily to Irish-info-starved dad and son during the title years of the ‘70s & ‘80’s, of which a few cherished copies recently saw daylight to show my kids and compare to recent title runs. I offer a season-long wish, your educated guess on a question, and a local note. Wish: with the ever-improving domination of ND’s running game, to see a 400+ yd ground effort this Saturday (Irish win by 23) that includes our version of a student-body-left run not once but twice and see how that opens up the pass game. Question: how soon and how often is Trevor blitzed and sacked? Local note: seeing my ND sweatshirt, the great majority of fans ‘round these parts offer hopes ND can knock off Clemson again THIS year....except most Tarheel fans who always feel robbed. Merry Christmas!

Eric Hansen

2:36

Headed to Michigan.

Danny from shamong

2:36

Any word on Donovan Edwards?

Eric Hansen

2:35

Because Texas A&M has a suspect offense and a loss and Cincinnati doesn't have a top 25 win. I misstated earlier. I have the Bearcats No. 5 and I agonized between Nos. 4 and 5 the most in making my top 25 this week. Here's a link to my ballot.

Mike from Rochester NY

2:32

Eric, wondering why you’d rate an OSU team with a suspect defense and limited schedule over a one loss Texas A&M team or unbeaten Cincinnati team?

Eric Hansen

2:31

Nick. thank you. I don't think ND will want to make a final decision on a grad transfer QB until after spring, which would have rules out Milton and a bunch of others who want to be at their new schools in time for spring practice. Even if Brendon Clark's knee injury turns out to be serious, they owe it to themselves to give spring reps to Tyler Buchner and Drew Pyne to see what they have. There will be good transfer candidates after spring practice for ND to consider if they feel the need to go in that direction.

Nick from San Francisco

2:26

Do you have a sense if ND reached out to McKenzie Milton about a potential transfer (sounds like he’s headed to FSU)? Seems like it would have been a great fit. Could Chase Brice (Duke) or any other QBs on the move be on their radar? Thank you as always for the fantastic reporting.

Eric Hansen

2:26

Every situation is different. If Notre Dame was vying for a spot in the Cheez-It Bowl or Duke's Mayo Bowl, then Clark Lea probably would leave for Vanderbilt much sooner than he will now.

2:24

Matt, I actually asked him the question that elicited that response, so let's start there. The question was about allowing it (or not) from becoming a distraction. And you can interview for a new job and keep it from distracting you and your players or you can let it become a circus for all. I figured Clark would know how to handle it. Having him stay on could become a distraction too, so you have to handle that in the right way. But these are two very different situations. Back in those days, the big recruiting signing date was early February. Now it's mid-December. So the ability to juggle two jobs is easier. In BK's case, it was take the job on Notre Dame's terms, which was right away, or be passed over. Had Cincinnati been No. 2 in the polls, it would have had a chance to play for the national title. And that almost happened. BK told me if Cincy was No. 2 and was playing for a national title, he wouldn't have been able to accept ND's terms and would have coached the Bearcats in national championship game.

Matt from St. Louis

2:06

Hi Eric. Can you help me understand something? Brian Kelly commented on his coaches being professionals and not letting job interviews and hires get in the way of their work. For Lea, that seems to include finishing out the season at ND. What is the difference and the reasons behind that versus BK leaving Cincinnati before the biggest game in their history to take the ND coaching job? I’m not trying to be critical, I’m just trying to see what factors played into both and where the differences are. Thank you!

Eric Hansen

2:03

Dwight, thanks. Louis was kind enough to call me twice from his hospital bed. I will keep everyone in the loop.

Dwight from Arkansas

2:03

While we are most directed to the on field happenings, I think a lot of us appreciate as well the updates on former Irish. Louis Nix was a very popular player, to teammates and fans. It was heartbreaking to hear of his shooting. Thanks for the info on Nix and hopefully you can keep us updated on his condition from time-to-time.

Eric Hansen

2:02

Denis, thank you. It makes more sense to incorporate Braden Lenzy at this point than Jordan Johnson. In 2021 they both should see more playing time, as will a healthy Kevin Austin. But on Saturday, I would trust Lenzy in that situation more than Johnson.

Denis from Niagara Falls, On.

2:00

Good afternoon Eric. I have not been a he's-a-5-star-let-him-play Jordan Johnson bandwagoner. I still don't think I am. But with two weeks for preparation, is it likely that ND gives him 5 plays or so. I'm thinking ND might have to change things up a little for this game. Perhaps JJ can catch Clemson off guard and he gets in a big play. A bit of a surprise. Or is it just a wasted down or two. Thanks very much. Enjoyed your Boise story. Always wanted to go there. Perhaps I will when travel becomes possible again.

Eric Hansen

2:00

He's at least healthy enough to contribute and probably has shaken some of the rust. I wouldn't expect him to be a major factor in the game, but his skill set opens the door for him to have a big play or two, which is significant.

Guest

1:59

Jim,Cumberland,md.HI ERIC YOUR THOUGHTS ON BRANDEN LENZY WILL ND GET ANY THING OUT OF HIM THIS TIME AROUND. ?’??.

Eric Hansen

1:58

Jim thanks for the kind words. Keep a couple of things in mind. He did not have a high school season this year, so he's getting a lot of advance outside the framework of playing in games and trying to apply it. I think Tyler enrolling early will put him back on the path of an accelerated development arc. The young man impresses the hell out of me.

Jim Tal, Valley Center, CA.

1:57

Hi Eric, hope all is well with you. By the way, the last two Podcasts have been really informative and interesting. Keep up the good work. On one of those aforementioned Podcasts, Mike Farrell of Rivals.com said that Tyler Bucher was having some mechanical and accuracy issues due to a change in his throwing motion. He made it sound like it's somewhat of a real concern. What have you heard and should Irish fans be worried about this situation? After all, a lot is riding on Bucher coming to South Bend and being a legitimate force if not a flat out star. The thought that he might be struggling with his technique is troublesome. And if there is something going on, can the Irish coaching staff get it squared away? Thanks as always.

Eric Hansen

1:56

Tim. I'm sorry. My read was just the opposite, that Dan made the point that these conference championship games were nothing more than money-makers and that conference champ as a criterion for the CFP was overstated. I absolutely agree with that.

Tim - Pleasant Prairie WI

1:55

Eric, I am listening to your podcast with Dan Wetzel, and it sounds like he's one of those gents advocating for the easy-solution to the playoff team selection issue in the future, which is expand to eight teams, automatically put the 5 power five conference champs in plus three at large teams. Every tme I hear this idea I seethe. Just because a team wins a conference does not necessarily make it one of the top five or even eight teams in the nation. If the goal is to get the top five or eight, and not just to be fair to all the conferences, then this idea has serious flaws. Your thoughts?

Eric Hansen

1:54

Ray, Notre Dame wants two running backs in this class. Williams and Tyree are talented enough that they could be three-and-out when it comes to the NFL Draft. Right now there's a depth issue, so yes, more quality RBs are needed. That's what big-time programs do. They stack good players on top of good players. C'Bo transferring? I'm not sure why. No. 1 he has a role. No. 2, the transfer portal is overflowing with fewer landing spots available than there are people looking for a safe landing.

Ray from Chicago

1:51

I know ND has a few candidates at Running Back that could sign with the Irish but do you think since Williams and Tyree are both underclassman that the urgency is not as great? Also, would you see Flemister staying around next year or transferring elsewhere?

Eric Hansen

1:50

No, but when you have a year like ND is having, the Irish assistants will be in demand.

Bill in Toronto

1:50

Eric - squeezed in another Wednesday this year. Do you anticipate any other coaching turnover outside of coach Lea?

Eric Hansen

1:49

Hi Mark. I expect ND if it wins the toss will take the ball.

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