JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat Dec. 29 2021

Notre Dame Football Live Chat Dec. 29 2021

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Jeff from Phoenix

3:06

Hey Eric, greetings from a rather soggy but Fiesta-ready Phoenix. My questions are around the ND team psychologist, Amber Selking. I would see her on the sideline during games, usually not far from Kelly. First, do you know if she is staying with ND and if coach Freeman sees her as a key contributor to the teams success? I think J Doerer worked with her on his kicking mindset, but are there other players that benefitted in 2021? And finally, are there a couple of players you think could benefit from time with Dr Selking during this off-season to help match their high physical potential to an improved game impact and leadership? Thanks, and I hope the road rises up to meet you both personally and professionally in 2022.

Eric Hansen

3:05

Hi Will and thanks. I think it's increasingly less often that players pursue the master's, but there's still a blend. If they're not getting their master's, it allows the player to take a light load in the fall, and really have plenty of time for film study and body recovery. Drue Tranquill took this option and it helped him boost his draft stock. Cody Riggs, a grad transfer from Florida, got a master's in a year and actually had to study on draft weekend for exams he had Monday and Tuesday. Chris Stewart, notably, was in law school, during his final season of playing football for the Irish.

Will from Seattle

3:01

Eric, thanks for another great season here with the chats, with Pod of Gold, and all things Irish football. After reading last week’s chat I was wondering whether many of ND’s players who opt for 5th (and now 6th) year do receive Masters degrees staying with the Program, or, do most just pursue additional studies. Are there any great stories of players taking advantage of the additional academic opportunities? Thanks again and let’s go Irish in 2022.

Eric Hansen

3:00

I think there's a good chance Fisher will be back at left tackle and Alt at right, but they have a chance to mess with that in the spring, and the new O-line coach will have some say in that. Alt says he doesn't have a preference and is comfortable on either side. The biggest reason they didn't make that move for the bowl game (Fisher to left, Alt to right) was that it was more moving parts in a short adjustment time.

Alan from Whiteland, Indiana

2:58

Eric, going into next season, do you believe Joe Alt and Blake Fisher will stay at left and right tackle or do you anticipate them switching sides and putting Fisher back at left tackle? Thank you

Eric Hansen

2:58

Shane, thanks and Happy New Year to you too. Shane, I'm not sure I am interpreting your first question correctly. I'll answer it like this. The best thing about covering Notre Dame football is the people you meet -- players, coaches, administrators, fans. And I'll never take that for granted. Running backs are able to use the stiff arm move to avoid a sloppy tackle, but it comes with restrictions. They can't use a closed hand to make that move or a punching motion. It must be an open palm. Also, no grabbing or locking their fingers on the opponent’s face mask.

Shane from White Deer, Texas

2:53

Hey Eric. Hope you have the happiest of New Years. Two random questions. Do you ever get to just enjoy the splendor of Notre Dame, or is all work for you? Second, why does it seem like anyone who gets their hands up and around the face, there is going to be a flag, but running backs seem to have free reign when it comes to hands to the face. To be honest, my brother asks me that second question every time we see it on TV. Thought you may help in giving him an answer and some peace in his life. Thanks for the insights and answering my questions this season. Go Irish!M

Eric Hansen

2:51

Happy New Year, Ken. The centerpiece among the bowl swag is a PlayStation 5 console for the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl. Bet the players are glad it's not still the BattleFrog Fiesta Bowl. As for the gut feeling on winning. I'm picking ND, but don't know by what score yet. Tough matchup for both offenses.

Ken- Pensacola

2:47

Eric – Sorry about the first attempt for a question, I hit the wrong key. Happy New Year and hope you had a joyous Christmas! In previous years a lot of emphasis was placed on the “goodies” team members were given. Are team players going to get any this year? Also, what’s your gut feeling on our team winning? Thanks and as always “GO IRISH” !!!!!!

Eric Hansen

2:47

Jake, we don't know that, because there's not a track record you can point to. I would think those skills would be transferrable. Given what Tyler Buchner's been able to accomplish this year with one year of high school football bodes well.

Jake from Saratoga

2:43

Hello Eric, hope you had a nice holiday. I believe Tommy Rees can take a 3 star or 4 star QB and help them develop but I’m concerned as to whether he has the capability to take a high end 5 star QB and maximize their potential, in other words does he have the ability to get Tyler Buchner to that high end level of passing. Would love to hear your thoughts.

Eric Hansen

2:43

Eric, all great questions. But the No. 1 rule about developing sources is never betraying them and breaking your promise of anonymity. So I'm going to have to pass on all your questions. I'd be happy to share other aspects of my job, but I can't do it in this case.

Eric, Bristol

2:40

Hello, Eric. Thank you for your great reporting during an eventful season to say the least. A few weeks ago during the week that BK made his exit, you fielded a chat question from a journalism student asking what you were hearing from your sources. Your response mentioned that some sources contact you, whereas other sources require you to make a contact. I've always been curious about how professionals in your field develop the proverbial "source within the program who wishes to remain anonymous" that require you to make a contact when the time comes. As much as you're willing & able to share: Is it a matter of simply asking someone in an initial interview or conversation if they'd be willing to serve as a future source and asking for their number? How do you report information without angering program leadership and/or getting the source into hot water? Is there ever a time when the source is actually the head coach or the AD, but they're not ready to put their name on the quote yet?

Eric Hansen

2:39

But there are other elements -- including recruiting and assistant coaching hires -- that will have greater impact on both the short term and the long term health of the program. ... So, in short, you are (mostly) right.

2:38

Wow, Mike. Can I adopt you? Wait 'til I show my sons this transcript. Appreciation day? What a concept LOL, love it. Your question is particularly intriguing, because I don't think the answer is universal, year to year or school to school. I think there are times when a program really needs that win at the end of the year. BK and ND needed it in the 2010 Sun Bowl after everything that happened that year. Then in 2011, they looked awful in the Champs Sports Bowl. What do they do as an encore? Go 12-0 and play for a national title. A bowl win Saturday would be meaningful, because it would be against a top 10 team and in a major bowl and continue to the positive buzz around Marcus Freeman. (more)

Mike, Lemont, IL

2:33

Eric, Wishing you and Tyler the absolute best! you guys are fabulous! Media members and analysts love to talk about momentum. Coach Lou did not believe in it. Almost everyone thinks that if ND wins the Fiesta bowl that gives them "momentum" for next year. I say BS. In 1987, Notre Dame lost badly to Texas A & M, 35-10. The next year they went out and won the title while playing one of the hardest schedules EVER. Although I do think it is important to finish the year strong and get the NY6 bowl win, I believe that next year will be determined by who the captains are, who comes back and who decides they are going to make an impact in 2022. What do you say? Thank you for everything that you do, and I think almost everyone on this chat owes you a couple of cold ones to go along with some good BBQ. Maybe we could host an ERIC HANSEN appreciation day?! God Bless and Go IRISH!

Eric Hansen

2:32

Ryan, I think he helped his future AND Notre Dame by taking the COVID exemption and coming back for 2021.

Ryan mars pa

2:31

Good afternoon Eric what do you think about the season Kurt hinish had so far he’s played great looking forward to the bowl game GO IRISH

Eric Hansen

2:31

Thank you, Jude. I hope to reward you with some Voodoo Donuts on one of your trips here ... if we ever get one.

Jude from Watertown, N.Y.

2:29

Eric - I just want to say that I'm thrilled that your next destination is completely of your making. I'm ecstatic that you'll still be partnering with Tyler James. And, as someone who loved writing for a newspaper but did not love the low pay and long hours, I hope your contribution to our understanding of Notre Dame athletics -- which has been exemplary for 30 years -- is rewarded with a generous pay increase.

Eric Hansen

2:28

Tom, thank you. And no, I will be staying right here in South Bend (and near my grandkids). A funny thing, though, our former colleague, Carter Karels, ran into Brian Kelly at a Baton Rouge restaurant the Friday after BK was named coach down there. Wild story, which Carter will have to tell someday. ... I think Logan Diggs will get the most carries for ND.

Tom from Hillsdale, MI

2:25

Just want to wish you the best of luck and appreciate all your great coverage over the years! You’re not going to LSU are you? LOL Who do you think will get most of the carries?

Eric Hansen

2:25

Thanks Jeff. I'm sure the Trib will get great replacements. Tyler and I are really excited about the new venture.

Jeff from Schererville, IN

2:24

Eric, I have no question today--only words of gratitude and best wishes for you and Tyler as you begin your new path covering ND football. You've given us fair and honest coverage over the years, and I know I speak for many chat participants when I say that these chats are highlights of our weeks in and out of football season. I wish you all the best, and I do the same for your colleagues at the South Bend Tribune and ND Insider who will continue to cover the Irish. Hope 2022 is a happy and healthy year for you and your family. Thanks and go Irish!

Eric Hansen

2:24

Hi Chris. Thanks on all fronts. I am so glad some of you liked the Christmas story. I was hesitant to share it, because I thought it'd bore you all to tears (and maybe I haven't heard from that group yet). So thanks and sorry, the YouTube link doesn't look like it successfully posted.

Chris from San Diego, CA

2:22

Hi, Eric. I’m grateful for all your ND coverage and live chats, and really appreciated your family Christmas story form the last chat. I shared it with my wife because it felt in the spirit of some of the old-fashioned Christmas stories she had been reading as part of her free, daily Christmas/Advent video series, featuring traditions from around the world, stories, and songs (sort of Mr. Rogers meets Julie Andrews) I’m sorry your time at the Tribune is coming to an end, but hope the new situation is as/more fulfilling for you and I look forward to reading more from you there.

Eric Hansen

2:20

Hey Jim/Frank. Thanks for the kind words. It's not only Marcus Freeman but head trainer Rob Hunt and team physician Matt Leiszler who have been diligent and vigilant about trying to give the team its best chance if being healthy for the game. But the virus has a mind of its own, and so it's difficult to predict who is going to be successful with those extra measures.

Jim from Berlin, Ct.

2:17

Hey Eric, how are you? I'm back to being just plain Jim after spending a week as Frank (see last week's chat). My question this week concerns Covid and how much it has taken a toll on teams that were supposed to play in bowl games this season. As of today, five bowl games have been canceled due to the virus. Has Coach Freeman taken special steps to ensure the Irish players remain healthy heading into New Year's Day? I echo the sentiments of so many others who have found your chats incredibly informative throughout the year, and I wish you and your family all the best in 2022.

Eric Hansen

2:17

Hi Marie. Great Christmas here. Hope yours was too. No concerns about being too hyped. I have every reason to believe Amber Selking is working with the team, though have not checked on that. I would be shocked if she wasn't. ... I think Cincinnati is a better team than Oklahoma State, and then the Cowboys would be next, with Wisconsin third. How their offense and defense ranks? Okie State is 65th out of 130 in the FBS in total offense. Among ND opponents, that's seventh. They're third in total defense. Wisconsin is 1, UC is 7 and none of the other opponents are close. Happy New Year.

Marie from Atlanta

2:09

Hi Eric, I hope you had a fantastic Christmas and that you are enjoying the weather in Phoenix. I know the team has a lot to play for and assume they are really excited to play for Coach Freeman, any concerns that they will be too hyped up for the game? Along those lines, is Dr. Selking still on staff? Also where would you rank OSU relative to the other teams on the schedule this year, ( are they the best team ND will play? ) and also where would you rank their offense and defense relative to the other teams played this year? Have a great time at the game, Happy New Year, and thanks for all your hard work.

Eric Hansen

2:09

Happy New Year and Happy Belated Boxing Day. I think this is a first -- two statue questions in one chat. You only asked my opinion about statue-worthy and not greatness, so I'll answer it simply, no -- no statue.

Gerry Labelle, Waltham, Quebec

2:06

Hope your Christmas was special this year! What are the chances Notre Dame honors Brian Kelly with a statue? In my opinion, that would be embarrassing! He was not a great coach. Your thoughts on that possibility?

Eric Hansen

2:06

Hi Rui and yes we did enjoy it immensely, and I hope you did too. The Brian Hartline rumor persists, but it doesn't seem realistic, even though the current OSU receivers coach and Marcus Freeman were college teammates. Given the coaches moves in this cycle, never say never. I wouldn't say the WR coach opening is more important than the O-line opening. Del Alexander not being retained isn't official, but that is expected. Same with Jeff Quinn at O-line.

Rui from Westchester, NY

1:59

Hope you and your family enjoy/enjoyed this holiday season. As many other fans are also looking forward to a change taking place, how serious was the Hartline rumors coming to ND as WR coach? I feel this coaching position choice is WAY more important vs OL( also hoping that Heistand returns )...what are you hearing, and i assume that a young energetic and most, important top recruiter will fill out the WR coaching positions...thoughts? and thank you ahead of time

Eric Hansen

1:58

Hi Jim. Happy Holidays to you, too. Thanks for putting up with my family stories. We got to view one practice while the team was in South Bend (part of it actually, but very valuable), which I think is a first. We also did lots of interviews in person. Those are continuing in Arizona, but via Zoom because of the COVID surge. I think the Coan/Buchner breakdown will remain as it has been -- flow of the game. A lot will depend on ND's ability to run the ball with Jack Coan in the game and how well the O-line can protect him. If both of those things are problems, expect to see more Buchner. ... Didn't see much of the Saints game. Just bits and pieces, as I was working on ND stuff at that hour. Read about it, heard about it. I can only add, I don't think that game will end up defining Ian Book.

Jim, Oakwood, OH

1:53

Hi Eric and Happy New Year! Thank you for sharing your wonderful Christmas story at the end of the last Chat. That was beautiful, especially the ending: "So each Christmas, as we open presents, I remind myself how lucky I am to have family and presents." An excellent thought for all of us. I hope you and your family enjoyed your Christmas and created some new memories this year. Have you had any media access with the team during the prep weeks? Do you have any information, or thoughts, as to how the QB snap breakdown will be divided or is that a "flow-of-the-game" decision? I thought that Ian Book did as well as he could Monday night for the Saints ... under very difficult circumstances. The stat that amazed me was that Miami blitzed on 70% of the snaps in the first half. What are your thoughts ... what did you see? Enjoy your time in Phoenix and be well and stay healthy in 2022.

Eric Hansen

1:52

Happy New Year, Len. If ND doesn't win the bowl game, I don't think it will be because they didn't have the right mindset or were emotionally drained. I think they've had tremendous focus heading into the game.

Len from the Jersey Shore

1:50

Hi Eric, Happy New year! December has been eventful for the Irish! So much emotion!!! This on top of a season that had a roller coaster beginning followed by a lot of growth with many season ending injuries at various points. Emotion can be uplifting but also can be draining. Is the staff and the team ready to sieze the moment and capture the Fiesta Bowl experience? Or will all the turbulance they have experienced yield an emotional trough right after kickoff?

Eric Hansen

1:50

John, there's not real way of knowing, but my sense is he would have done better than Willingham and Davie, but not better than Weis. Certainly no statue. He went 81-68 at UCF during the program's growth years and he did a really good job emphasizing academics. But coaching at UCF at that time and coaching with the scrutiny that the ND coach gets are two different things. I'm not sure how he would have handled it. UCF also had NCAA violations in 2011. And there were allegations of player mistreatment. He would have not gotten away with that at ND.

John from Texas

1:43

I get why ND hired Davie after Lou, but looking back it was obviously the wrong move. I respect Ty as a coach and man, but again looking back, probably not the right move. In my opinion those are the hires that set ND football back into an age of mediocrity. Im not saying he would’ve been the second coming of Lou, but O’Leary, as best I can remember, was pretty decent at putting a program together. Where do you think ND football would be if O’Leary hadnt lied on his resume and actually gotten a chance to coach at ND? Is our major bowl record better? Would he have a statue out front? I always wonder what woulda happened, if…
Thanks and Go Irish!

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