JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat Dec. 30, 2020

Notre Dame Football Live Chat Dec. 30, 2020

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Lee from Lancaster, SC

1:54

Eric, is it more uncomfortable to ask a tough question to a coach that you cover on a regular basis and have a good relationship with such as Brian Kelly than one that you may only talk to once at a playoff or bowl game?

Eric Hansen

1:54

George, thank you, and you as well. ... Don Brown used to be one of the best, if not the best. But football is an evolutionary game, and I don't think he's kept up. Besides it looks like he's going to end up at Arizona.

GEorge from El Segundo, CA

1:51

Hi Eric: hope you and yours remain safe and well. Does Don Brown get a look for the ND DC job?

Eric Hansen

1:51

I think it's certainly possible. I mean, at least they're committed to it and have a plan and continue to refine and tweak that plan. And they've made significant steps. When I was doing some book research, I came across an Op-Ed editorial that, in absolute terms, spelled out that Notre Dame would never again be a better-than-average program again, much less elite. The schedule was too ambitious, the academic bar too high, etc, Sound familiar? That was 1963. Then came Ara. I read a similar story in Sports Illustrated during the Faust Era and we heard that chorus intermittently during the Davie, Willingham and Weis regimes. Look, Notre Dame's path is more difficult. But it's not blocked. And the Irish has a coach who believes it can happen and is working hard to show he's right.

Mike-quakertown PA

playoffs every few years, but eventually break through and win one, or do they need help in the way of a bad recruiting year by clemson and Alabama? Sorry for the length.

1:44

Hi Eric, I hope you are having a good holiday season with your family. I want to thank you for all of your hard work and great articles during 2020, and thanks for holding these chats. Your work provided relief and enjoyment from a perpetually difficult situation. I very much enjoyed your recent article on the recruiting gap between notre dame and alamaba, Ohio state, and clemson and notre dame's attempt to close that gap. You poo ted out the those schools get the lion's share of top 100 and top 50 talent, but you also pointed out that Georgia does too. Notre Dame essentially turns three and four star talent into five star players during the three to five years those players are in the program. Jok was a three star, and now he may be a first rounder. Drew white was a two star, and he plays way above that now. Notre dame out performs a school like Georgia when it comes to talent development. Do you think that notre dame can continue with their current trajectory which is a top ten team that makes the playoff

Eric Hansen

1:44

We get another shot of BK tomorrow. So unless he feels that mystery will give him a competitive advantage, we'll know them on the starting center. ... If you're talking about Kyle Hamilton covering Smith 1-on-1? Hamilton is going to have to wear a lot of hats in this game ... center fielder, blitzer, run stuffer, but playing 1-on-1 coverage on that nation's best receiver would not be part of the game plan. He's a handful to cover with two people. ... It's not an either/or Hamilton and Crawford. They play at the same time. And yes he did bite on a double move against Clemson, but he's had a pretty good year overall and he made it through it healthy for the first time in six years.

Tyler - cleveland

1:38

Hi Eric thanks for the time! Any news on starting center? Correll seems much more suited for the position than Lugg does. I thought Correll played well given a sprained ankle against NC. Also any plans on Kyle Hamilton covering Devonta Smith? Would be a scouts dream scenario and one I think ND has to have in order to have a shot. Crawford while filling in admirably is not a safety and often susceptible to double moves which is a staple move for Smith. Thanks again and go Irish!

Eric Hansen

1:37

Beyond the sideline? I would be stunned if we did unless they were in during mop-up time.

Jake D.

1:36

Do you have any idea if we will see any of the Freshman WR on Friday?

Eric Hansen

1:36

I'm not sure I'd go far enough to swear off all field goals and make it all or nothing, but yeah Notre Dame has to take advantage of those red zone opportunities AND play with the lead. Getting behind two scores kind of blows up the ball-control game plan.

Gene, Wyckoff, NJ

1:35

Let's try again. As FGs are not going to do it, would it be fair to expect that once inside the red zone, the mindset has to be four downs until touchdowns, or zero points? As soon as we accept 3 points inside the 20, I'm thinking the Godfather marathon on AMC comes into play. Your thoughts?

Eric Hansen

1:33

Jim, I think for Notre Dame on offense, it was more aberration than unmasking. Tough day for the OC and an offensive line still grappling to regain its chemistry. ... Defensively, Trevor Lawrence in the running game was a strategic nightmare and ND compounded it by its best players trying to overcompensate and getting outside their structure and assignments. ND has to be at its best in all areas -- and an early lead -- to take this game into the second half still holding the audience's attention.

Guest

1:30

Eric - respect your insight and knowledge. So many keys to this game, from Book to speed on the outside to physicality to flying to the ball to deep coverage. Thing that concerns me most is line play on both sides. Any hope the ACC championship was an aberration vs. an unmasking? Thanks - Jim a double domer from the mountains in Morganton NC.

Eric Hansen

1:29

Here's the best way I can illustrate what happened in the "close the gap" chase since Notre Dame played Alabama in the 2012/13 national championship. ND is the kid who runs a 4.7 in 40 in 2012. Loses weight, does speed drills, gets stronger and now can run the 4.5 Alabama ran in 2012. But Alabama got better, too, way better and now runs a 4.2. That's not only what ND faces, but the rest of college football that's not Ohio State or Clemson.

1:27

Let's start with Florida State and what it lacks. Program continuity, consistent player development, elite offensive linemen (through recruiting and player development). There's lot of attrition in that program as well from a player standpoint. ... Flip it to Alabama, tOSU and Clemson. Elite coaches (Ryan Day is off to a good start, but Urban Meyer was great), elite player development, elite culture. For example, Najee Harris didn't transfer when he didn't play early. The No. 1 prospect in the 2017 class nationally sat and waited his turn. The Tide has a lot of those kind of guys who accept the wait.

Dwight from Arkansas

1:19

The final score of the UA-UND game is not expected to be kind to the Irish. I still maintain that the only 2 defeats by ND (assuming they lose) is to the 2 elite programs in NCAA D1. I don't know that anyone else would fare any better. IMO the Irish should not drop out of the top 5 even with 2 defeats. I know Bama & Clemson have top classes annually, but other schools have great classes, too. It was pointed out that FSU has recruited elite talent but their record doesn't indicate it. Is their coaching staffs so superior that they make up the difference in comparison to other top programs? I just don't quite understand why they are so much better, given that other programs have excellent recruiting classes as well.

Eric Hansen

1:16

If Notre Dame doesn't show right, then that is a problem and way out of character for this group. But losing to one of the best Alabama teams to come along in a long string of great ones should be looked at as a great opportunity. Alabama, OSU and Clemson are monsters. They're at a different level right now from everybody. Breaking through to that level is going to be a process -- and a difficult one -- if a team can do it and not an event.

1:12

Notre Dame has made it to the playoff for a second time. There are five teams that can claim that and 125 others that can't. I made this point in the big Sunday piece I did: Analysis: Notre Dame, the gap between the Irish and playoff ogres, and the chase ... that Brian Kelly has no intention of getting to the playoff being the program peak. And that he's working to make that next incremental step on all fronts, including recruiting. That should be comforting if not applauded. I was covering Notre Dame football when its coach, Bob Davie, felt like the Irish has peaked as a program that was good-ish. He even expressed the notion that ND needed to play "more directional schools" to soften the schedule. (more)

1:06

Jim, thanks for your nice comments ... truly humbling. Your question is more complicated then it might seem, even though you kind of gave me a multiple-choice set of answers, I think how I perceive it and how others might is going to be very different. For me, this is the forever team whatever happens Friday. This is a team that sacrificed and played through some incredibly difficult circumstances to give us a college football season when at times that was presented as being impossible. Not only did they do that, but they because a much better version of themselves than was thought possible, along the way. You can discount the win over No. 1 Clemson all you want, but that's a heck of a team without Trevor Lawrence and James Skalski. And ND did it without Kevin Austin and Braden Lenzy. ... not on the same level, but important pieces on a team with much less margin for error. (more)

Jim Tal, Valley Center, CA.

12:52

Hi Eric. Wishing you the very best during the upcoming new year. And a most sincere thank you for all that you've done to keep the Irish faithful informed in the midst of these unprecedented times. Do you consider this pivotal game against Alabama to be any sort of a referendum about the Irish? Should they pull off what many would consider to be a monumental upset, the year would have to be classified as a truly memorable one regardless of what might happen in the championship game. Should they fall to Bama but are highly competitive in a close loss and I believe the season would still be considered a very successful one. However, should ND get blown out and offer very little resistance and not show legitimate fight, then I think it would cast a pall over the entire season and genuinely detract from all that had been accomplished prior to the debacle that was Clemson 2. I would value your thoughts in this regard. Thank you.

Eric Hansen

12:51

Mike, thanks for following the chats and for piping up today.

Mike H- Arlington VA

12:50

I just think these chats are great! I have not missed reading one in years and this is my first time posting. I do not have a question but I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy and Safe New Year and be nice to one another please!!! And I hope everyone that’s infected with this virus gets healthy! My prayers to each and every one of you. And my NYs resolution is for one day going forward the Irish can put it all together (recruiting, coaching, on-field play) and win ONE big game! God Bless all of you!

Eric Hansen

12:49

Hi Jeff and thanks for the kind words. We will have a "running" game story with no quotes and the scoring summary in Saturday's print edition, then full coverage in Sunday's print, so yes, please check out our coverage online (ndinsider.com) Saturday night. Thanks again.

Jeff from Schererville, IN

12:47

Eric, Thank you so much for doing these chats all season long and for the great work you and the rest of the SBT crew do throughout the year to keep us all informed. If we wish to read full postgame coverage in the print edition of the SBT, should we look for it on Saturday or Sunday? I'm guessing the late afternoon kickoff might be cutting it close to the deadline for Saturday's paper. Enjoy the game, safe travels if you're going, and keep up the good work!

Eric Hansen

12:47

Well, they've got the best O-Line ND will have faced this year and best at pass protection. So Clark Lea is going to have to get creative and also take some chances. Look for some blitzes from Kyle Hamilton and JOK on occasion.

John from Tarpon Springs, FL

12:45

How will Notre Dame's defense be able to put pressure on Mac Jones with the large offensive line that Alabama has?

Eric Hansen

12:42

Steve, you scared me there for a sec and made me think you had violated the no-drinking rule. I do think you want to limit possessions and clock, but ND is going to have to take some shots down the field. In the three games where Alabama was tested (Ole Miss, Ga., Florida), Ole Miss and Georgia used their running games well, but they did not slow the tempo. There were long drives, but not clock-eating drives. So Alabama's offense was on the field a lot -- 71 plays vs. Ole Miss, 76 vs. Georgia, which led at the half, 24-20. Three picks hurt the Bulldogs bad. Florida didn't try to run and couldn't anyway and just decided to get into a track meet. Alabama ran 83 plays. ND's best chance is if Alabama runs 60 plays or fewer. You can't outscore them in a face-paced game. Think the North Carolina game as a template.

Steve from Las Vegas

12:35

Is ND a big enough underdog against the Bama scoring machine that they should do something unique like use Navy's triple option offense? This will shorten the game and emphasize ND's run game (including Book). Seriously, though, do you think ND's only chance to win is to control the clock through a slow moving ball control offense? Is that possible against the talented Bama D?

Eric Hansen

12:35

Jim. Happy New Year. If Notre Dame can't win the line of scrimmage in this game — as it did in Clemson I and didn't in Clemson II — it has no chance. So yes, agree there. Agree having tight ends play a large role. And agree ND needs to run the ball. All those things, and winning the turnover battle, have to happen for there to be a path to a score that's going to be favorable.

Jim from Albuquerque

12:32

Hi Eric! Happy New Year to you and yours! I believe that for the Irish to compete in the Rose Bowl they must control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. I also think our tight ends can be a big factor in this game. Florida couldn’t run against Alabama but we should be able to. Your thoughts? And thanks for hosting!

Eric Hansen

12:31

No, there really isn't. And wouldn't it be disappointing if there were? Brian Kelly has an opportunity to play for a national championship, and there's plenty of time after the season that multitasking during this time should be minimal. Now, after the season, I expect things to heat up quickly. ... Clark Lea too has put everything on hold to make Notre Dame is singular focus until the season ends.

Tony from Virginia Beach

12:28

Happy New Year! Is there any more clarity on who will be the next DC and who on the staff may follow Clark Lea to Vandy?

Eric Hansen

12:28

No argument here. If he's so good on third down (and he is), why not more red zone?

Guy Lakeside Park,Ky

12:27

Hi Erik,Very excited about this Yellow Rose Bowl playoff game vs mighty Alabama.I think it's safe to say ND has had red zone challenges most of the year.Wouldn't Micheal Mayer create the most favorable matchup on that part of the field.Seems as though he has been under utilized near the end zone with just two touchdowns on the year.

Eric Hansen

12:27

I've been waiting for Braden Lenzy like the Great Pumpkin. I did ask Brian Kelly about Lenzy earlier in the week, and he indicated Lenzy was available and could help. We'll see. He didn't play a snap against Clemson. ... As to 2021 recruits who could get an opportunity for earlier playing time, I'd say QB Tyler Buchner, WR/PR Lorenzo Styles Jr., and OG Rocco Spindler. On defense, I think they'll want to take a good look at safeties Khari Gee and Justin Walters, CB Phillip Riley, LB Prince Kollie at rover and perhaps DT Gabriel Rubio for D-line rotation/depth.

cederick walker

12:20

ced walker saginaw michigan how many recruits u see playing as true freshman next year how much playing time braden lenzy get in the rose bowl

Eric Hansen

12:19

Yes. Jordan, that quick turnaround is really interesting. 13 days compared to 5 weeks or so. Kelly tried to strike a balance between rest/mental break and staying sharp. So today (Wed.) will be practice No. 5. ND won't spend much time on site either. They fly down this afternoon and I believe have a walkthrough tomorrow. There's not all the running around to various activities and such that are usually parts of bowl trips. All business.

Jordan from Nashville

12:16

Hi Eric, would you share your thoughts on how this year's team is preparing for a marquee bowl game compared to previous years under Brian Kelly? Anything new or different stand out to you? Certainly the quick turnaround from the ACCCG to the CFP comes to mind.

Eric Hansen

12:15

I'm not sure the 2021 schedule is all that soft. There's a 5-game stretch of Wisconsin, Cincinnati, Va Tech, USC and North Carolina that looks pretty formidable. But yes, compared to playing Clemson AND Ohio State in regular-season games in 2022 and 2023, I get your point. I wouldn't write off 2021 to be the training wheels, though, for those next two seasons. If Tyler Buchner is good enough to start in 2021, start him. If not, keep developing him and start Pyne, Clark are a grad transfer. The rebuild aspect of 2021 isn't as daunting as you might think. QB yes. O-Line yes. Two biggies. But better at WR, RB, TE and really good on defense.

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