JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat Dec. 6, 2024

Notre Dame Football Live Chat Dec. 6, 2024

Eric Hansen

3:10

OK, my fingers and/or brain was/were too slow to even come close to finishing off the queue. I've got a podcast tomorrow with a special guest and I may carry some of the unanswered questions over. Thanks for all the great questions AND compliments. ... Barring a surprise conflict in assignments next week, we'll be back on Wednesday at noon ET to do it all over again.

3:08

Tom, thank you and I hit the pass defense question earlier. You and Marie were on the same wavelength. As far as the NIU coach, Marcus did not want to talk about it then and I doubt he does now. And I'm not sure there was anything particularly helpful. But it was cool of that coach to do so and probably not so cool that he told the whole world about it. I feel better about Cross playing than KVA but wouldn't rule either out at this point. No update on Onye's status.

Tom F, Kennesaw, GA

3:06

Hi Eric. Hope that your Thanksgiving weekend was as good as ours!!! Exciting win but with a lot of questions, but I will try to limit my questions: was the number of open USC receivers the result of A) a great group of receivers; B) tired defenders at the end of a season and a cross-country trip; an offensive scheme we need to be better at defending??? I don't remember hearing what the NIU coach told MF about what flaws they saw in the Irish. Now that the season is over and whatever those flaws were seem to be corrected what did he tell Marcus? Finally, presuming that Cross and KVA will be available for the playoffs, is that accurate. Also any update on Onye? Thanks for your outstanding Playoff-worthy coverage of the Irish. Hopefully, there are a lot more games to cover!!! Go Irish!!!!!!

Eric Hansen

3:04

J Buck, great discussion points, but I'd need a beer and two more hours to fully go into all of those. What I can say succinctly is Notre Dame has the right coach to deal with these evolutions. And I wrote about it on Wednesday. And we can revisit this in greater detail down the road although maybe not in a chat format ... here's the column: Signing Day at Notre Dame won't ever be the same — and that's a good thing

J Buckley San Diego

3:01

Hello, from sunny SD, thanks again for letting us vent/ as questions. Is that enough S up?

So, I listen to a couple podcast ,and they thought that ND isn't closing well enough? I think this class is outstanding. The NIL money being thrown around, paying an 18year old kid that hasn't played one snap of college football 10+ million. I'm hoping there is all sorts of incentives, to getting this money? What motivation is there to go to class? Teach them to spell their names, to much to ask? Players are going to be resentful, Its going to divide a locker room, force the HC to play someone that may not be ready. Kids are transferring, that should stay and develop, some chasing money or bitter they're not playing. I'm sure all this isn't new, has already been happening (NFL) but just not reported on much. I do like that its causing parity, and Universities that can build a TEAM from recruiting, developing, and showing these kids the power of a degree especially from ND will put them back on top. Thoughts

Eric Hansen

3:00

Brown sugar.

Bill from St Joe, MI

3:00

One or more tablespoons of molasses or brown sugar or both?

Eric Hansen

3:00

2024: 42-23-53-33-15
2020: 47-1-17-32-10
2012: 16-1-1-1-13

2:58

I like the matchup WAY better than ND's previous playoff/BCS matchups when Nick Saban wasn't a TV star but a coach ... Not an easy out, but ND would be favored it it happens. I think the Irish match up well with what Alabama does and doesn't do well ... Here is their snapshot in rush offense/pass efficiency/run defense/total defense/turnover margin ... and then the 2020 and 2012 versions:

Ron Dover De

2:54

Hi Eric hope you had a nice Thanksgiving. Most of the match up guru’s right now have the Irish hosting Alabama. How do you think the Irish match up with them and your thoughts on the likely hood the Irish win.

Eric Hansen

2:54

Hi Eric. My answer would be 2) CMF stays under an extended contract.

Eric, Bristol

2:53

Hello Eric. It's been a while since I've posted a question, but I read your chats every week. It's hard to believe that it's already been 3 years since rumors began to surface this time of year about the ND head football coach being attached to another job opening. Which do you think is the most likely outcome amongst these options: 1) CMF leaves ND for a more lucrative opportunity; 2) CMF stays under a reworked contract; 3) CMF stays under his existing contract.

Eric Hansen

2:52

Matt you do sound like a curmudgeon and I don't know the answer, which might make me more of one.

Matt from DC

2:51

At the risk of sounding like a curmudgeon…can someone explain all of these football players running around with their mouth pieces dangling from their helmet instead of in their mouth?

Eric Hansen

2:51

Larry, my future agent (if I ever can afford one) .... thank you. I think even if there Ryan Day speculation wasn't out there, three years is the right time to extend or (not extend) a Notre Dame football coach. And in this case, extending makes a lot of sense.

Guest

2:49

Larry from Topton, PA. Eric!!!!! Your written work is outstanding and only surpassed by your podcast/WSBT/Youtube contributions. Thanks for keeping us so well informed! Do you and Darin have any DJ experience in your background, and do you take requests? If so, how about bringing back the Soap theme? Now for a football question – With Coach Freeman and ND winning 10 in a row to seal a playoff berth, and Ryan Day and Ohio State losing for the 4th straight year to The Team Up North, is now the time for ND to extend Marcus’ contract? I know they were burned by the Charlie Weis contract extension, but that was 2005 and the college football landscape is absolutely nothing like it was 2 decades ago. It appears to me that Marcus is the right coach for ND in this modern college football world, and it would be a mistake/setback to let him get away. Your thoughts? Looking forward to reading/hearing your first ever college football playoff coverage!!

Eric Hansen

2:49

Hi John. Thanks for the compliment. The best comfort I can give you is that I believe Notre Dame has the right coordinators who can make adjustments between now and Dec. 20/21 and in game to maximize the talent on this roster. And it is a talented roster.

John Sacramento

2:45

Damn. Season went fast again. Concern about “O” line, “D” line and “DB” depth. Ugh. “PK”. Got spoiled for numerous years at kicking game. Best overall team I’ve seen in years. Depth included. Comforting thoughts/words now please. Really enjoy you coverage. Thanks Eric.

Eric Hansen

2:44

But since Penn State now has one more game, they could defer that decision and make it on Saturday night/Sunday after the Big Ten CC game played out. I think if Penn State loses, the two losses and the comparative Purdue and USC scores will be enough ... on top of everything else -- to move the Irish ahead of Penn State.

2:41

Hi Kevin. Given that Penn State is ranked ahead of ND in the AP and coaches polls too but by a mere 5 poll points, shows how divided the view is on these two teams. And it's not just NIU. I'm on the CFP teleconference with Warde Manual (committee chair) every Tuesday night, so I get to hear a lot more insight into what the committee's thinks than what the ESPN audience has access to. It also helps me read between the lines, and that's what I am doing here. Had Ohio State won, the committee really would have been forced to make a determination whether ND or Penn State deserved to be ranked higher (more).

Kevin from Calgary

2:33

Eric, thanks for doing these great chats even in a week where you’re buried in recruiting news! Very much appreciated! Aside from a huge blowout by Oregon on Saturday do you see any possibility ND jumps Penn State? By not punishing Ohio State (like they did Miami for a less embarrassing defeat) it seems the playoff committee is doing all it can to justify ranking an 11-2 Penn State above the Irish. Do you think this is just to create a marquee match up with Alabama, or punish ND for manipulating the playoff brackets, or simply the eye test just not being able to forget the NIU game? Thanks again for your great work!

Eric Hansen

2:29

Hi Mike. I think it's disappointing. ND missed on a lot of kids they wanted. But the one thing that seems true about WR recruiting, the players with the most start aren't always the ones who turn out to be the best and vice versa. ... I think the development of the offensive line ought to be an A ... and I want a chance to interview Loren Landow before I give that a real evaluation. Marcus Freeman and the players, though, speak very highly of him. Very.

Mike from Rockville, MD

2:26

Hi, Eric! Thanks for these chats! What are your thoughts on the incoming WR class? Also, how would you evaluate the development of the OL this season? And also the job Loren Landow has done?

Eric Hansen

2:25

Hi Shane. The weather isn't going to make or break the season, but I do think it is an advantage, mentally and physically. And even the players from warm-weather states are used to it by now, going to class, walking to practice, etc. Now if there's 50 MPH gusts, then yeah, it stinks for everyone. Better have a good running game, which -- guess what -- ND has.

Shane from White Deer, Texas

2:21

Hey Eric. Now that we have made the show, let’s discuss the weather. A lot has been made about southern schools coming up p north to play, but when does the weather start giving diminishing returns? At some point, bad or extremely cold weather would affect both teams. Also, I would guess we have some players from warmer climates. I guess my question is will the weather make or break our season? Go Irish!! Time for a big win!!

Eric Hansen

2:21

Gus, I think it's fair to wonder about bias when you see something on TV or read something. I don't think it's fair to assume it. I don't watch enough of what you're watching to agree or disagree with your specific circumstances. But keep in mind, ND-Virginia, ND-Florida State, ND-Stanford, etc., wasn't as compelling as some other games to highlight both in terms of closeness of score and quality of opponent. USC was, and I would imagine those were highlighted. I am not saying you do this, but some people claim bias if you see things differently from them. I have Notre Dame ranked higher than Penn State for instance in my AP poll, but I can see arguments both ways. And believe me, you catch a lot less crap from people if you rank the team you cover lower. But I think if you're going to take on the responsibility of ranking teams or commenting about them, you need to have the courage and conviction to speak your true opinion and be willing to put up with what comes with that.

Gus Ft.Mitchell,Ky

2:15

Hi Eric.I have watched Colkege Football Final on espn most every Sunday.I have yet to see a ND player get a helmet sticker or the Irish to be recognized with their team award.IMHO there is a clear bias against ND by the network.Even highlights are at best brief and underwhelming.Do you think this bias exists?Galloway ,Mullen and Beery at least seem reluctant to give credit where credit is due..Go Irish!☘️

Eric Hansen

2:14

3) You look at where some of the prospects are choosing and you look at the wide receiver numbers in those offenses and ND did not recruit well during the time Del Alexander was the WRs coach and now they've had four different position coaches at that position in four years. I think the jury is out on this one, Mike Brown, in terms of recruiting. I'd like to see what he does in the upcoming cycle. 4) For now, ND is going to have to go back to the portal and develop the young talent they have ... and there is talent that can be developed in the younger classes.

2:12

There are a whole bunch of version of this question in the queue today, so hopefully the answer I give to Dave will let you know that I saw your WR recruiting questions as well. ... I asked Marcus Freeman that question in the press conference on Wednesday and kind of got a word salad. I've just started to dig deeper into this, but let me give you some perhaps disconnected/disjointed thoughts on the matter. 1) I don't think this has much to do, if anything, with Deuce Knight decommitting. There's plenty of QB talent on the roster, including CJ Carr, and plenty coming in with Blake Hebert and Noah Grubbs after him. 2) I think it took Mike Denbrock's offense time to find its way, which was expected, but ND is now the No. 4 scoring offense in the nation and 32 points away from setting the school record for points. So I would expect this to show up NEXT cycle. (more)

Dave, Ponte Vedra, FL

I wasn’t finished. With Denbrock calling plays and exhibiting a more balanced attack, why can’t we land elite receivers?

2:06

Congrats to the staff for assembling another strong class. The concern, as usual, is the lack of success at the wide receiver position. E

Eric Hansen

2:05

Hi Ryan. I think it's a good start ... with chapter 2 coming in the form of the transfer portal, which opens Monday. I'll have a better feel for the complete picture once that cycle plays out, but again, there is a lot to like in this class.

Ryan Frankfort illinois

2:04

Good afternoon Eric what do you think about the guys they signed i like all the guys GO IRISH 🍀🍀🍀🏈🏈🏈

Eric Hansen

2:02

Hi Palm Beach. I'll take this one to break up the football and since I cover WBB from January on and intermittently during football. You do realize the roster has 12 players and four of them are out with injuries, with two all-conference players set to rejoin the team in January?

Palm Beach Irish

2:01

Good day 78 and sunny....my concern about women's program is they fall short of bench support relying on 7 or 8 bodies...Why does Niele hesitate to recruit a full roster....seems rather obvious to me....thanks

Eric Hansen

1:56

High Tom, ND's number is skewed by having to play both Army and Navy in the same season. They are Nos. 1 and 8, respectively in rushing yards per game in the FBS (ND is 10th). Another factor is ND plays a lot with a light box. They don't bring a safety down into the box and sacrifice potential explosive plays in the passing game as much as some teams do. Howard Cross' injury and Jason Onye's absence factor in too. And yet, if ND is going to get taken out in the playoff, that's the most likely stress point. There are three potential playoff teams (two which will be in) that are in the top 10 in rushing -- No. 4 UNLV, No. 6 Boise State and No. 9 Tennessee. And given the fact Rylie Mills and Howard Cross are gone after this season, you can see why the portal will be a priority for interior defensive linemen.

Tom in Evanston, IL

1:50

Hi Eric. I think this defense has gotten away without really having the run-stuffing defensive line that top defenses typically boast. I tend to think it hasn't bitten ND, other than the NIU game, because Golden has done an amazing job. But the DL has to get better in the future. I assume all options are open: portal, recruiting, upgrading the DL coach. What do you see happening?

Eric Hansen

1:49

Mark, I did and thank you for asking and remembering. .... and thanks for the compliments .... Here are all the Pressures game by game per Pro Football Focus. Keep in mind USC threw 49 times, an opponent high, and Army threw 9 times.
USC 14 pressures
Army 4
Virginia 14
Florida State 11
Navy 4
Ga Tech 12
Stanford 9
Louisville 18
Miami O 13
Purdue 15
NIU 5
Texas A&M 13

Guest

1:46

Mark Czar Grand Rapids Mich. >> I trust you enjoyed your Thanksgiving beans. Thank you for sharing your personal story - it hit home. I think Christian Gray has had a break out year highlighted by his physical play. I was happy to see him stay in the moment, win the interval with the pick 6. How many QB pressures did D get against USC compared to rest of the games this season? Riley Leonard 3rd best completion rate in ND history! Fantastic. Historically where do sacks allowed this year compare? I think it is only a matter of time before Ohio State comes knocking on Coach Freeman’s door. I hope he sees this through and gets his statue in South Bend. You are the best E.

Eric Hansen

1:45

Here it is: Which potential CFP matchups for Notre Dame pass the eye and stats tests?

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