JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat Jan. 11, 2025

Notre Dame Football Live Chat Jan. 11, 2025

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Tony, Lake Mary, FL

1:55

To Marie in Atlanta, what are the good Italian places in Atlanta

Eric Hansen

1:54

Hey ScubaVT, yes Ohio State had O-line injuries and maybe one significant one at WR ... was talking on the phone with CBS' Dennis Dodd before the chat, but didn't get a chance to dig deep yet. Decent shot? OSU is the favorite for a reason. WAY too early for a score prediction from me, but I'll share it with you when I do.

scubavt

1:52

Jamestown TN, Eric do you think we have a decent shot at beating Ohio State given our injuries ? Does OSU have any injured players you know of?

Eric Hansen

1:52

Hey Lorne, asked earlier and it's something I'll ask about at the next press conference is O'Malley/Prister don't beat me to it.

Lorne

1:52

Lorne from Reno. Just "wow." As for the question, any chance they'll move Jagusah to LT? Baker seems overwatch. And thank you for a great season of informative chats.

Eric Hansen

at the same stage/age than Quenton Nelson and Mike McGlinchey. That's how high his ceiling is if he can stay healthy and if he can get there .. per Lemming.

1:51

His challenge was to channel that athleticism into being a great linebacker, and we're seeing that process play out in front of us, remembering progress is not always a straight line. Shuler was the Flavor of the Week early in spring practice at safety. Then again. Then again. And when Rod Heard transferred in, in June. Shuler kept surging and beat him out. And now both of them are valuable. ... Jags is an amazing athlete and an amazing story. Don't have the time and bandwidth today to do it justice here, but with roughly two months of in-season practices in two years, he's already THAT good. He'll start somewhere on the O-line next year and be even better. When he signed out of HS, longtime recruiting analyst Tom Lemming told me Jags was better (more)

1:47

Happy New Year Mike! You and I are living parallel lives as far as great coffee and brighter sunshine. ... Now for the bad news. I have no idea about buying T-shirts and the best place to get them. Way out of my purview. Now if you want unicorn headphones, which I got for my granddaughter, I know where to get them at a good price! ... Jaylen Sneed and Adon Shuler, two really good stories with different lot lines. Sneed is an elite, elite athlete who never played traditional linebacker in high school (and actually was the starting QB), and had a hell of a high school coach who still supports and mentors him. And maybe that's one reason he's still here and didn't give up. (more)

Mike, Phoenix

1:43

Eric, HNY! You are the knower of all so how soon after Notre Dame beats Ohio state will I be able to purchase a “Champs” shirt at either Fanatics or Dicks? Can you talk about Sneed and Shouler flashing/ascending? Do you see a fresh Charles J. being an improvement for the OL? You may remember me as the guy who said the sun is shining brighter and my coffee is tasting better a month or so. Still happening! Cheers! Go IRISH! ☘️

Eric Hansen

1:42

Ken, you're going to be in Atlanta? Maybe we should have a little ND Football Live Chat get-together. The more the merrier. I'll let Tyler James do all the work.

... Yes, laying a title run on top of everything else ND offers can only help recruiting, both portal and high school ... and ND will stay heavy into the HS recruiting. ... As far as portal announcements, Marcus Freeman wanted to keep the focus off the portal, but with classes starting Monday, there is a window for some news on that front, so I think you curiosity is on point. ... Let's put it this way, Marcus Freeman had more top 5 wins in an 8-day span than James Franklin has in 11 years at Penn State (1-15).

Ken from Steel City, PA

Sorry for so many questions today. I’m just excited!! I am looking forward to the road trip to Atlanta!

1:38

Hi Eric. Wow! What a game. I am blown away that the Irish are in the National Championship. How do you feel the playoff run will impact recruiting in the next few seasons? Is there any truth to the rumors that there are already defensive linemen that will transfer to Notre Dame that has not been announced? Lastly, can you share your thoughts on this season. When we started the season, the consensus amongst the chats was a successful season would include a playoff win. Not 3 with a potential 4th on the way. Has ND finally bucked the “unable to win big games trend”?

Eric Hansen

1:38

No, although I love Morrison. Leonard Moore is ND's No. 1-graded defender per PFF and one of the best at any position in the nation. And Jordan Clark on Egbuka is a much better matchup than most people can throw at him. I would still go with Mills or Traore. And if you could bring back a player who had a year of eligibility from last year, Joe Alt.

NWI_Irish96, Munster

1:34

You've been asked before if you could have any one injured player back who would it be, and the answer wasn't Benjamin Morrison because of how well Gray and Moore have been playing. Now that the Irish are going to be facing Jeremiah Smith, does that answer change?

Eric Hansen

1:34

Patience.

1:33

Not so fast my friend.

Jim, Spfld, IL

1:33

ND seems to have struck out in the DL transfer market. What happened? Thanks

Eric Hansen

1:32

Hi Shane. I watched most of the game but had to multitask with some work, so didn't see every down ... but I was listening when I wasn't watching. Marie mentioned the Michigan game, but there are elements ND can learn from ... from the first Oregon/OSU game, the Nebraska game and even the Penn State/Ohio State game. .. I think ND can do some things with movement and pressure in its front 7 that can cause some challenges for OSU's reshuffled O-Line. Protecting RL is going to be huge ... and so again is his running ability. ND is the better turnover margin team. They have to be on Jan. 20.

Shane from White Deer, Texas

1:26

Hey Eric, just finished watching the O St-Texas game. Another good game. After watching these two teams, do you think ND matches up better with Ohio State, or would have matched better with Texas? Not that it matters now, but was wondering what you thought. Also, do you think Ohio State has weaknesses that ND can exploit, or at least some vulnerabilities? O State looks solid, but there is something special about this Irish team. I think they are ready for the moment. Go Irish!!

Eric Hansen

1:25

As far as the wide receivers, I think Riley being hurt in the spring hurt. I think having a new OC, even a very very good one, was another learning curve. But I will say this about that group VERY VERY unselfish. And Faison is coming on at the right time. ... As far as portal additions, ND got four in December -- two WRs, a DB and a TE ... and I expect more VERY VERY soon, including the position group you mentioned.

1:22

Hi Tom. First things first. Yes, put me down for that adult beverage. Now to your questions. Golden did his research and really liked Marcus ... he also mentioned Notre Dame was a very attractive option. I'm not sure he could have come back in the college game at any other school. I'm not sure how much Jack Swarbrick was involved in that. I know Marcus knew what he was looking for ... and he actually had another option turn him down before it could pick up momentum. It was not the right fit. Golden was. ... Beaux Collins didn't play much but did play ... 7 snaps. He had the flu in the Georgia game and maybe was still weak from that. I will ask about that next Marcus presser. (more).

Tom F, Kennesaw, GA

1:13

Eric, thanks for a Saturday Chat. What a gutsy, gritty win for the Irish!!! This team epitomizes Ara's mantra of "No Breaking Point". Proud of the way they play and the way Freeman and everyone represent Notre Dame. A question I have had is who convinced Al Golden to come join a first time, first year head coach?? Was Swarbrick involved? What did Golden see in this opportunity?? Collins missed the PSU game for reason unknown, but in his absence Greathouse really shined. Collins has had too many drops IMHO. I don't know about X's, or Y's or position but I think our best combo at WR is Greathouse, Faison and Thomas. I like the dependability and also blocking of this group. Throw in Harrison for a few deep routes. What is your opinion of our WR group's performance this season? Without going after a QB in the portal this year shouldn't that open up more NIL money to recruit some really good players in our areas of need, like DL??? Hope we can share an adult beverage here in Atlanta. Go Irish!!!

Eric Hansen

1:12

Hi Bob. I am nor sure I am going to give you the answer you are looking for here. I didn't sense the low energy you saw. But these teams are playing a longer season that has ever been played. This is all new territory. There's no template. And given the emotion of New Orleans and the physicality of the Georgia game and the shorter turnaround for the semis, I think that round was a challenge for all the teams.

Bob (Oxnard, CA)

1:10

From the stands, it appeared our team was relatively low energy the first half. Do you think playing Georgia took a bit out of our team?

Eric Hansen

1:09

Especially now, getting ready to play the first game 16 in school history after playing the first game 14 and 15, recovery, balance, NOT overdoing it and working smart are huge keys.

1:08

Hi Len!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for the great punctuation and the commentary. I'm going to cut right to your questions. Not sure on Marcus' next presser, but I am guessing Monday. So we should get injury updates then. ... ND's depth is stretched the most at D-line and cornerback and STRESSED on the O-line. Ohio State's D-line is wicked, just like Penn State's. How to get them ready? They lean into sports science, and starting Monday classes start back up, so there's less recovery and meeting time and the 20-hour rule (NCAA) goes back into effect. Ohio State actually started back this past Monday, so ND actually has a bit of an advantage there. A lot of people thing work, work and more work and that's where sports science says, "Not so fast my friend." (more)

Len from the Jersey Shore

1:02

Hello Eric!!!!! This team has grown so during this season. Earlier I never would of expected to win with a key stat being passing yardage. But it is now whatever the team needs to do to win. I have figured out who Riley Leonard reminds me of, be it a more modern version. Joe Capp. Not the best natural passer but a great leader. A QB who would do anything to win, including hurdling a defender for a key first down. The team exhibits that same trait. I thought the defense looked mentally and physically tired to begin the Penn St game. Their angles of pursuit were off. As were their quick recognition of the play being run. It's possible the tragedy in New Orleans contributed to that as much as the delay. Three questions. When will CMF give an injury update? IYO Where is the depth stretched the most? How will the staff get this team mentally and physically ready to show their best on January 20?

Eric Hansen

1:02

Hi Beau ... this is something the NCAA is CONSIDERING. No vote set. No timetable for anything, and it could happen ... but not soon enough to affect anyone this year without a lawsuit. And I think RL is ready for the next step anyway, though he does have some classes to finish.

Beau Harvey, Rockwood, TN

1:01

What are you hearing about the NCAA granting 5 years of eligibility rather than 4 and the possibility of Riley Leonard getting one more year? Is this just wishful thinking or is there legitimate hope this comes to fruition? If there is hope, who else besides Riley would this impact?

Eric Hansen

12:57

Hi Julie. Notre Dame's Fighting Irish Media will likely have a video up on that this week, so you can see for yourself. My guess is he said: Mitch Jeter, make sure when you kick your game-winning field goal, you remember how to make the flight of the ball curve." OK, OK, so I'm not a movie script writer.

Julie Feasel

12:54

What did Coach Freeman say to his team at halftime? Had to be of "Win one for the Gipper" magnitude.

Eric Hansen

12:54

Hi JRicc ... Two walk-ons fill those roles. Chris Salerno is the holder and Rino Monteforte is the snapper. I did a feature on Rino this summer. Fun interview. Check it out:

Undersized, overlooked Rino Monteforte tackling the odds at Notre Dame

JRicc- Chester, NJ

12:50

Mitch Jeter deserves all the accolades he is receiving. In addition, two other players deserve special recognition. They are the ND center and ND holder on the game winning field goal. Please state their names for you reader audience.

Eric Hansen

12:48

Hi Jack. Thanks for singing the praises of Football Never Sleeps, but can you sing the theme song as well as Piano Man Steve Lungrin? Seriously, that guy is talented. Check out his appearance on the Rich Eisen Show a couple of years ago. I linked it. Now to the Steve you asked about ... Angeli. Strengths, reads defeneses VERY WELL, makes very quick and accurate decisions, studies and prepares like he's going to play significant downs every game. Supports Riley Leonard and helps him during games. Weaknesses ... is built to be behind an offensive line that has Mike McGlinchey and Quenton Nelson on it more than a freshman left tackle with a bad ankle. He is a better runner than you might think and yet could not get you the third- and fourth-down conversions RL does. Great guy to have on the team. ND is better for him having stayed.

Jack, Strongsville,Ohio

12:41

Hi Eric. Thanks for being here on a Saturday. Eric Hansen Never Sleeps! I thought the key part of the PSU game is when Steve Angelli came in and was able to put points on the board. He is not as mobile as Riley Leonard but what are Steve's strengths and weaknesses? Happy New Year.

Eric Hansen

12:41

Key matchups is a long list, but lines of scrimmage will be huge ... both sides. So three things ... repeating, win rushing battle and win turnovers ... and No. 3 win the margins ... fourth downs, special teams, the little things that add up in big games and the ND is best at in the CFP field. ... At this level ND had a decided advantage in nothing. But I think beyond the LOS, if the Irish win we're going to be talking about their secondary. No. 1 pass-efficiency defense in the nation.

12:38

Hi Marie .. and to your question in the text ... ITALIAN is the absolute right answer. Put me down for that. ... MANGIA! ... OK to your actual questions. Let's start with the Michigan question. And the "have them wear Michigan helmets" joke has already run its course, so I will give you a serious answer. The 2024 Irish statistically profile and trend similar to the 2023 Michigan team, more so than any of the 2024 teams that reached the semis in fact. Now the 2024 version, there may be a few ideas on defense that might be worth looking at, but stay away from Michigan's 2024 offense. Yuck. (more)

Marie from Atlanta

12:29

Hi Eric, what a great win the other night. Very excited to be hosting the national championship game in Atlanta. What three things have to happen in the game for ND to beat OSU? What are the key matchups for the game? Is there a position group where you think Notre Dame has a decided advantage? What do you think the coaches can utilize from Michigan’s game plan when they defeated Ohio State in their game plan? As always, thanks for hosting the chat, look forward to seeing you in Atlanta next weekend.

Eric Hansen

12:28

OK Patrick, there are many other questions similar to yours, and it's not a short answer. But two things are something Steve mentioned ... winning the rushing battle and winning the turnover battle. And I'll do some more details with some of the other questions. But let's focus on those two ... ND under Marcus Freeman is now 29-3 when the Irish win the rushing battle, 4-6 when they don't. And turnovers? 18-0 under Freeman when they win that, 10-2 when it's tied, 5-7 when they lose the turnover battle. They've only lost it twice this year ... NIU and Penn State. .. One thing to point out, Penn State did win the rushing battle, but ND won it in the second half when the Irish rallied 101 yards to 63. And it was 55 to minus-3 ND in the third quarter.

12:25

Steve, there's a really good video Dan Orlovsky post on Twitter/X/whatever it's call these days that takes a deep dive into the adjustments. And he does a much better job than I could do, plus we'd never get to Patrick's question if I had to type that much. Here's the link: https://x.com/danorlovsky7/status/1877760417419718693

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