JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat Jan. 3, 2024

Notre Dame Football Live Chat Jan. 3, 2024

Eric Hansen

3:28

OK, have to end there. Have a line of commitments/assignments waiting on me. Thanks for all the great questions. We'll be back to do this all again next Wednesday at noon ET.

3:27

Happy New Year, Len. Nick Saban built Alabama up from the O-line and D-line when he came in, and then built out from there. So, yes I agree it's a sound model. And if you think about the games which ND lost this year, two of them they lost both lines of scrimmage. I think Steve Angeli is a much-improved young quarterback who very much wanted to come to Notre Dame and did. I think JJ McCarthy is a much more proven player with a different skill set who wanted very much to come to Notre Dame and was not offered a scholarship to do so.

Len from the Jersey Shore

3:23

Hello Eric, Happy New Year! In short, minus the special team gaffs, Michigan had players who could make plays at all positions. But moreover seemed to be what Coach Freeman wants, a team driven by O line and D line. Your thoughts? Second, how does Steve Angeli compare to McCarthy? I stand by my previous assertions that SA can throw better than Tyler B or Drew P, and run better than Sam H. But how do you develop without starting reps in practice or playing time? Does bringing in a transfer QB put the QB's currently on the roster at a disadvantage? Does Steve A have to leave his dream school or miss the practice/playing time needed to reach his NFL dreams?

Eric Hansen

3:22

Smoothing out gameday operations (which were good in the Sun Bowl) and a better approach to road games (which will be tested in the 2024 opener) are two of the most urgent issues to be addressed.

3:21

Sean, Happy New Year. One friendly New Tear's resolution please. Your questions border on manifestos sometimes. Don't let your venting/celebrating overtake the questions, especially if they're unrelated. This is a much better submission, even with the multiple parts. I can handle that ... ok here goes. I think keeping assistants for a 2-3-year window is doable for the most part, given ND's financial commitment. But there is going to be churn when you're successful, and being prepared to deal with that reality is the key. (more)

Sean, Schaumburg IL

3:16

Happy NY. Good win. Didn't have a 40-8 beatdown. Angeli showed some positive aspects to his game. Others have mentioned this before-How can Freeman keep coaching continuity? I understand coaches leave for better positions/money. We, finally, have an experienced OC with the bona fides to take the offense to the next level. I think keeping Golden is crucial. And, hopefully, he sees the returning players on D and decides to stay. A top 5 D makes his prospects for another gig improve. How can MF keep his top coaches/recruiters for a 2-3 year window? Outside of more money what incentives can he provide? You made a great point on the podcast of saying Denbrock doesn't have the feel of a mercenary hire. He, truly, loves ND. That's great. What are two macro/micro issues MF needs to address this offseason? He's gotta resolve the road issues. Making 12-team playoff IS A MUST with, as of now, a lacking schedule outside of FSU/USC. I truly believe 24-27 could be the window to win the National Title.

Eric Hansen

3:16

For more on NIL money mythology and the BS that's being peddled by some websites, check out this article from Front Office Sports: https://frontofficesports.com/absolute-bulls-completely-made-up-dont-b...

3:15

Happy New Year, Norris. Riley Leonard is an ELITE runner with the largely untapped potential to be a strong downfield passer as well. Steve Angeli seems to be at a minimum good at everything, not bad at anything, but not great at any one aspect. Both are tough and smart. LSU's No. 1 and 2 QBs did not have matching skill sets, and yet Denbrock had an offense that worked for both of them. That's what you get in an experienced/accomplished OC. I LOATHE speculating on precise NIL figures, because that's all it is. Speculation. Unless you have tax records to prove it. And Steve Angeli staying or leaving ND isn't an NIL issue. It's an issue about his opportunity to develop and chase his post-college dreams.

Norris from Singer Island, FL

3:10

hi Eric, and happy new year. Two topics for questions. What are the QB strengths and weaknesses of Riley Leonard and Steve Angeli? if the strengths are not compatible, and both QBs stay around for the 2024 season, how do you game plan and device weekly practice routines particularly for the OL and the receivers? Assuming Riley, Leonard will receive seven figures in NIL money, how much NIL money will it take to keep Steve Angeli within the fold?

Eric Hansen

3:10

Hi Rui. I anticipated this question. If you have to ask this again on Groundhog Day, something has gone amiss. So hint, hint.

Rui from Ossining, NY

3:09

Happy New Year…any updates on schedule release for 2024?

Eric Hansen

3:09

Back to Larry's question, which was similar, but deserves its own response. Actually it's our third season starting this month, but I'll take any compliments and good luck I can get. I thought the play calls were strong, and against an Oregon State front seven that had been tough to run against all season and a part of their team that was largely intact. I liked the planned QB runs. But there was a lot to like.

3:06

Hi Mike, and thank you for participating and for wearing shoes while doing so. I do agree. They did have a month to prepare for this game, and yet I think Gino Guidugli exuded confidence and the players bought into that.

Mike from Rockville, MD

3:05

Hi, Eric! Thanks for these chats! Overall, the ND offense looked so much better during the bowl game than they did during the Gerad Parker regime. They seemed to play with more confidence, fewer penalties, and more efficient. Even with so many new players, I think that's very telling. Do you agree? If so, what was the difference?

Guest

3:03

Larry from Topton, PA: Happy New Year to Eric and the crew! Bingo!! How many of us had Faison as Bowl-Game-MVP as the final square on our preseason Bingo card? An observation and question: In my opinion, the ND offense was more imaginative during the Sun Bowl. It might be recency bias, but I thought I saw different formations, more usage of motion, and I remember hearing Gary Danielson compliment the play-calling on several instances. How do you see it? Was there more variety in the ND offense during the Bowl game? Good luck to you for the second year of InsideNDSports!! Keep up the good work!!!

Eric Hansen

3:03

As far as NFL projections, Xavier doesn't have a large body of work as a starting safety, or as a safety period. In his mind, he felt he would be better prepared for a pro career by becoming a more complete college player before he left. He does not have the freaky size that, say, Kyle Hamilton does, but he can improve his draft equity in 2024, regardless of what numbers PFF spits out. Again PFF numbers don't equate to what the NFL thinks. Jack Kiser was rated ND's best defender and deserves credit for that, but he's not anywhere near ND's best defensive pro prospect.

3:00

Happy Holidays. Tony. I think the best way to look at Pro Football Focus' film grades is as one of many evaluative tools. The other tools matter, too, including production. And Xavier Watts positively affected the bottom line of several games. And I admit there are times I look at the PFF grades and think these guys were well-caffeinated when they did the overnight evals, and sometimes when I think their computer had a virus. And you scratch your head. I think X earned every accolade that came his way. As far as the CBS crew, I'm not sure how much homework they did after hearing the lack of explosiveness of Jeremiyah Love and some other verbal fumbles. (more)

Tony, Lake Mary, FL

2:47

Hey Eric, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year. Great games on Monday. Best semifinals of the 4 team era. My question is regarding Xavier Watts. I was reading the PFF analysis about the defense grades for the year and he was not near the top. Yet he was the Nagurski winner. I also did not hear a lot from the the CBS crew about Watts during the game. Was he really an anomaly that should not have won the Nagurski or was PFF missing something? Was he getting a grade from draft consultants that he really wasn't that good? All aside from how awesome of a human being he is, which I have heard many people say as such.

Eric Hansen

2:47

Hi Mark, and Happy New Year ,,, and thanks for watching us, presumably with your eyes open! I think they'll certainly shop for one. Even though they like Jagusah and Wagner and Baker, etc., they're really one injury away from an icky situation potentially at tackle. Some of the younger talent isn't ready to come out of the oven yet, so a portal tackle does make some sense.

Mark Kincardine Ontario

2:45

Hi Eric, Happy New Year! First of all thanks for everything you and Tyler do to keep us informed with our team. Both of you do an incredible job especially with Football Never Sleeps which I watch on a regular basis. On to my question, will Notre Dame look for a Offensive Tackle in the portal during the spring. From Ontario Canada thank you!

Eric Hansen

2:44

My thoughts about you signing up for Inside ND Sports? Giddy-Up! and thank you! If Notre Dame can get by Texas A&M on the road in the opener, the schedule sets up really well for them to be able to improve at their own pace. The toughest games figure to be in November, with Florida State coming to South Bend and the Irish visiting USC. That'll give them some needed schedule strength when the committee is splitting hairs. Barring injury, I really like ND's defense. The Irish will finish this season No. 5 in total defense. Since Ara retired after the 1974 season the Irish have been in the top 5 once at season's end in total defense (1980) until now. The Irish will need to be more than just a great defense unless they want people to call them Iowa. But the defense buys them some margin for error.

Scott augusta, Ga

Is signing up for the Inside ND Sports. Your thoughts please. What a great way to end the season on such an upside with Denbrock coming back; all the defensive players coming back; and the play of Angeli. The defense looks amazing and the promise of a young but talented O-line, RBs, wide outs and TEs. I would like to say I am very optimistic about next year but I'm Irish. Can you give us a realistic yet semi-optimistic look at 2024? Oh great Karnak? Best to you for a great 2024 Eric. Be safe!

2:39

Eric, Happy New Year to you and the family. You all make the season more informative. One of my resolutions is signing up for the I

Eric Hansen

2:38

Hi Marie. I have never met a breakfast cereal mascot of any kind, and an kind of glad that is the case with the Cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs bird. ... I thought Joe Rudolph did a really good job with the Irish offensive line in the bowl game, and freshman Charles Jagusah graded out as the top O-lineman for either side in the game, per Pro Football Focus. I'm really eager to see how Mike Denbrock (who's coached O-Line and many other positions in his past) and Rudolph mesh and how that affects O-Line development. ... As I mentioned a little earlier and will reiterate ... WRs, QB play and O-line is where the biggest offseason challenges are going into spring. On defense, it'll be developing safeties around Xavier Watts, even if the Irish bring in a portal guy. ... And Happy New Year to you!

Marie from Atlanta

happy new year! And thanks for hosting the chat.

2:34

Hi Eric, I hope you had a great time in El Paso, always great when the Irish win. Most importantly, did you get to meet Tony the Tiger? Can you give your overall opinion on the play of the offensive line during the game. The one Coach we have all kind of taken a wait and see attitude about is Joe Rudolph, how do you think he did coaching up this young offensive line for the game? What did you see in the game That really surprised you in a good way for the future of Notre Dame and what areas do you still think are going to need some work if they are truly going to compete for a championship in 2024?

Eric Hansen

2:33

Hi Mac. I'll do a more in-depth look this offseason, and there's still room for growth with gameday operations, which were much improved in the Sun Bowl. I'd day what jumps out at me in a quick summary, is identifying better fits with recruits, having a much clearer vision on what he wants to do on offense and not being afraid to ask/challenge the administration for what he needs to make the Irish competitive in facilities, in assistant coaches in policies that allow for a wider incoming transfer pool.

Mac Corona

2:30

How much did Marcus Freeman improve as a Head Coach in 2023, and in what areas do you feel he improved the most? Happy New Year!!

Eric Hansen

2:30

Tom, I couldn't agree more with our opening statement. ... To your question on Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey, he never had a desire to pursue football while a soccer player at ND, nor did he think he would be any good at it. He was a first-round MLS draft pick in 2017 and had a short career in pro soccer. When that fizzled, he became a software engineer, and it was his wife who encouraged him to try football. Here's a good look at his back story for more depth: https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/from-software-engineer-to-rookie-br....

Tom from Sister Lakes MI

2:23

Hi Eric, A comment and a question. MF did a great job getting the players and coaches to go all-in for the Sun Bowl. It showed in their performance. This and other moves shows how far MF has come as a head coach. Near the end of the Lions/Cowboys game the broadcast went into the background of the Cowboys kicker, who is perfect on field goals and kickoffs. Turns out, he played soccer at ND just a few years ago. I don't remember him ever kicking for the ND football team. What can you tell us about his time at ND related to football. Thanks.

Eric Hansen

2:22

Hi David. Once a player enters the transfer portal, there is a path back to the original school, but that original school has no obligation to take him back. ND has a a couple of players last spring who didn't enter the portal but elected to no longer play football (even though there wasn't a medical condition that prevented that), and they were allowed to remain as students. I'm not sure if the same deal would be extended if they entered the portal first.

David - NY

2:20

What happens if an ND player in the transfer portal doesn't find a destination. Are they allowed to stay at ND? Even just as a student? Would any players left be someone ND wants back?

Eric Hansen

2:19

Richard, thanks for the compliments, the idea and the question ... and yes, that's something I hope and plan to tackle this offseason. I'll say this, what you saw from Marcus Freeman in how he handled December, including the portal (in and out), coaching changes and yes, the bowl game was incredibly telling and significant. In a good way.

richard, rochester, ny

2:17

Eric------great work as usual and I especially love the Football Never Sleeps show every week Top notch and then some. Will you be doing a piece[s] maybe later this winter on HCMF's marvelous evolution from let's say the Clemson loss, through the end of the season, through the Stucky deal and WR losses, to the keeping our recruiting class intact, getting his portal guys, landing Denbrock and Brown, keeping key players for '24, navigating ND's apparent new commitment to winning recruits, portal guys and the like, establishing a relationship with a new AD and possibly more [including the Al Golden outcome? I believe it would be fascinating and would both narrate a very interesting and timely period of Notre Dame football [setting the stage for spring ball] but also show how Freeman has grown dramatically in becoming a complete football coach at a place like Notre Dame? What say you?

Eric Hansen

2:14

Happy Holidays Bob. Until we meet with Mike Denbrock, I'm having trouble placing a couple of guys, namely Beaux Collins and Jaden Greathouse at a particular position, given the depth at slot and boundary. With that said, I'll go 1.Kris Mitchell, 2. Cam Williams, 3. Micah Gilbert at the field receiver.

Bob (Oxnard CA)

2:11

Merry Christmas. Please predict a depth chart at field receiver for 2024. Thinks

Eric Hansen

2:08

Manny!!!!!!!!!!!!! Happy New Year to you and your family!!!!!! I don't disagree with your premise of playoffs or bust in 2024. Given Notre Dame's incoming recruits, its incoming transfers and the decision by NFL Draft hopefuls like Xavier Watts to defer their dream for a year, I do not think depth will be the issue. The development of the offensive line will be, to me, the biggest question mark as the Irish head toward spring practice in two months.

Manny from san pedro

2:04

Eric!!!!!!! Happy new year!!!!! 10 wins baby!!!!!!! Next year it’s playoffs or bust.. my question is are we deep enough to make a run next year or did the transfers hinder our ability to replenish the losses

Eric Hansen

2:04

Hi Lorne, and thank you. And if you're serious, we'll be happy to do that. I think if ND didn't learn from its offensive coordinator search from last season, shame on them. I think Jack Swarbrick has been consistent, though, overall in fighting to give Marcus Freeman what he needs to be on a level playing field with the teams that he competes against for recruits and national titles. Until Jack walks out the door, I think the decisions are his, but Pete Bevacqua is already on campus for a reason, and I think his opinions mean something. And they should. Finally, no one in our organization calls Steve Angeli "Peanut Butter." That's not even a good pet name for his girlfriend.

Lorne

2:00

Lorne from Reno. We can't say it enough: thank you for the exceptional and balanced coverage of Notre Dame football. Sign me up for the lifetime subscription. I see that CMF thanked Swarbrick for the quick work on hiring Denbrock. Jack was quite defensive about the failed Ludwig hire ("IT WASN'T MY FAULT!"), and I was wondering if you think that made him anxious to get it done this time. Also, how much input does Bevacque have into these decisions? I imagine they consult on these matters, but is Jack still the final word? Also, does anybody really call Angeli "Peanut Butter" (please say 'no')?

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