JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat July 19, 2023

Notre Dame Football Live Chat July 19, 2023

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Eric Hansen

3:07

OK, that's going to do it for today. Thanks for all the great questions and adjectives like "all knowing." What I do know is we're going to have to miss next week because of so many training camp coverage opps. BUT we will start in weekly mode on Wednesday, Aug. 2.

3:05

I hate to end on an "I don't know" but it's not something I can answer off the top of my head. Let me see what I can scrounge up and either do a story or address it in a future chat.

Lorne

3:04

Lorne from Reno. Have you heard anything about the problems with the alumni ticket sales? I suppose they aren't going to set ticket limits lower than 4 (the limit for tOSU), but that wasn't low enough to avoid an early sellout, sending many alumni to secondary sites. In addition, the system went down the day that many alumni had their window for purchase. I was also wondering if Notre Dame or its contracted vendor receives any money from the sale of tickets on the secondary market, as this would seem to be an incentive for selling too many tickets rather than ensuring that interested alumni had a chance to purchase tickets. Do you know? As always, thanks for doing the chats and providing great information on ND football.

Eric Hansen

3:02

Hi Joe. Let me answer the second part first. I think the offense will carry ND in more games than vice versa, but they both need to carry weight. The offense faces far more challenging defenses this season than the other way around. The changes I'd like to see are the changes I think we will see -- a real threat of a vertical passing game, more variety in formations and personnel, more dynamic wide receiver play and a better O-line (it would have been better had Hiestand stayed).

Guest

3:01

Joe Cap from Massapequa, NY Hi Eric ! Hope all is well. What additions would you like/ expect to see Parker implement in the offense this year? Also, will the offense with a 1st year OC carry the defense or will Al Golden in year two carry the offense early on ? Thanks !

Eric Hansen

3:01

Jack, there is not an oversimplified, short answer to either part of your question, but I will do my best. Notre Dame plays Navy in football every year there's not a pandemic because of Navy bailing out Notre Dame when the school was dealing was serious financial issues that could have shuddered it during World War II. Why in Ireland? Because Jack Swarbrick and others believe the tradeoff of giving up the home game is worth spreading the Notre Dame message internationally through a football game.

Jack Bates 715 Glory Drive, Shorewood, Il. 60404

2:54

Why do we play Navy every year? If we win the people considering poll status do not recognize this game only if we lose. Also why out of the country , we could play in USA and have more attendance. I understand our past WW2 status with Navy but that should be finalized,

Eric Hansen

2:54

Not at all. They're just being smart.

Sean, Portland OR

2:54

Does ND offering the Bachmeier kid indicate that they think Duece Knight will sign with the Vols?

Eric Hansen

2:54

Hi Joey. I think if Rocco indeed thought he wasn't being given a fair shot, he would have left after spring football. If he's not able to break through in 2023, perhaps he'll reconsider his future in December. I would not write him off. I don't think his future hinges on either Charles Jagusah or Sam Pendleton. Sam is still early in developing and not ready to challenge anyone for playing time. Down the road, he's a promising prospect. And Jagusah is still working is way back from knee surgery and won't push for playing time this year either. He will likely be on a fast track once he is fully healthy, but I expect him to end up at tackle, not guard. I love Love, pun intended. My surprise of training camp -- among the freshmen -- is a tie between Brenan Vernon and Boubacar Traore.

Joey G. Philadelphia,Pa

2:48

Hi Eric, I hope all is well! With fall camp soon approaching some players will have to face reality about their careers at ND. 2 people I’m interested to see and hear about are Charles Jagusah & Sam Pendleton. I think these 2 freshman might push Rocco Spindler into the transfer portal. ND always plays the 5 best lineman. Spindler might appear currently on the 2 deep, but that doesn’t mean he’s the next man in. I know you’re a big fan of Rocco. But I think his career at ND is all but over. What’s your prediction on Rocco Spindler’s career? I also think freshman Jeremiah Love will push for playing time. He’s my surprise of camp. Any thoughts on Love?

Eric Hansen

2:48

I saw Pete Bevacqua taking in ND men's basketball workouts Tuesday, but I haven't been granted an interview yet. I have talked to the coaches about him and they feel like he's aligned with outgoing AD Jack Swarbrick (who was also at the practice). Their No. 1 collective priority, and I think they'd agree, is the next football media right package, in negotiations now. The contract with NBC runs through the 2025 season. How that comes out will go a a long way toward facilities, being competitive with coaching salaries and even Notre Dame's football independence. I'm eager to hear his thoughts on NIL, though again I don't expect a radically different answer from the one Swarbrick has provided. Stay tuned.

John from Chattanooga

2:43

what do you think Notre Dame fans and alumni should expect from Peter Bevacqua when he takes over for Jack Swarbrick as it relates to helping ND football take the CFB elevator to the top floor by modernizing the approach to elements like undergraduate transfers, NIL, and other perceived barriers between the program and elite status?

Eric Hansen

2:43

Jonathan, I have a feeling you'd be fun to sit next to in the press box. .... It's not always this way, but with Notre Dame last season, I think the poor red zone defense synched up with ND's struggled to created turnovers with their defense. Their pressure did result in a high number of sacks, but not a high number of mistakes. I attribute some of it to DC Al Golden's re-entry into college football after six years in the NFL. He remarked about how much inventory was used against ND in the red zone and how much he was seeing it for the first time. I expected adjustments this season. And to his credit, teams didn't REACH the red zone at a very high rate.

Jonathan in Addison, TX

2:36

Oh Grand Poobah of Notre Dame Football, can you tell us what happened to our red zone defense last season and, more importantly, why it won’t happen again this year? ‘Twas VanGorderly imho.

Eric Hansen

2:36

Next Wednesday morning, July 26.

ced walker

2:35

ced walker saginaw michigan aka sagnasty saginaw pride what day is the first training camp practice God Bless The Golden Standard Rally We Are ND Go Irish Love Thee Notre Dame Our Mother Pray For Us

Eric Hansen

And the ND coaches are still working to get him to visit in September and eventually flip him.

2:35

Hi Tim, and thanks. I don't think sequencing is hurting Notre Dame recruiting. There's an art and a science to that, and in that regard you are on the money. But let's take transfer Antonio Carter II. He had made a couple of visits before coming to ND in May and had LSU and Florida scheduled next .. right after in fact. That was a car waiting to take him to the airport that he canceled. So if you feel you can get a kid to commit without taking the other visits ... if that's your read, you don't want to go last. You need to know the prospect's timeline. If a kid is determined to commit before his senior season gets underway, it does you no good to schedule him for the Sept. 23 Ohio State game. Another advantage it having recruiting come officially in June, South Bend, Ind., is incredible to visit that time of year (when there's no smoke drifting in from Canada wild fires). Now there are instances where ND would want to go last. Justin Scott would have been that case. (more)

Tim Broderick

2:29

Hi Eric - over the years it seems that ND misses out on big name players because they seem to have them visit early - while others (Alabama, Ohio State, etc) schedule them to visit just prior to signing dates. Just like in negotiations for anything it's always better to have the chance to make the last offer. Is there anything to my position - why can't we get the last visit. Thanks and keep up the GREAT work.

Eric Hansen

2:24

Pete, I did a story on that recently. The quick version: Botelho, Merriweather, Price, Schrauth, Raridon, Kiser, Carter.

Pete C., ND ‘82, Naples FL

2:19

Hi Eric - continued thanks for your top-notch coverage of Notre Dame Football. Non-manifesto: As we approach fall camp, what players who are currently below-the-radar have “breakthrough” potential to make a significant impact this season?

Eric Hansen

2:19

What am I Dr. Laura? I kid. I kid. I think there is reason to have trepidation. We haven't seen Parker perform in that role in a big game. I can't fix normal. ... But the fact Sam Hartman loves is and Parker is committed to being more dynamic on offense and that he pools the opinions of the other offensive coaches, I'm open to the possibility of an improved showing on offense over the Rees years.

Shaun- Boston

2:16

Can you give me a few compelling reasons I should be excited Parker’s offense? I’m nervous

Eric Hansen

2:16

The cornerback group is stellar, especially if Cam Hart is fully healthy and has the year he thinks he will. ... There's plenty of talent. ... I think the scheme changes will address some of last year's weaknesses.

martin orlando

2:15

this year i am concerned about the defense. Give me a few reasons to ease my fears. thks

Eric Hansen

2:15

Fred, I don't see a question in there, unless it's about special teams. And I feel good about those, even with a new kicker and punter.

Fred from Richmond

2:14

Eric, hope all is well with you and your family during this hot summer. I don't see a lot of love for the Irish this year from a lot of the publications. Everyone thinks the Irish don't have a chance to beat OSU or SC. I'm not being a homer, but I expect the Irish to win those games by a running game and a passing game we haven't seen since the days of Lou and Ara. OSU has an un-proven QB and both games are at home. USC will be a tough game, but we had our chances last year with inferior offense compared to what I expect this year. I truly believe our receiving core will excel with Hartman at QB, because you can't load up the box to stop our runners and not get burned by Hartman. My only concern is our special teams, especially our kicking game. We may lose one game, but I expect a stellar season....GO IRISH!!

Eric Hansen

2:14

Frank, I'm sure you mean quality depth and not just numbers at those two positions. With wide receiver, I am confident, because the freshmen can play ... all four of them, with Greathouse and Flores out front. And the versatility of RBs such as Jadarian Price, Devyn Ford and Jeremiyah Love only adds to those options. ... In the interior defensive line, I would have felt better about it had ND landed a premier grad transfer at that position group. The Irish did not. There is talent there. Will it be developed? I am less sure, but optimistic. Keep your eye on Tyson Ford and Jason Onye in training camp (Mills and Cross are the starters and Rubio a key piece). If those guys surge, if Aidan Keanaaina can carve out a role, then I think they can surprise.

Frank from Royse City, Texas

2:08

Do you think there is enough depth at DT on defense. Also, I am concerned about the depth at WR, what are your thoughts?

Eric Hansen

2:08

Hi Jerry from Carter Karels' stomping grounds. I think it's fair to say Ohio State will and should be favored. But I think Notre Dame this time has the better quarterback. And when you have that, you have a chance. Check back with me after I've gotten to see ND's D-line and safeties in training camp.

Jerry M.

2:06

Jerry M. from Dallas, Tx. Eric, I keep reading about all of the 5 star recruits Ohio State is getting, and the poaching of recruits from Notre Dame, (and other teams, of course). When you approach the upcoming season's game with Ohio State, does Notre Dame have a realistic chance of winning that game?

Eric Hansen

2:06

I think if you hold up Georgia, Alabama and Ohio State as the comparisons, nearly every other FBS team is not going to come out looking very good. And yet, improving hit rate, regardless of stars, swinging for the fences when pursuing recruits and learning from past misses are all things Marcus Freeman is committed to and things that will help ND perhaps chip away. On-field success, as Tom's question alluded to, does matter. If Marcus Freeman can add that to the formula, I like ND's chances at chipping away. ...BUT another big factor is giving MF a larger transfer pool from which to recruit as well.

MJ Buffalo NY

2:03

Are we still confident ND can land the elite recruit under MF? It seems we have failed to land the 5 star QB, WR, DE for several years compared to the Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State great teams. Is that not the consistent difference year in and year out with the playoff teams?

Eric Hansen

2:02

Jeff, me stay cool? You stay cool. My goodness, I've seen the national weather maps. ... Let me start by saying, I think the entire in-game operation will be smoother in year 2 of Marcus Freeman that year 1. If I remember correctly, Gerad Parker in the spring was leaning toward being upstairs, with Gino on the sideline and my sense is that will be how it plays out. But we have an interview opp with Parker very early in training camp, so I will make sure to follow up on that and report back. As far as the delays and near delays during last season, it was a combination of Pyne's inexperience and Tommy Rees not trusting that inexperience and perhaps doing a little to much to take that into his own hands.

Jeff from Phoenix

1:56

Good morning Eric, sooooo ready for fall camp and team updates! My questions are around the 2023 pre-snap routine with the new combo of Hartman/Parker/Guidugli. Who do you think will call down the offensive plays from the booth, and who will work the calls or changes from the sidelines? Also, in 2022, ND raised a lot of anxiety with this fan as the pre-snap clock ran out. Particularly during the first 2-3 games, it seemed like ND had trouble on several occasions getting the play in to Pyne and/or the ball being snapped without a delay of game penalty or a wasted time out. Was this a function of the ‘check with me’ approach to change the play based on the defensive alignment or general inexperience/confusion from the sideline? Thanks, be cool, and chat on!!!

Eric Hansen

1:54

Hi Jim. Getting called "All Knowing" and "Squadron" on the same chat was not on my Bingo Card, but I'll take it ... I think. BetOnline.Ag actually set the odds on Hartman's TD throws at 27 1/2. That would rank sixth in ND single-season history. The record is 37 by Brady Quinn in 2006, with Ian Book next at 34 in 2019. I'm going to be aggressive and say 35. ... No. 1 in TD receptions? Jayden Thomas, but there are a lot of good choices. I think Jeremiyah Love will get most of his work catches passes and on special teams this season. But there will be some early-season opportunities to run the ball as well.

Jim, Boston MA

1:45

Hey squadron, thanks for doing the chat as always. If you had to throw a number at the wall, how many TDs do you envision Hartman throws this year and who are you tabbing as his number 1 guy in TD receptions? Also do you think Jeremiyah Love gets the most work this year (assuming he gets playing time *shrug*) at RB, pass catcher, or return man? Hard to believe the season is right around the corner, all the best!

Eric Hansen

1:44

I am assuming improved play at QB, WR, O-Line, CB and likely LB. So the prove-it positions are TE, D-line and safety. Especially D-line and safety. Sam Hartman at QB needs to stay healthy and be as good as advertised. Had a great 1-and-1 with him recently and will have a story next week. Very impressive. I expect him to be what we thought he was and maybe more.

Patrick from Los Angeles

1:41

What are the most important improvements/developments Notre Dame has to make to vie for a spot in the college football playoffs this season?

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