JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat March 16, 2022 | 3/16/2022

Notre Dame Football Live Chat March 16, 2022

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Eric Hansen

2:37

We'll be back to do it all again next week — noon EDT — with three practices in the books.

2:36

That's going to do it for today. Thanks for all the great questions. And if you want to sign up for the $22 special, here's not link: https://notredame.rivals.com/sign_up?promo_code=ND22

2:35

To try to put it succinctly will be good practice to keep from putting people to sleep that day (including my own family). Here's off the top of my head what I'd tell you ... being in this profession isn't about the scores. It's about the people. It's about their struggles and triumph, their despair and inspiration. It's about life. I've learned so much about life doing this job. I came to a fork in the road four decades ago and I struggled with whether being a sports writer was doing something where you can make a difference. And it's not just life lessons, it's a healthy diversion. Remember what it was like during the pandemic when we had no sports? And when they came back, and I was standing in the press box for the national anthem for that opener with Duke I wasn't sure was really going to happen, I had tears rolling down my cheeks. So yes, by all means enjoy your sports. Guilt free.

2:28

Hi Kevin. Thanks for stumbling. And thanks for your question. I'm going to leave the head injury part to another day so that I can come at it more scientifically. ... But I'll answer the other part. ... On April 10, I get inducted into the Indiana Sports Writers and Sportscasters Assocation Hall of Fame. Not sure who had too much beer when counting the votes, but I am very grateful. You question is kind of the essence of my speech, along with a few funnies. (more)

Kevin, St. Louis

Whoops, accidentally hit enter too soon! Wanted to follow up with a question about any reflections you might have on the benefits of sport as a participant and as a viewer. I've frequently enjoyed watching sports, but have often felt conflicted about whether that's ultimately a useful / worthwhile way to spend my time. Wondering if a career focused on sport has lead you to some interesting ponderings. I also ponder the future of football and the physical toll it takes on individuals - Any interesting alternatives you're aware of that folks have come up with to maintain the spirit / majority of the sport while eliminating head injuries?

Just mostly popping in to say hello and thanks for your many years following ND football. This is my first time stumbling on one of these in-action - I've typically read them after the fact and have always found them particularly informative.

2:20

Hi Eric!

Eric Hansen

2:20

Happy St. Paddy's Day to you too. It'll an early one for me

. Practice starts at 7:50 a.m. No complaints. Can't wait. I've lost track of the night game agreement between ND and NBC because it's been altered so many times in the past few years. This could be a year where it's Clemson and just the Shamrock Series Game in Vegas. Or just Clemson. There's not an obvious second game, but it they do go with one, my bet would be on Oct. 15 Stanford. ... You'll see a lot of Rocco this spring working his butt off to try to get into the starting five.

2:15

Lighting round if you have a question. ... Last call. Now to Harvey.

ND Harvey, Philly Pa

2:12

E, Happy st Paddy’s day to you and the gang. Besides Clemson, what other home game do you think will be @ night, also do you think we see more of Rocky (Philly) Spindler this year. Watch the green beer tomorrow. Be safe. Go Irish

Eric Hansen

2:07

Jimmy, I'll have to double check on this ... but here's my understaning of how the rules work. Marcus can't go to its former football stars and give them a list of numbers and have them call. However, a kid could initiate the call to one of them. Now to Bettis being on campus this semester as a student, I believe he could speak to recruits who happen to be visiting campus. He's been a great resource for Marcus in so many other ways so far.

Jimmy Z Granger Indiana

2:04

Hi Eric, thanks for the great work you do covering Notre Dame Football for all us fans who love reading what you have to offer. I was wondering if ND would be allowed to have Jerome Bettis talk to Dante Moore about why he chose Notre Dame. Being that Jerome is on campus and that he is also from Detroit, it seems like that could be a useful tool in our tool bag. I don't know who is and who is not allowed by the NCAA too talk to high school kids about where they might end up playing college football.

Eric Hansen

1:55

I plan on writing about this in more detail later this week, but it's important for so many reasons that ND land elite talent at quarterback. It's a missing piece to winning on the playoff stage.

Joey G. Philadelphia , Pa

1:54

Hi Eric, I hope all is well with you! There has been some talk lately regarding Dante Moore an ND on a possible commitment. We all know how Marcus Freeman can deliver on the recruiting trail especially on defense. Do you think this is the most important recruit so far for the young coach? Landing Moore and pairing him with Freeman could bring elite offensive weapons to South Bend.

Eric Hansen

1:52

Robert, as far as name, image and likeness, it is a train wreck. I've got some people with expertise I plan to tap in April to update the situation. I can understand why there is angst among ND fans. Suddenly, the Irish have this elite recruiting staff and the goalposts move? And people are worried it will change the dynamic of the game they love in other ways -- team chemistry, etc. All legit. But I don't think it HAS TO have an apocalyptic ending. There are enough people, smart and powerful people, who care about the game who can come up with some answers. Just don't count on those coming from the NCAA.

Robert, Dunedin FL

1:47

Current system of licensing is a train wreck. How long until system totally iimplodes? Kids are receiving education, so there is compensation. Hate to see college football digress to what amounts to pay for play. Probably gone on forever but now just the veil has been pulled back. Any additional thoughts? Appreciate your work hosting the chats.

Eric Hansen

1:47

Mike Brey and the team deserve a lot of credit for what they accomplished. And ND can put five shooters on the floor at the same time and scare anybody. But their defense has and will let them down eventually against better competition. I think the loss late against a depleted Florida State team and getting whacked in their first ACC Tourney game really hurt their profile. I hope this helps.

1:44

One of the nits I have with the NET rankings the NCAA uses is it doesn't reward teams that are peaking later in the year. The committee does have the latitude to recognize that, but years ago that was baked into the formula. That's why I think some of Bob Knight's Indiana teams would have been underseeded using today's metrics and that's why Iowa State for instance might be overseeded because of some early-season wins. KenPom, probably the standard in rating systems, has ND 51st, with seven tourney snubs AHEAD of it. (more)

1:42

Thanks, Jim. Here's my take. The analytics the NCAA uses didn't spit out favorable numbers for Notre Dame. So of it is because the committee no longer pays much attention to league standing beyond champion as it did in days of true double round robins (or something close to it). That's because of the inequity of the conference schedules. They played 20 games in the ACC this year, with 8 opponents you played once, and six you play twice. Virginia, for instance, had to play NCAA tourney teams Duke, Miami and Va Tech all twice. Notre Dame didn't play any NCAA tourney team twice during the regular season. Their double-ups came against the BOTTOM SIX teams in the conference standings. (more)

Jim from Va

1:26

Eric thanks for still doing these chats. I respect your opinion so here it goes. How can a team being mens basketball finish 2nd the conference and wine up in a Play in game? Not a 11 seed but a play in game. I know it’s a football chat, but I really respect your thoughts of Notre Dame sports. Thanks for all you know and do for the ND fans.

Eric Hansen

1:25

Happy St. Patrick's Day, Jeff. I'm not so sure Ron isn't happy doing what he's doing ... and that's being the associate athletic director in charge of football. But to your question about Jack Swarbrick's eventual successor, there is such a wealth of potential candidates with ND connections who have years of experience running an entire athletic dapartment, I think ND would dip into that pool.

Jeff from Phoenix

1:19

Hey Eric, do you think Ron Powlus will be the next ND Athletic Director? He was mentioned/thanked extensively during the coaching transitions. Or does he have to go elsewhere to get an AD job? Happy St Patricks day!

Eric Hansen

1:19

4) There was a basic BK structure and BK veto power, but the offensive concepts were already evolving toward Rees. ... so spinning that and projecting it, I think Rees will strive for balance in his offense, but also try to coax more big-play potential from it. If ND wants to get to the playoff and win games there, he knows ND needs to be both of those things.

1:16

Hi Cale. Let's start with what we know for sure. 1) Rees is going to build the offense around his personnel, not try to shoehorn his personnel into what he wants to do conceptually. 2) A bigger difference than becoming untethered to Brian Kelly is the difference in skill sets between Jack Coan and Tyler Buchner. 3) The combo of Harry Hiestand being back is going to help Rees be able to roll out some plays he couldn't last year, because the O-Line growing pains didn't allow it. (more)

Cale from Lake Charles, LA

1:09

I’m not sure if this question has been touched on, although I’m sure it has, but do we expect a major offensive change with BK gone? I feel a lot of speculation was that Tommy called the offense but it was BK’s offense. Along with a new rb coach and tommy essentially “being unleashed” what do you think we can expect IF anything different? Thanks

Eric Hansen

NOTRE DAME: “Notre Dame made my top five because of my relationship with coach (Tommy) Rees. We’re like family at this point. He’s been there since Day 1 recruiting me. He’s seen me grow up from freshman year to junior year and he knows what I’m capable of doing and also I love the degree there. It would set me up for life. Coach (Marcus) Freeman is a great guy. I would love to be around him as my coach. Notre Dame is a national brand and they compete at a high level. Also, coach (Chansi) Stuckey is a great receivers coach and he has (NFL) experience which he can pass down and help his receivers get to where he was at in life.”

1:07

Hi John, please inlcude your hometown next time. ... What's it going to take ... for Rocco Spindler to convince new offensive line coach Harry Hiestand that he's one of the best five O-linemen in the roster. It's that simple. ... As for Carnell Tate, the five-star wide receiver visited ND with his mom Tuesday. He's expected to be back next month ofr an official visit. He released a top five yesterday, but it's perceived that his top 3 consist of Ohio State, Notre Dame and Tennessee probably in that order. A commitment to ND from QB Dante Moore could boost ND's chances. Here's what he said about ND when he released his top five: (more)

John mayhall

12:58

what’s it gonna take to put Rocco in the starting lineup? Can you also address Carnel tates campus visit? What are the chances he commits to the Irish? Thank u 🍀

Eric Hansen

12:54

Hi Bob. I think the number of returnees overall, give Notre Dame a chance to be a little more complex on defense than they were last year. Last season, Marcus had to simplify things in midseason instead of racheting up the looks. Keep in mind Stroud is really good when being blitzed, so coverage is going to be a big part of whether the pressure is effective. That's why cornerback development is so critical this spring.

Guest

12:48

Bob, Lansing. Eric with Al Golden having both a college/pro background and with Ohio State having a high powered offense; do you think N.D. has the personnel to execute enough different looks to keep Ohio State off balance? Would think that constant pressure on D.J. Stroud is going to be critical and the D linemen will need to control the line and apply pressure.

Eric Hansen

12:48

Hey Don, with South Bend, you never know. That surprise could come in May, but I'm going to enjoy the nice weather that's in front of me. 60 as we speak and heating up. ... The interview process should have informed Marcus a lot about the chemistry, particularly with Tommy Rees so involved in it. He'll lean on Rees a lot for that cohesion on offense. I think defense will be trickier because he's going to have to find the balance of how involved he wants to and needs to be. From what I am hearing. Al Golden is free to make tweaks in the defensive continuity (tweaks not full-scale remodeling), and Golden has taken advantage of that. it's about open communication and I think Marcus will be really good at fostering that. ... And Happy St. Patrick's Day to you!

Don in Phoenix

12:43

Eric. Springtime in South Bend. Hope there's not a surprise of winter left. With seven new assistants how hard is it for a new HC to create a cohesive unit? What does Freeman need to do to make that happen? Thanks.

Eric Hansen

12:43

Hi Len. I want to go into spring with an open mind about Drew Pyne, but I think Tyler Buchner will prove to be the best option for any game in 2022, provided he's healthy. Look, Pyne has a great attitude, is fearless and works his butf off. But so does Buchner, and I think he's got a much higher ceiling. In just comparing their small sample sizes, Buchner has the better pass-efficiency rating (142.7 to 134.7), better rushing average (7.3 yards per carry vs. minus-1.0) and better Pro Football Focus grade (71.7 to 63.2). I want to emphasize ND needs improved versions of them both in 2022 in case of injury.

Len from the Jersey Shore

12:35

Hello Eric, It's time for spring football. I remember when the ND staff felt IB was the best choice to start for ND. The incumbent was BW. The opening game was at home against a Michigan team with a great D, especially the D line. A speculative question. Going into the horseshoe as the new ND starting QB against a team that seems to always have excellent pass rushing D linemen and talented CB's will be difficult. In that UM game ND elected to start Wimbush as they felt he (and his skill set) gave the best chance to win that game. Who has the best skill set to win this OSU game? Will that same QB be the starter later in the season? I see reasons for both guys to start OSU and the choice hinges on accuracy, good quick decisions and the ability of the O line to mesh early in the season. Your comments as always are appreciated.

Eric Hansen

12:34

Hi Tony, and thank you. I shot a quick email over to national recruiting analyst Clint Cosgrove, who's based in the Midwest and has had a hand in Jagusah's ranking so far. Here is his response:

He is not a big camp circuit kid actually.

He is a physically gifted freak that didn’t grow up playing football so the game is relatively new to him. The wrestling is a testament to his overall athletic ability, toughness and upside. He is actually very raw for how good he is right now. He also works with a trainer who does a great job working with his body mechanics.

So the rating is a combination of things. Great size. Great natural bend and athleticism. He shows that he can be dominant at times on film and then you see him dominate regularly in wresting. He’s a projection that if turns out will be a draft pick down the line. When watching some of his workout videos I’m absolutely blown away by the way a kid his size can move. He has a lot of twitch, great laterally etc.

Tony Lake Mary FL

12:31

Hey Eric, question regarding Charles Jagusah, the 2023 OT recruit. He is from my high school alma mater and before this year his head coach was my old DC. I never thought anyone with this recruiting profile would ever come out my high school let alone with some of the recent enrolment number issues, but I digress. I am curious how recruiting evaluators assess a player like him who does not come from a school with not so much pedigree, and may not play the same level of competition as other larger schools. I have seen some fi on him and the kid can move, went undefeated as a wrestler and really looks the part. Has he been camping or what are some of the other ways he is evaluated? His integrity is super high as he didn't jump ship like a lot of his classmates over some recent administrative issues at the school. Thanks for taking my question.

Eric Hansen

12:31

Hi Ken. Hopefully, our subscription special will fit more easily into your budget. $22 for a year. You don't get a free hat or a free bowl of soup with the hat, but you will get great content. I can assure you of that. ... Marcus has shown an impressive body of work in his first three months on the job -- virtually all of it coming off the field -- coaching hires, alumni relations, winter workouts and recruiting. Tomorrow we get to see the start of what he's doing on the field in directing the entire program, not just the defense. So based on what we've seen in three months, there are a lot of encouraging signs. But what's going to be the most telling now is how things look on the field, and that's an important stage in assessing things. Also, how will he handle adversity. He gets five stars for the crisis around the transition, but there will be more tests. I do think he will handle whatever that may be well, be let's see.

Ken L.- Pensacola , Fla.

12:24

Eric - Sure do miss you and Tyler & still saving up for a subscription. Feel like I lost my two best buds. However, in your estimation how's Coach Freeman doing so far & how optimistic are you that this team can reach the promised football National

Eric Hansen

12:23

You'll notice it leans heavy to the defense so far. So the top five additional must-gets will lean offense. In order, in my opinion, they are QB Dante Moore, WR Carnell Tate, DT Jason Moore, OT Charle Jagusah and a second wide receiver in Braylon James. A bonus sixth guy would be DE/ATH Samuel M'Pemba as ND has already started loading up on edge players and is well positioned with several more of them. ... Not all of these six are ND leans, but they're all players I believe ND is in play with.

12:15

Here's that group.

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