JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat Nov. 10, 2021

Notre Dame Football Live Chat Nov. 10, 2021

Eric Hansen

3:32

OK I have run out of time. Sorry for not getting to more of your questions, and thanks for the great ones I did get to. I will have to work on typing faster, but more likely it's the slow connection between my brain and my fingers. We'll be back to do it all over again next Wednesday at noon ET.

3:30

I asked about him Monday, and his playing time has picked up. He's now part of the third-down packages playing with Isaiah Foskey instead of behind him.

Joe from Los Angeles

3:30

Hi Eric. Thank you for the incredible work you do. We all greatly appreciate having you on our team. Question regarding Jordan Botelho. I understand that he is lined up at a very deep position, and the guys in front of him are stars. However, I can't help but think that his limited playing time thus far is due to more than just his position. I know he had some disciplinary issues early on, and I assume that is now water under the bridge. Are there still some BK doghouse issues at play here, or is this really just having a good player stuck behind some great ones?

Eric Hansen

3:27

Jimmy, thanks for jumping into the queue today, and so glad you had a great time.

Jimmy M from Ooltewah, TN

3:27

Eric, a quick note to offer a big thank you from this life-long Southerner, who is also a life-long ND fan. You posted my question about a game day itinerary the week of the UNC game. I received numerous responses, followed them to the letter, and we had a tremendous time. You do a great job of keeping us ND fans up to date, but Thank You for going above and beyond by remembering my question and posting it!

Eric Hansen

3:27

Hi Tom !!!!!!!!!!! Haha. 1. I'll probably go under 6.5 with Tyree for this week with maybe a higher number in weeks to come. 2. For Madden it was a big difference in technique along with maybe being too much in his head about living up to expectations. 3. I'm not sure the remaining games will present the opportunities that the Navy game did. If they do, I would think of the freshmen who have not played yet, I'd want to get a look at S Khari Gee and K Josh Bryan in a game. Of those who have played a little, I'd want a longer look at OG Rocco Spindler and S Justin Walters.

Tom Kennesaw, GA

3:17

Hi Eric, seems like this season is a constant series of adjustments to injuries, inconsistent play, and working in new players and more. So far the Irish have been able to deal with the hurdles and adjustments. How many snaps do you expect Chris Tyree to take at Slot, over/under 6.5?? What adjustments do you think that Cain Madden had to make to improve from the start of the season to how he is playing now? With only 3 regular season games remaining do you expect that we might see some more freshman play that would still protect their redshirt year? If so who? All the best wishes for Avery Davis who is the ultimate teammate and leader. Go Irish!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (extra exclamations for Manny)

Eric Hansen

3:15

The offensive line struggling to the extent it did early surprised me. There were more growing pains on the defense than I anticipated. JD Bertrand continues to surprise positively as does Joe Alt, Logan Diggs, Kahanu Kia. I still think Jordan Botelho is lurking as a potential game-changer at some point.

Don Phoenix

3:11

Eric, hope all is well with you and your family. Time of year to visit AZ. Maybe Fiesta for the Irish. With 75% of the season completed what's most surprised you? Most had the Irish 10-2, 11-1 however I'm guessing everyone thought it would look different.

Eric Hansen

3:11

Jim, there's a lot to unpack about the CFP rankings. Here are my takes. 1. I have ND 7, Michigan State 9 and Michigan 10 on my AP ballot this week. I'm sure there are people who would have issues with that. 2. Michigan and Michigan State (and Ohio State for that matter) have enough tough games left that this will all sort itself out. 3. I think Michigan would have beaten Notre Dame in mid-September with Kyle Hamilton. I don't think the Wolverines would beat them now without him, but it'd be a fun game to watch to find out. If only there were a 12-team playoff. 4. I think ND is a tough evaluation. It'll be interesting to see what the defense looks like if and when Hamilton returns. 5. The Irish should be cheering for Wisconsin and Purdue every game.

Jim E from Canton, Ohio

3:05

HI Eric! How do you explain the logic of the CFP selection committee? Almost all of the teams have played close games. However among the one loss teams ND seems to be extremely penalized for their one loss. In contrast Michigan is practically being excused for their loss to Michigan State! The committee actually said “Michigan has a better team” than Michigan State. If that is the case why bother playing the game?

Eric Hansen

3:05

Mike to your questions: 1. I can't count that high, nor wold I want to. I am blessed to do what I love. 2. I am a Keurig guy. Nobody makes coffee better or more economically than me. 3. Nope. 4. Logan Diggs was more prepared to play early. I still love what Audric Estime can eventually become. 5. Grass? Why?

Mike Costa Mesa CA.

3:02

ERIC I am curious ,during the football season how many hours do you work ? Have you ever tried Starbucks '' BLONDE VIA'S '' THE BEST ! Do you think that Kelly will go get CHRIS WATTS to replace KELLY'S MISTAKE ? Any reason why AUDRIC ESTIMIE has not carried the football ? I notice him on some special teams ,I sure hopes he retains his 4 yr's.Any chance ND goes back to grass ? Thanks

Eric Hansen

3:02

If I were coaching (and I'm not, just critiquing), it would definitely be the DBs. No question. My worry is Tyler James pulling an all-nighter to get his story done and get to the airport on time for a morning flight.

Tim Vancouver, WA

3:00

As always, Thanks a lot Eric for doing all you do for us. Which position group worries you most this week; DBs (I’m assuming Hamilton doesn’t play)or WRs? I worry more about the DBs, Cavaliers sure like to air it out. Thanks, Tim

Eric Hansen

2:59

Hi Marie, thanks for being here and always keeping me on my toes. I think the potential of expanded and more creative play-calling comes more from having more healthy tight ends as well as expanding what Tyler Buchner is asked to do when he's in the game. The injuries, not so much, but indirectly I think there are calls for Lorenzo Styles that are different from any of the other wide receivers. ... As far as freshmen playing, I was shocked to see JoJo Johnson on the participation report. Turns out, it was the result of some growing pains from a new stat crew. As to actual players who got in, DE Will Schweitzer topped the list. I did not realize he was back from his injury.

Marie from Atlanta

2:51

Hi Eric, So glad it is time for another Wednesday chat, I know we all look forward to them. With all the injuries especially at WR do you think Rees will get more creative with play calling and potentially use some 2 running back sets, or do you expect him to just stay the course and try to replace the people that are out? The large number of injuries is disappointing but getting to see so many freshmen play has been really fun, which of the freshmen who saw playing time this past weekend surprised you the most? As always thanks for all your great reporting, and hosting the chat.

Eric Hansen

2:51

Denny thanks. I think the team's leadership, resilience and chemistry are big reasons why the nation's No. 70 team in total offense and No. 60 in total defense finds itself sitting at No. 7 in the AP and coaches polls.

Denny from Beaverton

2:50

Hi Eric...Hello from rainy Beaverton Or. It seems to me some really good vibes about the togetherness of this team seemed to surface this week. Kurt Hinish lauded Chase Ketterer and the scout team for a tremendous job getting them ready for Navy. I saw a video where the bench erupted when Chase Ketterer made a great stop on a kickoff. I don't know who this kid is. I get the feeling this team's chemistry is really good and they are starting to gel as a total team. What are your thoughts and thanks again for doing these chats?

Eric Hansen

2:49

J Buck, thanks for that ... I love the future of the offensive line, because there's so much talent in the freshman and redshirt freshman classes. There's still a chance Patterson could come back and try to boost his draft stock. We'll see. If he doesn't, I think Alt and Fisher are the right and left tackles. Kristofic and Rocco Spindler make sense at guard. Now remember, it's the best five, not the best two tackles, the best two guards and the best center. So is Zeke Correll the center? Or do you look at Kristofic there and have Tosh Baker and Michael Carmody compete for a guard spot?

John Buckley

2:44

J Buck from San Diego, Thanks for your witty insightfulness into ND football. Now with that being said, it looked like we got a couple of different O-line man into the game last week. I noticed Quinn Carroll came in for Lugg at right tackle and had a pancake block and also drove his man into the end zone on the Logan Diggs TD run. I realize it was end of game and Navy, but he seemed overpowering in the run game. Love to know your thoughts on the future O-line. Looks like will lose 3 more starters this year in Patterson, Lugg, and Cain. I'm thinking will be fine with the additions of J ALT, Rocco, Quinn C, Andrew K, B Fisher, P Coogan (heard was a beast), Z Correll? Anyways, let me know your thoughts on the future of O line THANKS AGAIN, your the best.

Eric Hansen

2:44

I haven't had a chance to talk to Kyle about that, so I don't want to speak for him. I can tell you Torii Hunter Jr.'s decision to play baseball over football was greatly influenced by a hard hit he took at Texas in 2016, in which targeting should have been called. My sense is Kyle has seen enough injuries to know what the risk is.

Alan from Whiteland, Indiana

2:42

Eric, how much does the Jaylon Smith injury and the most recent ACL tear of Avery Davis play into the decision Kyle Hamilton and his family need to make regarding his returning this season or getting ready for the NFL Draft? Thank you.

Eric Hansen

2:42

Hi Mark. We're all doing great. Celebrating two of the grandkids' birthdays today. They're not twins (born seven years apart) but they call themselves twins anyway. ... You have to measure the value of Pyne possibly playing for next year with how much playing Tyler Buchner helps you playing for this year (and next year, for that matter). Barring injury, it makes sense to prioritize Buchner when Coan is not in the game.

Mark, Orange County CA

2:39

Hi Eric, Hope you and your family are well. Thank you for all that you do to keep the ND fan base informed. No one does it better. Do you think Drew Pyne will see the playing field in these remaining games? I would think there would be many benefits to the program to have 2 quarterbacks next season with significant game experience. 2 comments: Feel terrible for Avery Davis, in my opinion the ultimate team player. The improvement in tackling in the Navy game was astonishing

Eric Hansen

2:39

Hi Robert. It's to keep opposing teams from being able to steal signals. Notre Dame uses live signalers and a numbers board. Most of the signals are dummy signals. So players have to be aware of which source to pay attention to. Brian Kelly admitted players have run routes before that were a result of dummy signals. And yes, even some of those turned out to be touchdowns.

Guest

2:34

Robert from Virginia Beach ….. I ask for an education. I often see ND and many other teams passing signals by holding up large posters that might have 4 images or more. The images usually have nothing to do with football. In addition to the posters, they are passing hand signals that seem to convey the play call. So then ….. what is the purpose for the poster images? Since there is usually only one or two posters, I don’t understand how they could be some sort of ‘key’ to the hand signals.

Eric Hansen

2:34

Mike, thanks. The whole point of the creation of the transfer portal and to eliminate transfer sit-out periods was to uncomplicate player movement, not to restrict it. So placing limits would run counter to the whole purpose of the changes. By the way, there were 2,626 football players in the portal in the last transfer cycle that ended Aug. 1. That's an AVERAGE of 20 per school.

Mike McFadden, Williamsport, PA

2:27

Hi Mr. Eric, Side issue if I can please. Seems like much concern is over the NCAA Football Transfer Portal causing issues. To somewhat control the craziness, why not the MCAA simply limit the number of players who can enter the Portal during a specific given year? IE. 125 players total ... OR limit the number of players who can enter or leave a team each year. IE. only 2 players can enter the Portal from ND each year and only 2 players can join ND from the Portal each year. BTW, how many total entered the Portal in 2020? Thank you Eric, great job you are doing here buddy. Mike McF

Eric Hansen

2:27

Mark, thank you. Virginia is No. 1 out of 130 FBS teams in total offense. It's 122 out of 130 in total defense. It's special teams category rankings range from 63rd to 119th. I'll let you do the math.

Mark Flint, MI

2:25

Eric, hope all is well and appreciate all you do for making these chats possible. What do you see as Notre Dames biggest struggle this week with beating Virginia game this week, offense, defense, special teams? Virginia is a 3 loss team with losses to three top 25 teams. I would consider them to be one of the better opponents that they have played. Plus it's a road game.

Eric Hansen

2:25

Rusty, I think it's a fair question, but I also think it's too deep of a dive for the committee to take into consideration.

RustyIrish Cincinnati

2:23

I summitted this a bit late last week and it did not make the cut so I will ask again. I know ND's strength of schedule continues to improve each week and the Committee considers this. My question is does the committee also consider that ND had to play 7 teams coming off bye weeks that got two weeks to prepare for them both from a health and game plan perspective? To me this exponentially increases the difficulty of ND's schedule and should reflect favorably on them but I never hear it mentioned and don't sense they get the credit for managing that aspect of their schedule as well as they have. The other teams obviously respect ND enough to want to have two weeks to prepare for them. To me this is a far tougher task than playing a couple of 1-AA teams a year and then having to navigate a conference championship game where both teams get an equal amount of time prior to facing each other.

Eric Hansen

2:23

Dan, thank you. I like Kiser a lot, and frankly, I think his best position would be the Will (weakside) linebacker in this scheme. Against Navy, Kiser was great, because he was running the alley and really didn't have to worry about coverage responsibilities at safety. That's where I wonder if he could get isolated in a bad matchup in a man coverage situation against traditional offenses. That's why he's not ideal for rover on third down this season. So to truly play to his strengths, I'd leave him at linebacker (except for the Navy game).

Dan from Vernon Hills Il

2:18

Eric,
Thanks for the chats. They are very informative and thorough.
With a potential lack of depth and experience at safety next year, is it possible that they move Jack Kiser to safety full time next year? Sort of a reverse Dru Tranquil move. Also, with the exception of Kyle Hamilton, is there a lack of physicality at the position? Thanks again.

Eric Hansen

2:18

Phil, thanks and great to have someone from Wyoming on the chat.

Phil, Cheyenne Wyoming

2:17

Just saying a “thank you” for keeping the Live Chat on free content. You do an excellent job and really provide in depth information on the players and the team!

Eric Hansen

2:17

Hi Dave. Thanks for the kind words. Here's my take on your question: There are some extremely intelligent and passionate posters on message boards. There are trolls, too, some of whom have don't have knowledge or actual lives. And there's really no scientific formula as to how reality synchs up with message board postings -- or social media posts, for that matter. If I were an athletic director, I'd read them to see what's out there, but I certainly wouldn't act on them. That doesn't mean their points of view aren't valid, but they aren't necessarily fully informed points of view all the time. Money talks, and administrators listen to those influencers much more. I can't speak to Nebraska's situation specifically, because I haven't studied it, but the reason you are seeing so much mid-season purging of coaches across the country is because of the early signing period in recruiting. Period. End of sentence.

Dave from Lincoln, Nebraska

2:07

Eric, I'm a dual Irish/Husker fan (my BA is from ND and my MA is from UNL). You do a great job in giving us insights into college football. That's why I come to you for a reality check. Here's my question: How influential are college football internet message boards in influencing head coaches, AD's, and university presidents? For instance, whenever a coach is on the proverbial "hot seat" the message boards light up like it's Christmas. Everyone has a heated opinion, everyone has "inside knowledge", and everyone threatens to walk away from their season tickets if their point of view is ignored. ND went through this catharsis after the 4-8 2016 season. Nebraska has been going through this for a year now. This week the university announced that Frost will be retained but 4 assistants would be dismissed immediately. I was shocked that these announcements were made with 2 big games left on the schedule. Were these decisions announced prematurely to quiet the tumult of the internet?

Eric Hansen

2:07

Hi Wick, and thank you. I think it's generally true, especially when Notre Dame is a top 10 team, which they are again this season. In Virginia's case, I think all of their remaining games are big. Virginia hasn't beaten a top 10 team since 2005, so there's that. From a practicality standpoint, beating Pitt and Virginia Tech either gets the Cavaliers into the ACC Championship Game or at least a tiebreaker situation. So those games are big too. That's why Va. coach Bronco Mendenhall may be conflicted in how much he exposes recovering QB Brennan Armstrong this week. Does it make sense to save him for Pitt and Va Tech, with ND having no bearing on whether the Cavs have a chance to play in a New Year's Six Bowl?

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