JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat Nov. 11, 2020

Notre Dame Football Live Chat Nov. 11, 2020

Prev Page View Full Chat Next Page

Eric Hansen

2:36

Jordan, thanks. If Lenzy can get back (and it might not be until North Carolina), the coaching staff will make him a priority. They know they can trust him in big situations. Johnson is talented, but they don't have the trust factor. Look, JJ has a bright future. It just might not be anything be flashes here or there this year ...UNLESS injuries or COVID dictate otherwise.

Jordan from Nashville

2:34

Hi Eric, Coach Kelly seemed to maneuver around your question on Monday regarding Phil Jurkovec's knowledge of ND's offense. Seems fair to assume that ND starting huddling against Clemson as a warmup for BC, do you agree? What is your prediction on how the "X" receiver spot shakes out by the end of the season? You wrote a nice piece on Jordan Johnson making strides a few weeks ago, but have yet to see him take meaningful snaps. Perhaps he will now that the primetime spotlight game against Clemson is over? Hopefully Branden Lenzy will return soon, too. Thanks!

Eric Hansen

2:34

Now that you mention it, yes.

Kevin from Round Rock,TX

2:34

Hi Eric, I was in Norman, OK late October 2012. Did the 52 yard pass to Avery Davis remind you of the bomb caught by Chris Brown in that game vs. Oklahoma? I know the circumstances were different but it took me right back to that moment.

Eric Hansen

2:34

Probably the running defense total: 34 yards on 33 carries. Stunning.

Erik, Granger, IN

2:33

Thanks for being here! What was your favorite stat of the game? I’m tempted by 3rd down % and Etienne’s minuscule ypc, but my favorite is no sacks after halftime. Kyren Williams looked like an NFL back picking up the relentless blitzes and Ian Book had amazing footwork and awareness in the pocket. A sack or two could have totally derailed our chances, especially in the 4th quarter and overtimes. What was your fav stat and why?

Eric Hansen

2:33

I think you have to be open to all options when you're a coach. Davis and McKinley earned their opportunities. But at running back, it was the right move to go with the new blood in Williams and Tyree over Armstrong and Jahmir Smith.

Tom from Dowagiac

2:32

Hi Eric: I'm so happy for BK and Book. These chats have been filled with criticism from chatters who doubted both and thought they couldn't beat Clemson. Also happy for guys like McKinley and Davis who stayed the course and contributed big time under the bright lights when a lot of chatters wanted faster rookies who hadn't proved themselves yet. BTW, Tyler James had a great piece on those 2 guys. Talent is great but there's a lot to be said for veterans who've been with the program for years and can handle the pressure of the big stage. It's funny how fans are constantly distracted by the shiny new unproven model when your best option may not be as flashy. What say you?

Eric Hansen

2:31

Or is it Wuuuuuu? As in Jeremiah oWUsu-Koramoah?

Nick, Denver

2:31

Woooooo!!!! That's it, no question. Just, wooooooo!!!!!

Eric Hansen

2:30

I think there was finally a confidence in the timing/chemistry from practice and Book also getting over a mental hurdle, knowing without it, there was probably not a path to victory, so whey not go for it?

John from DC

2:30

Hi Eric. Long time reader, first time questioner. What do you make of Ian Book throwing accurate downfield passes and having his best game of the season against Clemson? Where was this vertical attack before Saturday? Thanks in advance for your insight.

Eric Hansen

2:29

Everybody COULD play next year, but not everyone will.

Guest

2:29

Eric. Ted Kazmar here in San Diego. Because of the NCAA new Covid rules, can Book play football for ND next year?

Eric Hansen

2:29

Jonathan, thank you. 1. In the North Carolina game, BC was able to play keepaway somewhat and limited UNC to 65 plays. Neither team got anything from the return game and both were heavily penalized (205 yards combine), so they were getting bad field position and bad down and distance. There were a lot of sacks on both sides. Also UNC missed a field goal. In the Va Tech game, BC turned it over five times to Virginia Tech's 0. Also the Hokies gashed BC in the running game (350 rushing yards), something ND hopes to do Saturday. Haven't really studied the Syracuse game.

Jonathan

2:20

Hideaway, TX. Amazing insight in these chats each week. I have 3 related questions about BC that I'm hoping you can shed some light on: (1) How did this mediocre BC defense hold UNC's high-octane offense to its lowest point total of the season (26), while managing just 22 points vs that awful UNC defense themselves? (2) How did they put only 14 on the scoreboard vs. the Va Tech Hokies, who have given up an average of 34.5 to the other 6 teams they've played? (3) How did this team, who gave Clemson a run for its money just 7 days earlier, end up in a 16-13 nail biter against 1-7 Syracuse, easily the ACC's worst team? Appreciate any explanations you can come up with!

Eric Hansen

2:19

It was the first question I asked in the press conference. I included the answer in my column: Hansen: More than a Notre Dame moment, upset of No. 1 Clemson needs to lead to next step

Matt in Augusta NJ

2:16

Has anyone asked Coach Kelly on his decision to not go for two at the end of regulation? I thought for sure we was going to try the conversion and put it all on the line. Maybe the ability to run he ball and only having to go from the 25 yard line in OT played a role? Clemson’s offense had trouble running the ball all day and needed a big field to throw the ball. Thoughts?

Eric Hansen

2:16

A consistent pass rush is certainly one of the areas of potential growth for this team. I noticed on the Daelin Hayes sack, the Irish had Foskey, Ogundeji and Hayes all on the field at the same time. I like that configuration on third and long and I like the commitment to getting Foskey on the field. When it coms down to Jordan Johnson, I think they'd like to get him into a game, but if it comes down to Lenzy vs. Johnson at some point, I'd pick Lenzy this year and see what happens in 2021.

Chris O’ Brookfield Ohio

2:14

Do you think the Irish will find a consistent pass rush this week? Do you expect to see JJ at receiver?and can he stretch the field?

2:13

Always love your articles and thanks for all your great insights! I loved the students rushing the field and am glad they did! Most had masts on! I did it in 93 at FSU game and will always remember it!

Eric Hansen

2:13

Working hard to move up on a crowded depth chart.

Guest

2:12

Mike from Evansville. What is the status of Lawrence Keys and Jordan Johnson?

Eric Hansen

2:12

Carter Karels told me Philip Riley, a CB recruit who decommitted then pledged to USC, is expected to come back and sign with ND.

cederick walker

2:11

ced saginaw michigan tory jackson home town im hearing rumbling from blake fisher and roco splinder that big name recruit might commit has phillp riley open his recruitment back up with us

Eric Hansen

2:11

North Carolina.

Joe Asbury Pk Nj

2:11

Which of our next 2 games is the most difficult test in your opinion ?

Eric Hansen

2:11

The good news on the pitch counts is the bye week coming up after BC. Not having a bye week the week of Dec, 12 isn't ideal. Perhaps against Syracuse there will be an opportunity to play some reserves on defense. I don't think ball control at all hinders the deep passing game.

Neil (Indianapolis)

2:09

As this team starts sniffing bigger things, Eric, I can't help but worry about the pitch count for Hamilton, McCloud and Crawford. Is that fair? Does it constrain ND's ability to further develop the downfield passing game by putting a greater premium on time of possession?

Eric Hansen

2:09

Williams' blitz pickups were amazing. Some of it was Book just let 'er rip. Eight attempts of 20+ is way more than we've seen from him all year.

Peter in Provo

2:08

Hi Eric,
Very impressed with Book's pocket presence vs Clemson.
This has to do wonders for his confidence.
Is there anything you noticed (protection, scheme, rolling him out) in particular that helped him in this game? Williams blitz pickups were amazing!

Eric Hansen

2:08

Chuck thanks. 1. I didn't hear the original Tommy comment, so I'm not sure of its context. I do think Notre Dame had some wrinkles and new tendencies. 2) Best cover corner at this point is Nick McCloud. Someday it will be Clarence Lewis. TaRiq Bracy has a bad day at the office. He's talented enough to bounce back.

Chuck from Brigantine, NJ

2:06

Ian Book, mea culpa, mea culpa! So sorry for doubting you! If Ian can make the down field throws like he did Saturday, we add another dimension. 2 questions: 1) What did Tommy mean by saying he would go against all previous tendencies? Looked like the same offense but with better execution. 2) Who is our best cover Corner? Looked like Clemson receivers ran past our Corners at will. Hope that the Irish faithful took time to savor this victory and to mute all the criticism for at least a few days. Congrats to YOU for accurately predicting the outcome.

Eric Hansen

2:05

I think the pros far outweigh the cons. You can't play football in bubble wrap. Notre Dame doesn't win Saturday without Book in the running game.

Brian Kimble NJ

2:04

Hey coach What do you think are pros& cons of running book so much ? It’s seems that a lot of these are designed plays? I personally feel the cons outweigh the pros It’s obvious he’s a great athlete but as you know one bad injury may spell doom for season

Eric Hansen

2:04

He continues to ascend on NFL Draft boards. He's now considered a top 15 prospect. If he plays the way he is now the rest of the season, there's no question he'll be an All-American.

2:03

SueKo/Hollidaysburg, PA Eric: I was pleasantly surprised to read your in-depth article yesterday in USA TODAY! It was more than appropriate given ND’s remarkable victory vs Clemson. Just how talented is #6 Jeremiah Wu?!? Could he our next All-American and is Clark Lea auditioning for a head coaching job? Thank you for your thoroughness in ND football coverage.

2:02

Sue, I'm going to re-print your question as it came through in a funny format:

Sue Kovensky

2:00

SueKo/Hollidaysburg, PA Eric: I was pleasantly surprised to read your in-depth article yesterday in USA TODAY! It was more than appropriate given ND’s remarkable victory vs Clemson.
Just how talented is #6 Jeremiah Wu?!? Could he our next All-American and is Clark Lea auditioning for a head coaching job?  Thank you for your thoroughness in ND football coverage.

Eric Hansen

2:00

There's been a lot of postponements and cancellations this week, and a possible solution is moving back the conference championship games, the national semis and the national title game. I think the COVID issues far more affect the Big Ten and Pac-12 teams than they would Alabama. The Big Ten and the Pac-12 were already playing more abbreviated schedules and have no wiggle room at all right now to do makeup games.

Connecting…

Message History

On Off

Your current subscriptions

None

E-mail Address	Chat Owner	Status	Remove

Enter your email address to be notified when Eric Hansen hosts a chat