JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat Nov. 23, 2022

Notre Dame Football Live Chat Nov. 23, 2022

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Eric Hansen

1:30

Happy Thanksgiving, Marie. Beyond a QB in the portal, I think wide receiver is the top priority. An experienced wide receiver, who can give you production and help bring along a young WR corps. I also think you need one to give you more than seven or eight ND appears to have lined up now. The other positions are dependent on players returning. If Justin Ademilola does not come back for a sixth year, and he's on the fence, I think you need to try to go get a elite edge player to rotate with Jordan Botelho. And if Cam Hart doesn't come back (Bracy can't come back), you need to consider one at corner. The sophomores barely played (Riley, Barnes, Tucker). The Irish do have some very talented freshmen coming in (Christian Gray, Micah Bell), so you could probably wait until after spring to pursue a corner to see how Clarence Lewis and others progress along with ascenders Mickey and Morrison. (more)

Marie from Atlanta

1:19

Happy Thanksgiving Eric. I hope you get to enjoy some quality time with your family. Can you list in order of importance what ND needs to try and get out of the transfer portal in the upcoming off-season? If Cam Hart does not come back, do you think they need to try to get an experienced cornerback? If Notre Dame is able to get a good quarterback out of the portal in the off-season and he wins the job next year what do you think are realistic expectations for the 2023 team? What position group other than QB needs to improve the most for ND to be a true national championship contender? As always thanks for your insights and hosting the chat. Enjoy Southern California if you’re headed that way.

Eric Hansen

1:19

Hi Frank. I can't remember ND pulling a scholarship because of a senior-season injury -- at least not in the past couple of decades. I'd say most schools do the same, with occasional exceptions. There's really no reason to pull a scholarship. It's terrible PR, and if the player truly can't perform once he gets to college because of the injury, you can always put him on medical hardship. Then he continues to be on scholarship without counting against the 85 maximum that the NCAA allows. Elite safety prospect Peyton Bowen isn't using ND as an insurance policy. Place holder? Maybe. But there are reasons why he designated Notre Dame has the place holder and not another school. And for those same reasons, our recruiting writer, Kyle Kelly, is sticking with what he's hearing, which is that Bowen will end up in the Irish class next month on signing day.

Guest

1:08

Hi , Frank from Barrington here. Is it true that once you commit to Notre Dame your scholarship is honored even if you get hurt during your hs senior season? If so, do all schools adhere to that? If not, wouldn’t that explain why maybe Peyton B is “committed” for now to ND. Could he be using his ND scholarship as an insurance policy?

Eric Hansen

1:08

Hey Richie. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. Kenny Minchey is not an insurance policy, not is he a contender to be the starter in 2023. He's a player with more upside than having a long, proven track record. He missed a huge chunk of this season due to a shoulder injury that's since healed. Colleague Tyler James compares him to DeShone Kizer. I think that comparison works. I talked to longtime recruiting analyst Tom Lemming this week, and he loves Minchey's film. ND needed to get a QB in this class to eventually become less portal-dependent. They were able to get one at the 11th hour with some promise.

Richie Coomer, KC MO

12:59

Howdie Eric, happy turkey week and also happy USC week! With the writing on the wall seemingly pointing towards an iminent Kenny Minchey commitment, what kind of player is he? Genuinely asking from a place of ignorance as i havent yet had a chance to watch film on him, but wondering if he is truly a significant value add from a talent standpoint or if his potential commitment represents more of an insurance policy and needing a body at QB this cycle. Thoughts?

Eric Hansen

12:58

Hey there Jorge. I think the most noticeable growth regarding the coaching staff is Marcus Freeman himself. The communication. Knowing when to delegate and knowing when to inject himself and where. Being open to searching for better ways to do things, after a win or after a loss. No. 2, I'd say the adjustments Al Golden has made in getting his scheme across to the players, who were probably overwhelmed with a third scheme in three years. The Irish go into the USC game 17th in total defense. I think offseason growth will come with Marcus getting much more nuanced in his offensive knowledge and potentially adding analysts to strengthen what the Irish already do well. As far as Ben Morrison, he's such a humble and grounded and mentally strong kid, that's going to help him reach his ceiling. He plays differently than Julian Love does, but I think he could have similar impact as the former consensus All-American.

Jorge, Rowlett, Texas

12:52

Greetings Eric!!! So the 2022 regular season is coming to an end. It's been up, it's been down, and everywhere in between. I know our (fans) expectations are always high, regardless of the circumstances, coming into the beginning of a new season. I'm satisfied with what I've seen from this team thus far and have been impressed with how the coaching staff has come together and the trickle down affect this has had on the players. Can you, having followed the team/coaching staff closely since spring ball, assess in what areas the coaching staff have grown the most in, that have led us up to the USC game, and where do you see the need for continued growth? A follow up question; how good do you think Ben Morrison can be by the time he leaves Notre Dame? I have to say, it's been a while since I've seen a FR CB with as much promise since maybe Bobby Taylor? Look forward to your answers, and, as always, love the work you do on behalf of ND football!!

Eric Hansen

12:51

The CFP committee putting ND at 15 and not 13 like the AP gave me pause. The Irish are going to have to be at least No. 11 and maybe No. 10. That's a doable path, especially if USC rebounds and wins the Pac-12 title game the next weekend. There are only two New Year's Six scenarios for the Irish, and neither is very palatable. The overwhelmingly more likely one is for the Irish to play Cincinnati, Tulane or UCF in the Cotton Bowl -- all formidable teams but not the kind of win that would boost program perception ... and losing would be problematic in that regard. For ND to get into the Orange Bowl, Alabama would have to lose to Auburn and likely Penn State would also have to lose, to Michigan State. And what would that get the Irish? A rematch with either Clemson or North Carolina.

12:44

Sean thanks and well done. Do you want to take over the chat at this point? I'll go have lunch. Very astute analysis. I would put my confidence level at a very similar place for USC as I did Clemson, but for different reasons. With Clemson, I wasn't overly concerned with the QB play going in, but I thought the front seven of Clemson would cause more problems (I did pick ND to win). With USC Caleb Williams is the issue, because he's not just prolific, he's incredibly clutch. And I'm not sure what version of Drew Pyne we're going to get. If ND gets the North Carolina version of Pyne AND wins the turnover battle, sign me up. (more)

Sean, Portland OR

12:39

Hi Eric, Thanks for your consistent and insightful work. I'm on the West Coast, and have seen plenty of USC football. I watched USC struggle vs. Oregon State, who is a pretty solid football team. But I'd expect a team with the talent that USC has to be able to win by more than 3 in a game vs. inferior talent and a 4-0 turnover edge. They also haven't been able to put away mediocre teams like Cal, Arizona, etc... I think they're over-rated, but have enough talent and firepower to beat anyone in the country. But also enough deficiencies to lose to anyone on any given Saturday. If ND executes, they win. By execute I mean: stay neutral in turnover margin, 3rd and manageable, get TD's in the red zone, win time of possession. What's your confidence level heading into this game? Higher or lower than vs. Clemson? If they do win, will they reach a NY6 bowl and does it have to be against the group of 5 representative?

Eric Hansen

12:38

Hi Tony, thanks for the feedback on Bob Morton. It's always fun to have him on the podcast. USC has been consistent with being near the top at forcing turnovers all season. When I watch them, it's in large part due to the pressure they're able to put on opposing QBs. However, their approach includes taking a lot of risks, which helps explain how a team with that turnover margin (nation's best) and sacks ranking (top 20), can be 96th in total defense.

Tony, Lake Mary, FL

12:36

Hey Eric. Bob Morton is awesome. Hearing him talk about his one trash talk memory shed some great light on the general respect that opposing players have for each other. For this week, USC with their huge TO margin, is that primarily INTs or fumbles and from bad decisions/carelessness or actively seeking turnovers?

Eric Hansen

12:35

If that turns out to be the case, to biggest benefit for Buchner and Notre Dame are the pre-bowl practices he'll get that will help him be more competitive in the spring and help inform the Irish just how much growth he's been able to accomplish while being a bystander taking mental reps. If he actually played in the game, I could see a role that would be similar to what he held in 2021 as a changeup QB. Then let him compete to be QB 1 in the spring.

Jeremy from Goshen

12:33

Freeman mentioned recently that Buchner could be healthy for the bowl game. If he is healthy, what do you think his role should his role be and why?

Eric Hansen

12:33

As for Tommy Rees, I think if he doesn't come back. it'll be because he's taken another job, not because he's been pushed out. Your concerns about QB development aren't uncommon. If Rees does return, I do think it makes sense to bring in a veteran analyst with QB coaching experience to fortify the offensive staff.

12:30

Let's say Michael Penix Jr. was someone that interested ND and he could make it through admissions. Do the Irish win the Ohio State game with him? Not likely. Maybe Marshall and Stanford, but the biggest problems in the Marshall game were on defense. So, no I don't think ND wasted a year. Theoretically Buchner would have gained a lot more experience and ND would have gotten confirmation of his ceiling. Instead it's Drew Pyne that they coaching staff has learned that about. I don't think it's unreasonable that Buchner could have been counted on to be ready to be QB1, JJ McCarthy, Drake Maye and Jaxon Dart — all ranked similarly to Buchner coming out of high school — are all leading their respective teams. (more)

12:20

Hi Joey. Let me start with the end of your questions and work my way back. Yes, I think Notre Dame needs to look for and bring in a quality and experienced quarterback to compete with those on the existing roster this spring and summer for the starting spot in 2023. Did ND cost itself a playoff spot by not doing the same thing in the last cycle? Unless, the Irish went after Kedon Slovis — who's having a miserable year at this new school, Pitt — December was too hectic to vet and land a quality transfer. in order to compete in the spring. Could ND have pursued someone after spring? Sure, but the coaching staff liked what they saw in the top two players on the depth chart and didn't want to run one of them off to bring in an unknown. And who was still in the portal who could have won the job? JT Daniels was available, but he has struggled at West Virginia and recently was demoted to No. 2. (more)

Joey G. Phila, Pa

12:12

Hi Eric, Hope all is well! Kenny Minchey was a good late addition for the 2023 Class! I’m not a big fan of Tommy Rees! I believe Rees misplayed this position from the start. It should’ve been Jackson Arnold from the start. Especially with his connection with Peyton Bowen. This would’ve all but a shored Bowen’s commitment. Jury still out on that. Would be a huge loss. QB development is crucial especially with the QB room ND will have going into next season. This is an area Rees has failed miserably at over the last 6 years. As QB coach I’ll put Rees on par with Del Alexander’s inability to develop his position group. This is why it is so important to land an experienced QB in the portal. Competition I believe breeds success. Can ND afford to keep Tommy Rees and possibly waist another year in the pursuit of a CFP berth? Do you think this season was a waisted chance at the playoff considering our failure to examine the portal for a QB? The portal may or may not be the answer. But it’s worth a shot.

Eric Hansen

12:12

Hi Kevin. If this were the first year of the 12-team playoff, a win over a top 5 USC team on the road would be good enough to get the Irish into the top 12. They're 15th in the CFP rankings this week, and the teams directly in front of them wouldn't necessarily have to all lose for the Irish to jump them. The playoff expansion, as you mentioned, is scheduled to go into effect for the 2026 season. However, the College Football Management Committee is tasked with trying to move up that timetable. Per reports, 2024 is in play but probably too quick. Doing so in 2025 is more realistic.

Kevin-Sleepy Eye,MN

12:05

Eric!!! Let's talk future college playoff format. Will a win Saturday get us to top 12 for a playoff birth? I feel we are good example of why college football has always needed expansion. Will it happen before 2026? I cannot wait for expansion!!

Eric Hansen

12:03

Let's get started.

Here are the rules:

12:02

As for today's chat, please include you NAME and HOMETOWN along with your question(s).

We WILL do the chat next Wednesday at its normal time (noon EST), to talk about the USC game, look ahead tot he bowl options, talk recruiting, etc.

12:01

Tyler James and I were back with our YouTube show, Monday Night Live, this week with the week’s headlines, a full review of ND’s snow-globe waxing of Boston College, a bowl outlook, viewer questions and a USC game preview — all with minimal glitches. The show will run every Monday night at 7 ET the rest of the football season. If you can’t catch us live, you can watch anytime during the week, as the show keeps its shelf life going through the entire week leading up to the next game.

12:00

Some quick programming notes:
If you haven’t already, check out this week’s Inside ND Sports podcast presented by Dead Soxy with our special guest Bob Morton. Lots of great insight from the former Notre Dame offensive lineman. Among the topics discussed are the improvement the Irish have shown this season, his memories of the USC rivalry, making the trip to California on Thanksgiving weekend, quarterback Drew Pyne's evolution, the talent shown by right tackle Blake Fisher and left tackle Joe Alt, how the Irish should attack the Trojans on Saturday and more.

11:59

Welcome to Notre Dame Football Live Chat, USC/Thanksgiving/Black Friday edition.

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