JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat | November 5, 2025

Notre Dame Football Live Chat | November 5, 2025

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Matt from Austin

1:54

Good morning Eric. Very tough watch on Saturday. Penalties, miscues, turnovers......even the busted route on Fields' touchdown where he and Pauling were right next to each other. Lastly, the foolish throat slash. In the old days, BK's lobster head would have exploded. Do you have a sense of how Coach Freeman addresses those issues? I know he's upset in the moment, but seems measured and in control, which is great to see. Do you have access to him post game or mid week to determine his courses of action? (ie. limiting Price's carries after the fumble). Lastly, you may not have seen this watching live, but Coach Freeman handing a water cup to a staffer in the 4th quarter and actually thanking him for taking the cup was my play of the game. Very gentlemanly act. Thanks Eric. Irish #10!!

Eric Hansen

1:52

Remember when Ga Tech's win over Clemson was a huge deal. Not so much now. So a lot goes into it. I take it seriously, but it's something I very much enjoy and an humbled to be asked to do. For free.

1:51

I set aside two hours to look at all the scores, look through the stats, read the game stories and sometimes watch highlights. The trick is going back on and looking at a team's entire season. You can get overly excited about the most recent games, but you have to go back and look. For instance Texas and Oklahoma last week. Big wins, but who were their losses to? It' s not all about what you did that week. And sometimes wins don't age well. (more)

1:49

At the same time, it's not by job to overinflate a team's ranking for the same reasons. And final newsflash, you're going to get some blowback no matter what you do. It comes with the job. As far as my process, we have limited time, because we've covered a game and usually have multiple stories to write and at least one YouTube show to do. Last week I did two. For a night game, I pull all-nighters to get my work done and do a good job of putting my poll together. (more)

1:46

Hi Jack. Thanks for the compliments. Let's start with the objectivity piece. It's literally my job to be objective and to give readers in stories what actually happened, not what I was rooting for or against. And if I can't bring that same mindset to voting in the poll, then I need to let someone else do it that can. By the same token, you have to have thick enough skin and be confident enough in your own process in that if you think the team you cover or that you graduated from deserves a higher ranking that what it is ranked in the poll, then you shouldn't be a wuss and rank them lower, so you don't get blowback. (more)

Jack, Strongsville, Oh

1:42

Hi Eric. My favorite piece you write every week is behind the ballot. What is the process you do to evaluate each team? Look at highlights, review statistics, talk to other beat writers? Is is difficult to be objective on a team you have covered for decades or a team for a school which you may have attended or family members attended? Thanks as always for these chats.

Eric Hansen

1:41

It's been a while since I did a focused story on the behind-the-scenes stuff that goes on with officials. But yes, back when I did, it was mandatory that they go over every game, critique it and learn from it. I can't say I have investigated that when it comes to current ACC officials, but I question why would that have changed? Also, Josh Burnham mentioned this and D-line coach Al Washington confirmed this that the officials at the BC game admitted to the ND staff they blew it on the facemask penalty on Burnham that never happened.

1:36

Shane, I'm glad you're anchored in reality and not out to sea, or has that shipped sailed? Ok, now we're even! It's not that the committee isn't paying attention, but they look at the broader context of how Notre Dame has been playing. And statistically holding BC to 10 points and 12 rushing yards is impressive. So is a near 200 pass efficiency rating for a QB who now ranks fourth nationally in that stat. So there was some beauty among the ugliness. Now keep doing that, and it's a different story. And yes, I do think sometimes a team's fanbase wants perfection, and anything less is a disappointment. Not that there weren't causes for concern. (more)

Shane from White Deer, Texas

1:25

Ahoy Eric, are you ready for Navy week, matey? Ok, enough of that. Notre Dame being ranked #10 is about as good as a fan could hope for wasn’t it? After the BC game, , some of my ND loving family thought it would be our demise. I countered with I didn’t think a lot of eyes were on this game, and that the box score and highlights were going to be more of what committee would see. Was I just coping, or do you think maybe there was some truth in that? Also, I think sometimes, as fans, we are more critical of our team than others might be. One last thing, do officials ever watch game film to see what they may have missed, or what could have been done better? Anyway, I hope it’s smooth sailing this weekend and maybe move up a spot or 2. Go Irish!!

Eric Hansen

1:24

3) I think those are reasonable options, but ND would still like to be able to assert itself in the run game in those situations as well. 4) Talich, for sure.

1:23

Hi Tom, nice move saving the multiple exclamation points for the end!!!! I saw some good things amongst the concerns in the BC game. I have also seen worse outcomes in similar situations involving BC games, so I think ND can redeem itself with a strong rest of November. The real concerns to me are the kicking game and the short-yardage situations. To your questions: 1) Given how BC played defense against ND and how Navy, Pitt, Syracuse and Stanford are likely to, it's a good thing he has confidence in that part of his game. That's the only way ND is going to be able to unload a stacked box against the run, likely. BC wasn't putting him in a position to throw short and control clock. That doesn't mean you can't force the issue, but if they're trying to defend your best receivers on the outside with no safety help, I'd cash in on that. 2) Agree 100 percent on both of those thoughts re the safeties. Tae Johnson's insertion into the starting lineup is a turning point.(more)

Tom F, Kennesaw, GA

1:16

Hey Eric, I hope that we all have had a chance to calm down after the less than thrilling performance vs. BC. Thanks for the Chats. We need your calming input. 1)Do you think Carr is falling in love with the deep ball?? Should he be looking at more shorter routes to keep drives moving? 2)Since Purdue 2nd half the defense has really grown. Getting Shuler back and then inserting Tae as the other safety after halftime have made the biggest difference. Do you agree? 3) Short yardage is still an issue. Why not throw to Fields and Raridon more in those situations?? 4) #3 Safety: Talich or Stroman. Go Irish!!!!!!!!!!

Eric Hansen

1:16

If Jaden Greathouse does not recover from his chronic hamstring injury, and the expectation is that he will recover, he would have the option to redshirt. But the JG rumors beyond that are unfounded.

ced

1:14

ced walker Saginaw Michigan aka sagnasty saginaw pride im hearing rumors Jaden great house will redshirt this season God Bless This Football Teamhere come the irish trust the process the golden standard rally we are nd god country go irish love thee notre dame our mother pray for us

Eric Hansen

1:14

Hi Matt. Notre Dame started with a rotation of four, and it's expanded to five with freshman Madden Faraimo working his way into it with strong practices and special teams excellence. So here's how the snap counts break down: Drayk Bowen leads with 430, followed by Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa (346), Jaiden Ausberry (282), Jaylen Sneed (191) and Faraimo (51). KVA has the highest season film grade of the five, but all of them are impressive and trending upward. Typically, Bowen and Ausberry are the starters. ND plays mostly nickel, meaning a lot of two linebacker looks, but sometimes ND will go big and play three at a time.

Matt in Augusta NJ

1:06

Eric, hope all is well. Can you breakdown the LB rotation, who has emerged, who has surprised, and who to expect ongoing? Lots of talent and choices.

Eric Hansen

1:06

Kevin!!!! On point with your punctuation. I don't know that when you're the last at-large team in the field on the Nov. 4 reveal that you control your own destiny, but you have to like your chances if you take care of your own business. If I'm Notre Dame, I leave nothing in the vault to use just for the playoff. That's a surefire way to regress as a team and even lose. The last four games are the ideal time to work on your short-yardage deficiencies against real opponents in real game situations in real time.

Kevin-Sleepy Eye, MN

1:03

Eric!!!!! Got the playoff info we dreamed about. Now a lot can change but we know we control our destiny IF we win. Our kicking: if we decide to start going for 2pt PAT then we're dealing with our second biggest issue: converting short yardage plays. These last 4 games can ND afford to be vanilla in short yardage and save all our creativity and great solutions for the playoffs?

Eric Hansen

1:02

Hey Mark, you don't have to ask me twice. I'm there! Brenan Vernon is in his third season as a defensive lineman for Notre Dame and has 17 career snaps logged to show for it, including none on defense this year. Yes, injuries have played a part in that. So has remaking his body -- from a strongside defensive end to a now 6-6, 305-pound defensive tackle. He has chosen to stay at Notre Dame so far when it would have been easy to start over somewhere else. From what I understand, he's embraced whatever role has been put in front of him, such as scout team. At this point, given how ND's interior D-line recruiting and development have been going, I am not optimistic that he's going to make a big move up the depth chart.

Mark from t-ville nj

12:53

Mark from T-ville NJ, Hi Eric hope all is well in SB. Last time I sent a ? you ask me where T-ville was located. T-ville is short for Turnersville NJ which is located at the beginning of the Atlantic City Expressway in South Jersey. Come visit the Jersey Shore. Brenan Vernon has been unable to make the two deep depth roster on the D line for a few years. He was a strong recurit out of Ohio and a promising prospect. Has injuries set him back or has Brenan been pass up by more talented players? Do you see him on the field anytime soon? Thanks for the chats always look forward to them.

Eric Hansen

12:52

Hi Ron and thanks for the Wednesday wishes and the feedback on the Brian Kelly column. Jadarian Price is such an asset that the coaching staff is willing to work through that issue with him. As far as Aneyas Williams, I do remember him being used as a third-down option at times last year. I don't remember him as a red-zone specialist. I know there was discussion before the season about Nolan James Jr. perhaps being a short-yardage option. So, here's the deal, if Jadarian Price goes into the NFL Draft and gives up a fifth year at ND, Williams and James will be vying to be ND's No. 1 back next year. As far as this year, you might see more usage from him this month to save some tread on the tires of Love and Price, but that's not certain.

Ron , dover

12:41

Happy hump day Eric. My question concerns the seeming issue with protecting the ball in the red zone I wonder why Aneyas Wiliams hasn’t had more opportunities in the red zone. It seems he was used that way last year if my memory is correct. Ps great article on Brian Kelly.

Eric Hansen

12:40

Hi Bob, the impression I get in talking to sources in and around the Gug is that Chris Ash is a very good collaborator, which is a big reason why Notre Dame has shown so much dramatic improvement on defense. Had he dug in his heels, no bueno. And Marcus likely would have had to take over. Good coaching staffs tend to have these kinds of collaborative discussions. And he has a head coach and three defensive assistants who have extensive experience with the triple-option and at least one look at Navy's evolved version of it. He also faced Navy as a D-coordinator in Ohio State's 2014 season, a year in which they won a national title.

Bob (Oxnard CA)

12:37

To what extent will Chris Ash receive, accept, and use advice from other coaches on how to defend the option?

Eric Hansen

12:36

But getting daily work against Notre Dame's No. 1 defense, even if you're running other teams' offenses, can be really valuable, You get a chance to adjust to the speed of the college game, learn about throwing in tight windows and work on your QB run game, which is already an asset for him. Where he is the furthest away from being a viable option on game day is not the physical, as you suggested. So again, offseason is going to be critical for him. If Notre Dame does need to go to the portal for a backup, they may be able to get a player who's moving up divisions, as Ole Miss did in getting a backup from D2 Ferris State, who is now their starter, initially due to injury.

12:33

Thanks Jeremy! I think your biggest concern is how can Notre Dame have a game-ready No. 2 quarterback in Kenny Minchey transfers? You're concern is not having just three scholarship QBs, I take it. So, let me start with your question about Blake Hebert and work outward from there. I asked some insiders about Hebert playing scout team vs. mostly just taking mental reps at practices at this stage of his career. The improvement with reads, etc., will be a big emphasis come spring and he can do some of that now through film study. (more)

Jeremy from Goshen, IN

12:21

Hi Eric! I have really been enjoying football never sleeps! I really appreciate you and Tyler’s perspective on things! Now to my question, with Buchner out of eligibility after this year and a strong chance Minchey transfers, that leaves Blake Hebert As the likely backup next year. Noah Grubbs will still be getting his feet wet As a true Freshman. I think it would be hard to convince a quality QB to come in and be a backup. How does being the scout team QB help grow Herbert’s game especially in areas he needs to grow such As reading coverages?

Eric Hansen

12:21

Manny!!!!! Style points have been redefined. And we all saw that in last night's CFP rankings reveal. There's a new strength-of-schedule metric that mitigates pounding a weak opponent and rewards playing a strong opponent, win or lose. That was done in large part to continue to incentivize teams to schedule tough non-conference games. I wrote about this extensively in my Behind The Ballot column this week is you want a deeper dive on that. But basically good losses are a thing now, and that was reflected in the rankings for Notre Dame, Utah and Iowa, among others. So beating a ranked Pitt team say by double digits is way more valuable that beating Syracuse by 50 in the hypothetical world. Looking like a team that's improving is important too. Just ask Miami. They've been amassing the opposite of style points lately after such an impressive start.

Manny from San Pedro

12:14

Eric!!!!!!! The BC game made me sick or maybe it was all the candy I ate. With the rankings last night. Does it seem more likely that we win out we are in or do we need style points?!

Eric Hansen

12:14

Thanks Don for reading and for the feedback on: The rise, the fall, and the reframing of Brian Kelly’s Notre Dame story

I think it's a fascinating question, because an injured starting quarterback would figure into those calculations prominently. The thing is ND has shown to this point it can win and win big with some kicking intrigue. I think it would be more likely to bite Notre Dame in a close game that it would on the résumé. And they were kind of in a similar situation last year before Mitch Jeter came right with his injury in time for the playoff. So great question, but I do not think this would come up in the discussions. If it did, I don't think it would go very far.

Don in Scottsdale

12:06

Eric, The Kelly article was well done!!! I liked Kelly when he came and I liked it when he left. Glad Freeman is the HC. Sometime in the off season it may be worth it to look at his four-year growth. He learned how to be a head coach and is tireless with his desire to grow. His interactions with media are particularly good. He never ducks questions and exudes confidence with his answers.
The only negative is this year's team has forgotten the foot in football. Hope that it gets better; it needs too!
My question is if place kicking does not get better do you think the playoff committee will take it into consideration and ding ND? When evenly matched teams play, field goals tend to be the difference between winning and losing. If place kicking stays the same, are they truly a number 8 team?

Eric Hansen

Let's get rolling.

Since you all have been behaving and putting up with me, the no drinking and no bare feet rules continue to be optional to everyone but me.

12:05

Please include your NAME and HOMETOWN along with your questions. Exclamation points earn extra credit!!!

12:04

As far as this week's chat ...

► Finally at WSBT Sports Radio 960, I’m part of the Notre Dame Football pregame show with Tim Grauel, Jim Irizarry and Blue & Gold teammate Tyler Horka. The GameDay show kicks off with 3 1/2 hours of news, analysis and special guests live from the iconic Linebacker Lounge in South Bend on Saturday ahead of the Navy game. We’ll start our coverage at 3 p.m. ET. You can listen locally at WSBT-AM 960, Sunny 101.5 FM and 106.1 FM in Southwest Michigan. And it will be live streaming on wsbtradio.com.

► The Inside ND Sports Podcast has been rebranded as the Third & Gold Podcast. Going forward the pod will be available on all the podcast places you found us before as well as our YouTube Channel. On our most recent episode, we caught up with Dalton Wasserman of Pro Football Focus to talk about his organization’s film grades of Notre Dame. Our next rendition comes out Thursday this week with special guest Mitch Jeter, Notre Dame’s place-kicker last season.

► If you missed the last episode of our aspiring-to-be-viral Notre Dame Football YouTube show, Football Never Sleeps, what are you doing with your life? Seriously, the show keeps its shelf life long after the live presentation, so you can catch up now or later on our YouTube channel. We’ll be back next week and every week, Monday at 7 p.m. ET, for another presentation of Football Never Sleeps with Tyler James co-hosting with me. We’ll also have our Postgame Takeaways show after the Boston College game for you to have with your Sunday morning coffee. And check out some great shows on the Blue & Gold YouTube channel as well, including the Notre Dame Football Show, live on Tuesday nights.

12:03

► On July 1, Tyler James and I made the move to the On3 network and blueandgold.com and joined some amazing teammates. It’s proven to be a great move for us and, I believe, for our subscribers as well. And if you’re a potential first-time subscriber, you can take a one-week test drive for $1. That’s seven days of our premium content, plus all the value you get from a national team of writers and content creators, as well as access to every team site in the On3 network. Check it out at: https://www.on3.com/teams/notre-dame-fighting-irish/join/

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