JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat Oct. 10, 2019 | 10/10/2019

Notre Dame Football Live Chat Oct. 10, 2019

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Eric Hansen

2:55

That looks like a good place to put a period on this week. Thanks for all the great questions. A reminder, there won't be a chat next week because of the bye, but I'll be back Michigan week -- Oct. 24 at noon EDT to do it all again.

2:54

Thank you, Tom!

TomD70 Lansing

2:54

Just a comment this time, Eric. This is almost a three hour chat! Outstanding. Don't know any writer who would give so much time to their clientele. Thanks to you on behalf of all your readers! Hope they don't mind me commenting on their behalf!

Eric Hansen

2:53

I think the USC game can tell us a lot about both teams. I don't think it defines ND's season. For instance, Armstrong is only supposed to see 20 snaps. To pin his impact on his first game back is short-sighted and unfair. I would expect him to get better the following game, etc.

Gene in NY

sorry about early send - your thoughts?

2:51

Hi Eric, thanks for insightful coverage! Don’t mean to sound negative, but the BG game tells us nothing about offensive development. Next two games should tell us if Book is on an upward trajectory or perhaps reached ceiling, if experienced offensive line can look the part, of Armstrong is missing piece to successful running game and if any receiver not named Claypool or Kmet can step up. If not, either the defense leads them to top bowl or CFP, or they are outsiders looking in.

Eric Hansen

2:50

Jeff, I never like to pin myself down on hypotheticals, because I think you owe it to all teams to be open-minded and fair when it's time to vote. There are so many factors. What if ND wins by a similar margin than it did in 2017? Also where I have a particular team in my poll may be different than where it its in the actual AP poll. And so my voting patterns are based off my poll and not the AP poll in general.

Jeff from Canton, MI

2:46

Looking at the slate of games this week, I think its quite possible that ND goes down in the rankings even if they defeat USC on Saturday. If Penn State and Texas both win, I believe they jump ND. And I think the loser of the LSU-UF game won't dip too far in the polls if it's a close game. As an AP voter, would you keep OK and UF ahead of ND if they both lose close games? While these polls are not supposed to be utilized by the playoff committee per se, they do serve as a mental baseline and perception of the top teams in the country. Maybe FSU can beat Clemson for some nice chaos this weekend! lol

Eric Hansen

2:45

Of course he's aware of the criticism --- and the praise. You can't live in a bubble when you're at a place like Notre Dame, and players know that when they come here. Doesn't make it easy. I think it's fine to cut him some slack. My job is to be fair and accurate when I write about him. But because he was a three-star recruit has no bearing in the conversation. If you're the No. 1 QB at ND, there's a standard you're expected to play to. It doesn't matter what you're recruiting ranking was.

TomD70 Lansing

2:32

There are many commenters expressing concerns about Ian Book. Is he aware of the criticism he is receiving. I'd cut him some slack. Remember he was just a three star thought to be a career backup.

Eric Hansen

2:32

That's either five questions and a statement, or four questions and two statements, but my limit is 17-part questions, so I will oblige. I think ND comes out with rover Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah on the slot receiver and evolves from there. Not sure I can give you a percentage. They'll mix if up and probably lean heavier on the way that works best. Defensive ends, rover, turnovers, yes all big factors. And thanks for the kind words.

Bill 1000 Oaks Ca

2:29

Bill 1000 Oaks CA First time on defense do you think Irish come out in normal alignment or nickle ? What % of zone or man on man coverage do you foresee ? SC gets rid of the ball very quickly and hope we have right combination of talent and versatility on backend to cope with size disparity of SC receivers.Think our defensive ends, rover, and turnovers key to game.What say you.? Your the best Eric GO IRISH!!

Eric Hansen

2:29

I don't think he starts Saturday night. I do think he starts vs. Michigan if healthy. ... I think you play your best players. I don't think you automatically promise someone a percentage of carries because they filled in well. ND didn't tag-team Book and Wimbush last season after Wimbush filled in nicely against Florida State.

Jacob, Hobart

2:27

Will Armstrong take over as the starting RB? How big of a role will he have in his first week back? Do you think Tony Jones Jr deserves to keep at least a 50/50 split after his past 2 100 yard games?

Eric Hansen

2:26

This answer is for Denis. Sorry if this is out of order. Will fix in the transcript. Keep in mind Louisville was a blind date and some of the other teams have thrown some unexpected wrinkles at him. I don't have an issue with it, as long as the end result is the same.

2:25

RC glad you like the format ... I agree it gives people a chance to participate that otherwise couldn't. I do like the live element too. I feel like I'm interacting instead of answering mail. ... to your question ... Safety Talanoa Hufanga coming back in a big lift for the USC defense. He helps in coverage and in rush defense. His tackle totals in the four games in which he's played 8-10-10-14.

RC from Albany

2:20

Just a comment - I really like this new format. The ability to send questions in early and then easily read the transcript on a mobile device at the end of the day is great. Thanks

Denis

2:19

Denis from Niagara Falls, Ontario : Hey Eric. I am a huge fan of Lea. I think everyone believes he is head coaching material. And his halftime adjustments are exceptional. Am I being too unreasonable to think why can't Lea get more game plans to work at the start of the game. Seems like teams often have success until the halftime adjustments. Thanks!!!

RC from Albany

2:19

Hi Eric - really enjoyed this week’s Podcast - the discussion around the USC receivers during the Q&A was great. Given USC overall talent level I think Saturday is going to be a tougher matchup than the 10+ line indicates. I hope that I am wrong here. Can you talk a bit about the players USC is getting back from injury for this game? Beyond Slovis I understand that there are 1 or 2 frontline defensive players back for Saturday. What impact do you expect them to have - and is there any reason to believe that the returning starters will change the trajectory of the USC defense. As always, thanks

Eric Hansen

2:18

I would say it's trending that both would come back.

Bdbob57@yahoo.com

2:18

I know it’s early but what do you think of the chances that Eichenberg and Kramer stay with the Irish next year?

Eric Hansen

2:17

If Notre Dame's defense keeps evolving and ND goes 11-1, he'll get plenty of national attention, not that he's worried about it.

James from Columbus

2:16

Eric, what is your opinion of Clark Lea's defense? His ability to identify talent and coordinate towards their strengths. His in game adjustments seems masterful. His streak of keeping opponents under 30 points in today's college football is very impressive. In my opinion he deserves much more national attention for the job he is doing.

Eric Hansen

2:15

Brent, I don't think it's fair to Tom Zbikowski and Golden Tate among others to say ND hasn't had one since Rocket. But your point is why not Lenzy? When ND had a wide array of players trying out for that this spring and in August, Lenzy was in that group. When the group pared down to three, it was Finke, Joe Wilkins and Lawrence Keys III. So if there's a change there eventually, I would expect it would be one of those two.

Brent (Elkhart, IN)

2:12

Greetings Eric, I am going to expand on Mike from Ontario's question. Finke is a fine young man, and a great athlete, however, other than good hands, he is not an exceptional punt return man. We have not really had one since Rocket. My question is then, what does it hurt to give Lenzy a shot a punt returns? He is definitely faster and more elusive than Finke, thoughts??

Eric Hansen

2:12

I'll take it. I think the Nats just scored again too in extra innings. ... I think the dime works best on third down and mid to long. Lately there's been some cracks in it. The Irish need to tighten that down for USC.

Steve from St. Louis

2:11

I think the Cardinals just scored again! Should we expect to see more dime package on Saturday night to combat the U$C receivers or will that only work in the certain down and distance?

Eric Hansen

2:11

I think that is a look the Irish will show, but not a lot. ... Notre Dame HAS to win a lot of those matchups rushing four. That's now this team is constructed. USC's line is better than advertise, but it's not Georgia's.

Len from the Jersey Shore

2:09

Hi Eric! Late to the chat again. Hope I am not repeating earlier questions. Do you think D rush 3 and drop 8 at least some of the time? Heard young USC QB had issues with that. Can d line beat USC O line consistently?

Eric Hansen

2:08

Tom, there's a lot here ... it's almost like the Cardinals' first inning on Wednesday. .... It's going to get into the 30s Friday night/Saturday morning. ... I like Alohi's game. He creates turnovers, is the second-leading tackler, makes those around him better, shows a lot of versatility in that dime package. He shows up in big games. He needs to Saturday night. ... The biggest factor in both USC losses was turnovers, 3 picks of Slovis vs. BYU, 3 picks of Fink vs. Washington ... and very few explosive plays. ... I think Clark Lea will mix defensive looks from the start and maintain that the entire game,

Tom Kennesaw, GA

2:01

Hi Eric, any chance the temps could dip into the 30's Saturday night and freeze up the boys from SC? This one make me nervous because their biggest strength goes directly against our weakness at DB, especially if we have another injury back there. Also, Alohi Gillman doesn't seem to be as productive this year versus last year. Your thought??? In SC's two losses what was their biggest undoing and is that something that the Irish can take advantage of? Last year they gave us all we could handle and if not for a couple of fumbles by their WR's the outcome might have been different. I'm afraid we will start out in a soft coverage like last year and let their freshman QB get into a rhythm and gain some confidence. What kind of defense do you think Coach Lea will start the game with? If I remember correctly our last loss at home was to a freshman QB from UGA. Thanks for all you do to keep us informed about ND football. Go Irish!!!

Eric Hansen

2:00

Michael, I partially answered this earlier, but wanted to include this, because I think there's some interest to fans on the safety topic. Not sure when I can get to it, but I do plan on digging into the VICIS/safety topic at some point. It won't be this week, however, but it's on my radar.

Michael

1:59

Greetings from Sanford, NC. Thank you for the opportunity to submit a question! I noticed some players have "VICIS" rather than "IRISH" on the back of their helmets. Researching I found that VICIS manufactures the Zero 1 Helmet and I read somewhere that the company has supplied head gear to the team since 2017. My question: Do all players wear the VICIS ZERO 1 Helmet or is it just a random few? Also, have they acquired any statistics on the additional safety provided to the players. Thank you, Eric, for your excellent reporting of all things Irish!

Eric Hansen

1:59

Jacob, I'll give you a short answer since Tyler James and I wrote about this extensively earlier this week. The intent is to redshirt Vaughn to bring him back to ND in 2020. Cam Hart moving to the defense helps account for Houston Griffith's move to safety. It doesn't affect CB recruiting at all. The Irish will sign three in December and need many more good ones in the 2021 cycle.

Jacob from Versailles, OH

1:56

Hey Eric! I have a feeling that Donte Vaughn is going to redshirt this year so that he can transfer out (not because he could be a potential starter at ND next year). I know there is a lot of mystery surrounding this. Do you know any more about what is going on with Donte Vaughn? Cam Hart getting moved to corner has reinforced my thoughts that Vaughn is redshirting to transfer out. Is this something that the players can know discuss with Coach Kelly (redshirting to transfer out)? How does this effect CB recruiting go forward? Also, staying in the backfield, what is going on with a possible CB transfer prospect from Ohio State?

Eric Hansen

1:56

The beauty of the two-tight end sets until someone proves otherwise is that ND is really good at running AND passing out of it. ... I do think we'll see more two-back sets with Armstrong back. His versatility makes that an effective option.

Jeff B from Oklahoma City

1:54

Eric, now that Armstrong is coming back, do you think we'll see more of the two back sets that have been promised but not really put in place so far? It seems they have something working with the two Tight End sets and running the football. How much more of that do you think we'll see going forward especially in this game give the USC passing attack?

Eric Hansen

1:54

I think Notre Dame was fortunate to have him on campus as a player and a person for four years, and I think he'll be successful in life beyond football.

TomD70 Lansing

1:53

Eric, what is your take on Brandon Wimbush, the savior of Central Florida, not even seeing the field as a third stringer?

Eric Hansen

1:53

Wow, that's like asking me which cut of steak would you prefer. Not sure there's a wrong answer there. I'd take Amon-Ra St. Brown.

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