JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat | Oct. 22,, 2025

Notre Dame Football Live Chat | Oct. 22,, 2025

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Marie from Atlanta

2:12

Happy birthday week, Eric! Hoping you had a fantastic celebration yesterday. Great victory over USC this weekend however I think we can all agree that CJ Car did not have a good game. His last three games have been less impressive than his very excellent start. I know some of this may be freshman learning curve, but how much of this issue do you think is due to the fact that now that he’s played some games opponents have more film on him and can scout and plan for him better? Do you see him bouncing back to the level he started out at the or even better after the bye, Or do you think more film equals more info for opposing teams and makes it easier for them to plan/scheme against him? Since it’s the bye week, let’s have some fun mid season questions. For the halfway point this season who is your offensive MVP, defensive, MVP, most improved player on both offense and defense, most impressive true freshman on both offense and defense, and position group coach MVP. Finally, complete this sentence: ND makes the

Eric Hansen

2:11

Marcello Diomede is also an option. I think those are much better than trying to buy a lottery ticket. Remember, Ruffer set a school record by making 23 straight field goals at one point in his career. But in the season he joined the team, he did not attempt a field goal and attempted one PAT and missed it. So if you are going to have an open audition, you might get someone for the long term, but not the short term.

2:08

i had the chance to talk to special teams coordinator Marty Biagi on Tuesday night of USC week during media availability (it was his turn in the rotation). He thought if they could get Noah Burnette to the bye week, he's be out of the woods with the hip injury. That did not appear to happen. So what now. Freshman Erik Schmidt was the No. 1 kicker in his class coming out of high school and has a powerful leg. His issue at this stage is accuracy, which should improve with age and experience. (more)

2:05

Hi Don, thanks for the praise of the Behind The Ballot column. I really enjoy putting that together on Sundays, usually overcaffeinated.

To your question. The guy you are thinking of is David Ruffer. He was playing interhall football when he got a chance to join the team under Charlie Weis in 2008. He didn't kick much that year, but he overtook Nick Tausch in 2009. And in 2010, when Brian Kelly took over, Ruffer was put on scholarship. I am going to agree with you that Notre Dame needs to hone its Plan B and maybe even make it Plan A at this point. (more)

Don in Scottsdale

1:59

Eric, Great win against USC. Way back they always ruined the season. I always thought Eric Pennick's run in '73 was the series highlight but Saturday had two spectacular runs that will be remembered. Love's run and Price's 100 yard kickoff return. OK, my question. Sometime during Kelly's tenure there was a need for place kickers. He had an open tryout for any enrolled student. I believe a decent kicker emerged and did in fact get some game time. Is it time to have a try out to see if someone can consistently make a 45 yard field goal? By the way, your weekly column regarding the poll voting is always a good read!

Eric Hansen

1:59

According to Pro Football Focus' film grades, USC was Sneed's best game EVER. And his grades have been consistently high and getting better all season. Gray has a great skill set, and a lot of talent. He is on the NFL's radar. He does not play with consistency, but he does have a penchant for big moments. He probably would be a better boundary corner than field, but ND has the best boundary corner in football, so he plays field out of need. I hope that helps explain things for you. Legit questions. I hope I matched them with my answers.