JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat Oct. 23, 2024

Notre Dame Football Live Chat Oct. 23, 2024

Eric Hansen

2:59

Ugh, there are some great questions still in the queue and I have a hard out at 3. So my apologies for those I didn't get to. And thanks for the ones I did get to. We'll be back during the second bye week next Wednesday at noon ET to do it all over again!

2:58

Here's how much Navy has improved. Red zone offense, 127th to 1st nationally, scoring offense 122nd to 4th, pass efficiency 112th to 2nd, rushing offense 17th to 4th. Now Marie makes a good point about the defenses they faced, but still ....

Michael from Elkview, WV

2:56

Hi Eric, I know it’s hard to compare teams but when we played Navy last year it was 42-0 before Navy scored. Have they really improved that much since last year? Do you feel our defense can replicate that type of performance on Saturday? Thanks

Eric Hansen

2:56

Len!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are on top of your game in all phases. Len, for the long term, what ND did defensively vs. Ge tech bodes very well. For the short term, it doesn't necessarily carry over well, but it still is subtly a positive for this week. Navy is a more difficult offense to deal with because of how it's structured. It's just more multiple or more explosive potentially. And no longer is Navy dead in the water (pun intended, sorry) if it has to play from behind.

Len from the Jersey Shore

2:53

Hello Eric!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! As short as I can be today. I felt ND would struggle to beat Georgia Tech. I was a little surprised about the outcome. What did the Georgia Tech game tell us about ND's ability to stop a diversified running attack mixed in with timely passes? How is Navy different than Tech, how are they similar? Now that Navy passes as well as run the option, doe we see more safeties or linebackers on the base ND defense this week?

Eric Hansen

2:48

Hi Roger. I think the biggest thing ND faces, especially against teams that don't think they match up well vs. the defense, is a scripted opening that looks little or nothing like they've put on film. Then, like a good boxer, ND kind of sorts through the inventory, throws a few jabs to see what might work, and then tightens everything up. I don't feel it's a matter of not being mentally ready to go.

Roger from Peoria

2:46

Hello Eric: I will leave others with the multiple exclamation points but sorta seek an alternative with 17???? . . . Stop, I don't want to violate the "No 17 Questions" rule. I have two. What do you think triggers the opening defensive series malaise? I understand CJ Carr is not running the scout team. Is he injured and, if so, how seriously? Thank you for being the best covering the Irish and similar kudos to Tyler James for his particular expertise on recruiting. GO IRISH!

Eric Hansen

2:45

Sean, I appreciate your points, and if you're going to lay on the love like that, go as un-concise as you want! I think you're question is there was about the path to victory. For ND, I think both its traditional running game and Riley Leonard running the ball is the leverage point for the Irish in this game and everything kind of flows around that.

Sean, Schaumburg, IL

2:43

One of the best FNS I've ever heard. Great point on Navy/Army "Brand" vs USC "Brand". Referring to TAMU-LSU and how it affects ND(I think NIU loss is a huge detriment). I think it's more 7-18 than top 22. Bama is done w/3 losses. "No shoes" ref to weekly Wed chat. Saban tutorial. Is Golden/ND D ready for Navy option 3.0? Navy is a huge threat. You guys acknowledged it with a great statistical/opinion breakdown. Covered the gamut. Spectacular. It's moments like these where I wish Lou Somogyi was around to provide some crazy ND-Navy stat to enhance the chat. Does running 40+ times and controlling clock --similar to "old" Navy become the path to victory on Saturday? Slow start on D has me nervous. Great professional nod, as well, to the guys at Irish Illustrated. Hansen/James are top notch. Prister/O'Malley/Brice are top notch as well. Spectacular FNS in my view. I'll be more concise next week. 40-30 Irish. Go Irish!!

Eric Hansen

2:43

They can do it out of their more traditional triple-option sets too. Explosive plays are where those guys can hurt you. If ND can limit those, I do feel good about the Irish wrapping their heads around what they're seeing and eventually getting control of the game.

2:42

Hi Larry. Thanks for acting as my agent this week! So Navy's two leading receivers have kind of a hybrid name Snipe Back. They do run the ball, but both catch way more passes than their traditional WR Nathan Kent. Navy does use Eli Heidenreich and Brandon Chatman in kind of traditional slotback plays -- screens, swing passes. But where they can hurt you is when they're in the shot gun and they try to get a defense in a mismatch or they try to lull you to sleep with a look you've seen earlier than indicates run and they throw it over your head. That's why I spoke of the cornerbacks' challenge in Marie's question. (more)

Guest

2:33

Larry from Topton, PA. Of all the media outlets for ND info, when I want the straight scope, I know to turn to you and Tyler. Thanks for what you do, and please keep it up! I have questions: I know Army is Navy’s blood rival, but is this Saturday their Super Bowl? Is this week Blake Horvath’s Heisman game? I see that Navy’s top two receivers are running backs, and together they average over 20 yards per catch. Being that kind of receiving production is so unusual, can you tell me how do they generate so many yards through the air to their backs? Is it mostly screen passes? A lot of circle patterns? Option routes? Something else? I heard you and Tyler on FNS, and understand this is not your father’s Navy offense. You said there is still a good deal of option mixed with pro concepts, with a modified wing-T alignment thrown in. I am worried ND’s lack of experience could lead to quick Navy scores. And if Navy gets a lead they could go into traditional ball control gear. How worried should we be about that?

Eric Hansen

2:29

Hi Ced. That's not off the table, but not a given either. The Irish are kicking the tires on at least one RB committed in another class, maybe more.

cederickwalker

2:27

ced walker saginaw Michigan aka sagnasty Saginaw Michigan will Marcus freeman and coaching staff go after another running back in recruiting god bless this football team here 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

2:27

The five best tackles on the team, per Pro Football Focus, among players with more than 30 snaps this season are in order: Bowen, Kiser, Heard, Mills, Cross ... so you might be on to something with Heard ... maybe even playing in the box? You are absolutely on top of it with Navy having to adjust to ND's talent. The highest-ranked team nationally out of 133 FBS teams Navy has faced is No. 84 team. And aside from Memphis' No. 40 ranking in run defense, all the others rank 110th or worse, except for Bucknell, which is 107th in the FCS rankings. You do have a future in sports media!!!

2:22

Marie, thank you and I will take you and your family out for ribs the next time I am in town. ... I am most concerned about the cornerbacks. And how often have I typed that without a sarcasm font this year. I think this is a very tough offense to read for them. Having a guy like Watts in the defensive backfield and another safety in Shuler who played against triple-option concepts in high school is a big plus. But I think this is really a difficult assignment for two really talented young players. Could Clark and/or Heard play more? Possibly Clark, because I'm not sure how the nickel fits in. So he might have a different role. (more)

Marie from Atlanta

2:11

Hi Eric, I hope you’re having a great birthday week. We missed you in Atlanta and hope to see you there next time. Which position group/players on defense are you most concerned about against Navy this weekend? Although we have a lot of talented defenders many are young and have never played against the option, do you think more experienced players and good tacklers like Jordan Clark and Rod Heard may get extra snaps at positions where they don’t commonly play to help ameliorate the situation? for example, possibly helping out at cornerback? There’s a lot of talk about how difficult it is to adjust to the speed of Navy’s offense, but Navy has not played a defense anywhere near as good as Notre Dame is this year, won’t their offense have to adjust to the talent level of Notre Dame’s dense as well? As always, thanks for hosting the chat and the great insights.

Eric Hansen

2:11

Hi Cowboy Mike. Thanks for following. I am pretty confident Jaylen Sneed would have a bigger role vs. Army, which is more traditional triple-option in its formation and approach. I could see him playing some end against Navy. Physically he's a tremendous asset in a matchup like this. What's hard for me to assess, is will he read the keys well. Like better than KVA or Bowen of Ausberry (Because Kiser's going to play)? And my instincts tell me Ausberry might be the best at this.

Cowboy Mike - Jefferson GA

2:07

Long time follower of your work for many moons. My question is will we see more of Jaylen Sneed on D given Navy's run option. Jaylen doesn't seem to get many snaps these past games.

Eric Hansen

2:07

Hi Ty and thanks for visiting ... and finally posting!!! The committee has changed members over the years and its philosophy has evolved somewhat and may even further change with the 12-team format, but the committee has always been more about who you beat than who you lost to. I think ND has done a good job of continuing to distance itself from the NIU game and must continue to do so. In other words, the committee would think in a rematch ND would win that game easily, because of the team the Irish have become. As I mentioned earlier, NIU's defense is real. I think pundits focus way more on NIU than the committee will if the Irish go 11-1. Again, what Texas A&M does is huge, because if they're in the SEC title game, that's a big data point in Notre Dame's favor.

Guest

2:03

Ty, Godfrey, IL. Good morning, Eric. I am a frequent visitor and an infrequent poster. I love your thoroughness and logical responses to the questions you field each week. I am interested in your thoughts regarding the following. While losing to NIU has been a continuous yet valueless discussion point among pundits this late in the season (the Irish team is much different at 6-1), I thought the loss might be considered a quality loss IF NIU played in the MAC Championship game. That doesn't appear to be an option for them, given their three losses. Might you agree? Go IRISH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Eric Hansen

2:02

Manny!!!!!!! Thank you for the easy questions!!!!! Favorite Halloween movie is cheesing. It's the Peanuts movie with the Great Pumpkin. Favorite Halloween candy? I think you nailed it with anything Reese's puts their name on.

Manny from San Pedro

2:01

Eric!!!! It’s my favorite time of year. With Halloween coming up. What’s your favorite Halloween movie and favorite Halloween candy!!!! I love Reese pumpkins!

Eric Hansen

On defense, I'll go with Josh Burnham.

2:00

Hi Mark. Thank you for the compliment and for reading the greatest hits feature. it's fun putting that together and provides some cool info that we don't have time to craft into individual stories in a busy week. So thanks for the feedback on that. I think the deeper we get into the season, the more Karson Hobbs really is the next man in for a short-term stretch for an injury or just to rotate in to keep people fresh. And Navy week may scramble this for a week. But if there were a longer term injury, I think the move would be to have Jordan Clark play outside cornerback and Rod Heard II become the nickel as in the Louisville game. I know Max Hurleman is getting some game reps too. He's the walk-on transfer from Colgate who was a four-year running back there. You've got some good, young safeties who could fill in for Heard playing nickel or corner. ... To your other prediction question, I like your picks. I'm going to go with Evans re-emerging and maybe Faison if his ankle cooperates. (more)

Guest

1:55

Mark Czar Grand Rapids. Eric thank you for the outstanding coverage. The greatest hits of quotes articles is a new favorite for me - really good stuff! Only 4 healthy CB are listed in the 2 deep. Who would be emergency #5 & 6? Who are your breakout picks for the second half - one on each side of the ball that emerge and separate themselves from the crowd? I’m going with Jaden Greathouse and Jaiden Ausberry.

Eric Hansen

1:54

Ryan, he has caught my attention the past few games. He's playing faster and more physical. I'm not sure what that will look like against Navy's unconventional offense, but for the bigger picture of ND's season, this is a significant development with him playing at this level.

Ryan Frankfort illinois

1:53

Good afternoon Eric what do you think about the play of Drayk Bowen he has looked good so far i think we win 38-14 this weekend or something like That GO IRISH 🍀🍀🏈🏈

Eric Hansen

1:53

Thank you, Mike. Family time will come soon. I hope. If not this week, then the bye week.

Mike, Phoenix

1:53

Happy Birthday!! Hope you had a great day with family! Cheers!

Eric Hansen

1:52

I think Vegas has A&M favored by 3 and I have to make picks for a contest we had with our subscribers, and I picked the Aggies to win and cover. I am not a gambler, so there's not financial payoff for me, or an emotional one for that matter. I don't think there's a huge difference between teams 7-18 in the polls. There is so much parity this year. It comes down splitting hairs in a lot of these games.

Steve Toledo Ohio

1:50

Hi Eric, I noticed you have Texas AM higher than LSU and playing them at home this week. How big of a victory do you see them winning by?

Eric Hansen

1:50

The biggest concern is losing the chess battle. Navy bases its plays on the QB reading your defense. Can you disguise your defense enough to make him make some bad reads? Can you recognize what he wants to do with the ball without the formation or personnel group tipping you off? Can you get them in third and longs? 3) If you're waiting for this offense to turn into 2023 LSU, you're going to be sadly disappointed. But two steps forward with a half step back each week through October and November is what offensive progress looks like.

1:47

2) This is a multi-part question, I'll deconstruct and answer in parts. How does he scheme. It's been different each year. Year 1 he got Ken Niumatalolo's flurry of in-game adjustments. Last year it was a blind date in which the pregame plan was almost useless. This year, the offense and philosophy behind it is very different. Navy doesn't default to sitting on the ball. But they can. To me, the starting point in prep in recognition and discipline ... not overpursuing, etc. Because Navy can and will THROW it over your heads. (more)

1:43

Hi Sean, and thank you for your questions. To question 1, I don't think Marcus Freeman and Mike Denbrock see this situation the same way you do, going into the season with six collective college starts, losing a starting left tackle in training camp for the season, losing the starting center in game 3 and losing your best lineman for almost half a season. If everyone is healthy next fall (and Ashton Craig's recovery could linger), who are the starting five when you add back in Charles Jagusah and Craig and Schrauth and consider the strides made by Guerby Lambert and Sullivan Absher. Now if we're bellyaching about THAT line, then yeah let's have the hot seat discussion. (more)

Sean, Portland OR

1:37

Hi Eric, thanks for your chats. Our o-line... oof. I know Knapp gets some bad publicity, but he was decent vs. GT. Obviously another high profile holding call, but in general, he was decent. It was actually the interior 3 that got blown up constantly vs. GT. Hopefully they can get right and find some confidence vs. Navy. 1) If these guys are still performing at this level next year, Is Rudolph on the hot seat? 2) How does Golden typically scheme Navy? 2 years ago, the 2nd half was a disaster. But last year, it was smooth sailing start to finish. Biggest defensive concern? Young LBs staying disciplined? 3) How can ND avoid having a dead period on offense where they forget how to score for a quarter and a half?

Eric Hansen

1:36

Remember, because of his recovery timeline and that of Riley Leonard, they're just now really getting in sync with each other. I think the best is yet to come from those two.

Now my two cents ...

“Obviously, coming back initially, I maybe just felt a little hesitant in terms of my knee stability in the sense of being in there. Not like me stepping and it giving out or whatever. More just me blocking and somebody else coming again. Because that’s [how] I got hit when it happened. It was more that aspect. Just kind of practicing, kind of getting back into the flow of things, I feel like I’ve lost that worry and I’ve grown out of it. The last couple weeks I feel like I’ve had zero worry about anything. I feel like my game has been physical. I’ve kind of stopped thinking and more just playing football. I feel like my game’s kind of taking off a little bit. Obviously, I’ve been thinking about what I’m supposed to do, but in terms of on the ball snap time, I’ve just been letting it loose now and quit being hesitant. I feel like you can kind of see that on the film. I’m a little more explosive in the sense of off the ball. I feel a little more comfortable.”

1:35

Hi Tom and thank you. And I won't bury the lead here ... Mitchell Evans is making real progress toward being that guy. HE finally feels like he is. He played a season-high 51 snaps Saturday against Georgia Tech and had a season-high four catches. His blocking is improving dramatically. Here's a quote from his interview with the print/internet media last night that should give you some perspective:

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