JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat Oct. 26, 2021

Notre Dame Football Live Chat Oct. 26, 2021

Prev Page View Full Chat

Aaron, Washington D.C.

1:55

Hi Eric, hope you're doing well this week. Beggars can't be choosers but it's hard to walk away from UNLV with a positive feeling. Despite them playing a number of backups, UNLV had decent success moving the ball (largely 2nd half). What's plaguing the defense from elevating their play to being dominant? Lots of good players - is transitioning to a new system still the issue? It's surprising that we're half-way through the season and continue to see such effectiveness from opponents like UNLV running the ball. Offensively, I appreciate Coach Freeman not being critical of players and taking responsibility as coaches. That said, should we conclude that the quarterback position has limited ability right now and it probably won't improve much without a change in personnel? Any concerns that Lorenzo Styles will transfer because this? You mentioned that you thought there could be better options in the transfer portal than Cade McNamara. Any hypothetical thoughts on who could be available?

Eric Hansen

1:55

It really depends on ND's final record, which one of those is most likely.

1:54

Ced, Notre Dame would like to hold onto the recruits is has and add a QB, a WR and maybe an edge player on defense. Unless ND won out, there won't play in a New Year's Six game, so they'd fall into the Tier One pool of bowls associated with the ACC. That group comprises:

Wasabi Fenway Bowl ACC vs. AAC Sat., Dec. 17, 2022 11 a.m. ESPN
Military Bowl Presented by Peraton ACC vs. AAC Wed., Dec. 28, 2022 2 p.m ESPN
San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl ACC vs. Pac-12 Wed., Dec. 28, 2022 8 p.m. FOX
Pinstripe Bowl ACC vs. Big Ten Thurs., Dec. 29, 2022 2 p.m. ESPN
Cheez-It Bowl ACC vs. Big 12 Thurs. Dec. 29, 2022 5:30 p.m. ESPN
Duke’s Mayo Bowl ACC vs. Big Ten Fri., Dec. 30, 2022 Noon ESPN
Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl ACC vs. Pac-12 Fri., Dec. 30, 2022 2 p.m. CBS
TaxSlayer Gator Bowl ACC vs. SEC Fri., Dec. 30, 2022 3:30 p.m. ESPN
ReliaQuest Bowl*ACC/Big Ten vs. SECMon., Jan. 2, 2023Noon ESPN2

cederickwalker

1:45

ced walker saginaw michigan what recruits will end up at notre dame national signing day what bowl do u see notre dame playing in after the season the golden standard rally we are nd go irish love thee notre dame our mother pray for us

Eric Hansen

1:45

All in all, it's a great recruiting staff and a very good teaching staff. As they work together more and get to know each other more, I think that will show up on the field. .. I need to add to the recruiting list ... my phone-a-friend told me that ND would like to add an O-lineman and Brandon Hillman (a multi-position prospect) as well.

1:44

I think tight ends coach Gerad Parker has done a good jbo of juggling personnel around some injuries and behind Michael Mayer. His coordinator experience is valuable in the meeting room. There are two I think we'll see maybe more overtly impactful later in the season/next year. That's WR coach Chansi Stuckey and DC/LB coach Al Golden. Big changes in scheme or technique teaching, etc. One step back before the steps forward. You could say that with O-line too, though they're surging now. ... Then there's Al Washington at D-line. I think I need more time to assess that. Mike Elston was excellent, and there was a very tight bond between him and the players. So AW gets an incomplete for his grade for now. (more)

1:39

I think special teams coach Brian Mason has been outstanding. He plucked Jon Sot out of the transfer portal and get him to walk on. He's one of the best punters in the country, and ND wins a lot of field position battles because of Sot and the coverage. Four blocked punts in a season ties the modern school record -- with at least five games to go. Plucks a freshman walk-on kicker out ot Ohio State's backyard (Yoakam) who's been outstanding on kickoffs, and he was Plan B. ... Harry Hiestand at OL has been very good, and the line will continue to get better. RBs coach Deland McCullough gets high marks, as you mentioned. (more)

Don in Phoenix

1:33

Eric, haven't caught up with this week's Monday Night Live but hope to watch a replay later today. We are midway through the season and it may be too early to ask this ....there are 7 new coaches, ST, LB/DC, DL, OL, RB, TE, WR as well as a first time HC. OL and RB seem to be OK. Hard to tell with TE as Mayer makes coaches look good. What coaches appear to be under performing? Which are making a difference for the positive? How much is Elston missed?

Eric Hansen

1:29

Hi Jackson. It's an excellent question, and thanks for reminding me. I had that rolling around in my head and it got lost. So I'll be sure to ask about Buchner Thursday during Marcus Freeman's Zoom availability. ... The injury was ot his left (non-throwing shoulder), so you would think he could get some non-contact work in if he hasn't aleady. ... I think your assessment of the CJ Carr timeline is very realistic. If he is ahead of that, it's icing on the cake, but you can't count on it. ... The deeper we get into this season, the more a grad transfer for 2023 at QB makes sense.

jackson - norcross ga

1:24

Eric, Thanks for the chat. I have many questions as to why we are where we are but this is a question about the future. Many think the arrival of CJ Carr is going to save the day at the QB position but realistically I don't think we can expect any impact from him until he has been in the program at least 1 full year and possibly 2. Looking at the top QBs in passing yards the only one I recognize in the top 50, at a known school that is younger than a junior is Drake Maye who is a red shirt freshman. Best case scenario if CJ does not reclassify, is him making an impact on the 2025 season. And that is if he gets proper development his freshman year. Is TB able to participate in any throwing, mechanic, footwork or 7v7 drills yet? Seems like the perfect job for a GA or analyst is to make sure he is as ready as possible come spring. The only other option is to bring in a QB grad transfer for the 2023 season.

Eric Hansen

“There’s ways to get him in the game probably earlier. Get him going, get him feeling good. When he’s in that mindset, he can be really, really great. I’ve let him down by not getting him going early in games, to get him into that groove. You look at the Oklahoma State game, he had a tremendous game, but he started fast. How can we get Zo to start fast early in the game to get him going? That’s something I’m driven to do and want to do. We have to allow his ability to show up and that’s on me.”

1:23

I asked OC Tommy Rees about Styles last night at the coordinator media availability, because I had the same curiosity you did. Here is what he said:

How would you evaluate Lorenzo Styles so far this season? What do you want to see from him down the stretch?

“He’s made some really good plays for us and created some explosives. The Carolina game is probably the best example. I have to do a better job to continue to put him in spots to make those plays. We don’t lose any trust over a drop. That’s not the case. We’re going to continue to target him. I told him that, ‘Hey, we have you in man coverage with a safety, that’s the look we want. We’re going to continue to find ways to do that. We trust you’re going to go make the play.’

(more)

1:20

Hi Tom. Not trying to make excuses here, but we have a huge media contingent. Notre Dame tries to be fair to everyone in limiting questions to one question and a follow. And the postgame press conferences don't last until everyone has had their chance (Monday does). So you have to prioritize your questions. And there's a chance one like the one regarding Kiser doesn't get asked. Bot everyone has the same agenda. ND went to nickle with Kiser out of the game, and Kollie doesn't play rover, so that explains Kollie's snap count. ... We saw so little of Colzie healthy in training camp, it's hard to get a sense of what he can do in a game. But would you rather have Tobias Merriweather or Colzie on the field? At this point, my choice would be Merriweather. (more)

Tom Kennesaw, GA

1:14

Hi Eric, I was glad to hear MF clear up the low snap counts for Kiser, Joseph vs UNLV in his presser. Were you surprised that info did not come out until someone asked about it Monday? With Kiser not available it seemed like Kollie could have gotten more than 15 snaps?? Also a good time to get Sneed some snaps?? Are you surprised that Colzie only had 8 snaps Saturday? Did you think he would be a bigger part of the game plan?? Any thoughts on why Styles has not progressed more this season thus far? He has a lot of talent. Thanks for all of your insight and behind the scenes info. Go Irish!!!

Eric Hansen

1:13

Hi Jeff, and thank you. OK, so we're not talking about any potential freshman earning a key role, but someone maybe that's outside the Rivals top 250. Unlike previous years, there aren't a lot of those guys in this class. I'd say Ben Minich at safety is a guy who could surprise and find a spot in that rotation. Not as a starter, but a rotational player, kind of like Xavier Watts is now.

Jeff from Phoenix

1:06

Good morning Eric! Hey, with only a few weeks until early signing day for the next class, I have a question about the potential impact of the 2023 class on next season. Do you see a “Ben Morrison” type upside surprise for a freshman that could have significant playing time in 2023 and potentially a starter after a few games? Unlike Ben, is it likely to be an early (January) enrollee? Thanks for continuing the chats despite the added podcasts and responsibilities.

Eric Hansen

1:04

Sneed was slow to come along, because he wasn't a finished product as a linebacker or anywhere close to it in high school. Played for a great coach, but played all over the field, including the team's starting quarterback. It look Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, in a similar situation, until his junior year at ND to make his first tackle ... but once the light came on, he was electric ... Sneed can be that kind of player. And barring injury, he could get there quicker. ... As far as the five-star WR you referred to -- Jordan Johnson. He transferred to UCF and has been a bust there too. He still has zero catches in college, and it's not injury-related. He's played in three games this season in mop-up duty,

12:59

Hi Joe. You just have to know where to look. I do a transcript every Tuesday night posted at insidendsports.com of defensive coordinator Al Golden's meeting with the media. I've asked about Jaylen Sneed each of the past two weeks. Here's what he had to say this week:

Q: With no Bo Bauer, how do you feel about your linebacker depth? And is there anybody on the horizon that might be able to help?

Golden: “Yeah, we just keep pushing Jalen Sneed. I think that's the guy that needs to come on here down the stretch. He was really close last Saturday. We had a rash of injuries there. Jack (Kiser) goes down. PK (Prince Kollie) is on the ground, and I turned to coach (James) Laurinaitis and said, ‘Make sure you get Jalen ready to go.’ So, we were really close last week. Jalen's got to keep pushing and learning, but he would be the next guy up.” (more)

Guest

12:55

Joe H Williams Bay Wi Hi Eric Thanks again for all the insight you provide every week.I have heard almost nothing about our top rated freshman recruit Javon Snead except that he’s on the scout team Why is that so and are we looking at a similar situation to our 5 star wide receiver of two years ago who also never got on the field and subsequently transferred

Eric Hansen

12:52

Hi Nathan and thanks. I don't know that Al Golden's scheme was so complex as much as it was piling on a third different scheme in three years, with a third different linebackers coach and a third different DC. There wasn't a lot of continuity in terms of terminology, etc. There are some defensive-minded coaches who call their defenses or did at one point. I talked to one the other day, and he said it was a mistake. Took too much time away from other head coaching priorities. Marcus Freeman could have done that, but then what does he take off his plate to accomplish that? Less recruiting? Less learning about offense and being fully involved? I think hiring Golden was the right move, especially considering his head coaching experience and being able to be a sounding board in that regard. Marcus can still cherry pick in practice and work with the defense when he feels it's warranted.

Guest

12:46

Nathan - Lafayette, Indiana: I've heard some of the frustrations on defense can be attributed to the complex scheme implemented by Al Golden. It seems that there are plenty of offensive head coaches around the country that call the offense. Is that something that ever happens with defensive-minded coaches? Does Marcus Freeman call any of the defense and if not, then why did he so quickly relinquish the role at the potential detriment to the team's execution? Thanks! Really appreciate the chat and the work you do!

Eric Hansen

12:45

I think leaving Audric on the sideline was the right move. Three fumbles in four weeks isn't random ... it is a pattern. After the first one, he told the media that was the first lost fumble he could remember ever having. ... Jonas Gray had a similar issue during his career and it became mental. He ended up working with a sports pychologist, and that was a big help. Depending on how Estimé practiced this week, I'd be open to using him again against Syracuse.

12:42

Syracuse and Clemson will be good gauges as to how much better. ... The Mitchell Evans package intrigued me. He was a high school quarterback, so playing QB is in his comfort zone. I believe they just had the one play for him (go in motion, take snap, sneak) and they could expand that. I could see that as an occasional wrinkle with some other options. Occasional. If you're going to have a red zone QB, maybe Angeli is the answer, as Book was in 2018 before he overtook Brandon Wimbush. He at least has some size and is a better runner than Pyne (but not elite). (more)

12:37

Thanks Tom. Notre Dame has not been good in the red zone this year (84th nationally). In fact, in Rees' three seasons as OC, the Irish have been 84th, 32nd in 2021 and 102nd in 2000. Ironically, Chip Long has been the best red zone OC since 2010 (10th, 44th and 14th in this three seasons). I think one of the reasons ND was markedly better in 2021 than Rees' other two season is you had a QB who could sneak it or run it on the perimeter, an element Drew Pyne doesn't give you. That's one less thing the defense has to worry about and plan for. The issues have varied, but ND is becoming a better short-yardage team. (more)

Tom from Grand Rapids

12:24

Eric, a pleasure as always. Is OC Rees the second edition of Chip Long? At times, I believe this entire fan base just shakes their collective heads, saying WTF! Especially after the second blocked punt, with a 2nd &5 at the 9yd line turns into a field goal. Granted #87 dropped the pass but I thought this Oline was a strength of the offense? Or could the offense formation the defense into more favorable running plays as the receiving corp can’t seem to get open on a regular basis. I’d also ask your opinion on getting Estimé back in the game Saturday despite the fumble(s) to get him some positive’s. I understand if he can’t hold onto the football he’s not gonna play, but he and Diggs are the power running game of this team. Also what’s your opinion of possible wildcat on the goal line using Mitchell Evans as a big body that Can move pile, and possibly pass also?

Eric Hansen

12:23

I think there's obvious value in getting Angeli game reps. But the deeper he goes into the season with limited ones, the less the urgency is, especially because his playbook package is so limited. But yes, I would have liked to see him. Why some fans want to see him in the game, is because they want to see if he is BETTER than Pyne. ... Pete Sampson is a guy I have a lot of respect for, but, unfortunately, I don't get the chance to read the work of other people on the beat as much as I'd like because I run out of time. I'm glad you got that opportunity.

12:18

Where the missed opportunity was in my mind was after Drew Pyne got knocked out of the game with a hit to the head in the second quarter. Angeli came in for the final play of that drive (a Mitchell Evans touchdown lunge) and the first two plays of the next ND drive following a Clarence Lewis fumble recovery. The Irish were up 30-7 when that drive started with 3:32 left in the first half. Angeli handed off the first two plays of that drive, then Pyne came back in. I would have let Angeli finish that drive — to get him the game experience and give Pyne a little bit more time following that hit to the head. Pyne ended up handing off three times, completing a short pass, throwing an incompletion and then getting picked off. (more)

12:13

Hi Jim and thank you. ... Sometimes we box coaches into a particular quote or philosophy and don't give them leeway for the context of the situation. I understand what Marcus was saying about putting Angeli in after UNLV knocked the lead down to two scores (16 points) in the fourth quarter. What if Angeli comes in and goes three and out, and UNLV scores again? I think that's being smart, not non-aggressive. Notre Dame was able to put together a scoring drive at that point that chewed 5:06 off the clock and basically game over. (more)

Jim, Oakwood, OH

12:05

Hi Eric, I read your Monday "Notebook" - and my question concerns why Coach Free did not play Steve Angeli late in the UNLV game. I've seen his explanation (that UNLV scored late and ND's 2 TD lead may not have been safe so he wasn't used) but that seems awfully "conservative" to me - perhaps a fear of losing? - and that runs counter to Coach's myriad of uses of the phrase "I'm going to be aggressive." As you stated in the notebook, there are perhaps 2 games remaining where the ND score may allow Angeli's game play, but certainly the downside of not playing him vs UNLV is that Angeli has no game reps should Drew take a strong hit and cannot play in the next 2 major games. Your thoughts? #2. Did you read Pete Sampson's ND article in The Athletic, where he said ND's Saturday game "felt like the fifth stage of the grieving process: Denial (OSU), anger (Marshall), bargaining (Drew vs UNC & BYU) depression (Stanford) and now acceptance (UNLV)." An interesting analysis, yes? Be well & thanks for your excellence.

Eric Hansen

Let the chatting begin!

12:04

Here are the rules:

PLEASE remember to include your NAME and HOMETOWN along with your question.

As far as the chat goes ...

12:03

Tyler James and I were back with our YouTube show, Monday Night Live, this week with the week’s headlines, a full review of the UNLV game, viewer questions and a Syracuse 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.
Finally, recruiting writer Kyle Kelly will host a subscribers-only recruiting chat in the Insider Lounge on Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. EDT.

12:02

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 Tom Lemming. Lots of great insight from the longtime national recruiting analyst and publisher of the Prep Football Report. Among the topics discussed are Notre Dame QBs Drew Pyne, Steve Angeli and Tyler Buchner, their talent and development, ND's QB recruiting efforts, whether 2024 commit CJ Carr has the potential to be special and more.

12:01

Welcome to Notre Dame Football Live Chat, Syracuse Week Edition.

Connecting…

Message History

On Off

Your current subscriptions

None

E-mail Address	Chat Owner	Status	Remove

Enter your email address to be notified when Eric Hansen hosts a chat