JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat Oct. 28, 2020

Notre Dame Football Live Chat Oct. 28, 2020

Eric Hansen

3:07

OK, I've run out of time, but not great questions. I will continue to work on my typing speed (actually it's more a matter of thinking speed). Thanks for being part of the chat. We'll be back to do it all over again next week — Clemson Week — Wednesday at noon EST.

3:05

Some athletes have a tough time mentally coming back from a certain injury. He has NEVER looked the same since coming back from the abdominal injury. Doesn't look like the same player.

Bob

3:04

From Rochester NY. Jafar Armstrong looked extremely tentative last week. Any perspective on why he looks like a shell of his 2018 form?

Eric Hansen

3:04

GB, actually that was me who wrote that, so I'll be happy to agree with myself on that point. I do think it's a fair point to wonder about Alexander and the wide receivers. In fact, I just did a couple of questions ago.

GB from Wasilla, Alaska

3:02

Eric, ND upped the passing game against Pitt but accuracy still seemed to be an issue. One of theother SBT columnists said this, "Certainly chemistry with Book is a huge factor at wide receiver, and the challenge in introducing new options is that an unwieldy rotation doesn’t necessarily lend itself to that." What do you think?. Why aren’t we talking about Rees’ role in QB development since he has been QB coach? Why aren’t we talking about Alexander in his development of receivers?

Eric Hansen

3:01

The game differential thing is going to be an intriguing/weird aspect I can't wait to see how the Playoff committee handles. And the reason is because in the past they made such a statement about the 13th "data point" vs. teams that played 12 games. Do they grade on a COVID curve? I think with nine conferences games, the Big Ten probably has earned some of that. I say no to the Pac-12 and its seven games.

Tom Kennesaw, GA

2:59

Eric, I am not a fan of allowing the Big 10 and other late joining teams being included in the Playoff Picture. To me it is like joining a Marathon Race at the 10-mile mark. Less distance to travel, less wear and tear, less chance for that "bad day". I understand that those players had nothing to do with the decision to start late and they shouldn't be punished. I just think things should be on an even playing field. This has nothing to do with the possibility of team like Ohio State keeping ND out of the Playoffs....ok, maybe it does just a little. Your thoughts. Here's a good sign: the Dodgers last World Series Championship was 1988 just like Notre Dame's. Maybe this year can be our year too. Go Irish!!

Eric Hansen

2:58

Hi Marie. I wish we could buy you a beer in Atlanta this weekend. Maybe post-COVID. I think both qualities help, but you're right about route-running. And I've always wondered about Del Alexander's ability to teach it. I don't have a definitive answer, but I know Mike Denbrock was very good at teaching it. I think Avery Davis has played himself into a position to get more opportunities, yes.

Marie from Atlanta

2:55

Hi Eric, I hope you’re keeping safe with the numbers going up in Indiana. I heard a well-known wide receiver say that getting separation is more about route running then pure speed. Better route running seems like it would have a lot to do with coaching.Do you agree and Is there something that can be done in the short term to coach up the wide receivers prior to the Clemson game? Also, do you see Avery Davis getting more targets? He seems to be the wide receiver with the best ability to gain yards after catching the ball. As always, thanks for hosting the chat.

Eric Hansen

2:55

Cory, I get asked this question every year and have done some deeper dives on it that I did between chats. I don't have time to look up my old research. It really comes down to how your team is constructed and how likely it is you can score on your opening drive if you receive. Brian Kelly's numbers when ND scores first and leads at halftime are much higher than his overall winning percentage, so he's got numbers in his favor.

Cory from CT

2:52

Hi Eric, thanks as always for these! I asked last week and you didn't have time, so I'll make this real quick.. Could you fill me an others in on why Brian Kelly always chooses to receive the kickoff first? It seems like most other coaches (esp the ones that win a lot) kick first. Kicking seems like the more advantageous strategy and I even saw an article saying that the number of coaches in the NFL that kick first has gone up quite a bit in the last 10 years. Stay safe and thanks again!

Eric Hansen

2:46

He reminds me of Dayne Crist from a personality/maturity standpoint. And that's a high compliment as far as I'm concerned.

Will Vandiver from Seattle

2:44

Eric - I heard the Podcast with Tyler Buchner the other night. He was incredibly poised and sounds ready for Heisman interviews - or the broadcast booth. Does his poise at this stage remind you of any previous Irish QB, and, does it portend good things?

Eric Hansen

2:44

I think there's a role for him, but he needs to get more consistent when it comes to making contested catches. If Lenzy is ever 100 percent and able to become a consistent deep threat, Ben Skowronek could move to the boundary receiver, which would squeeze McKinley's playing time. He's got an open window right now to prove he can be consistent.

John from Chicago

2:42

What are your thoughts on where the Irish go with McKinley? It's pretty clear he will never be a dynamic weapon in the passing game, but I'm hesitant to take him off the field given he's been a beast blocking on the outside.

Eric Hansen

2:42

The Pac-12 is going to have an incredibly difficult time getting the playoff committee's attention playing only seven games, and they know it. ... Re running up the score, the committee watches the games and does deep dives into these teams. They're not going to be fooled by a stray TD here or there.

Jeff from Phoenix

2:41

Hey Eric, wanted to get your perspective on whether teams seem to be running up the score in this season where many teams have a shorter season and thus a condensed resume that could influence the polls and playoff selection committee. Evidence to support my concern would be Ohio State's final TD and some weird timeout stuff/field goal at the end of the Oklahoma game (admittedly a short list of examples). Coach's are giving the reason that players need the reps. Is this a concern esp with the PAC-12 coming online?

Eric Hansen

2:40

Andy, Happy everything to you. You seem like a happy person in general. That's awesome. I think there are situations where C'Bo makes sense, but Tyree can hit the home runs with this speed that C'Bo can't. And the Irish don't have an abundance of that on their roster right now. I think there's a role for both.

Andy - San Antonio, TX

2:38

Eric, Happy Wednesday from South Texas! Should C'bo Flemister be the #2 back behind Kryen Williams? All the backs have been very impressive this year, but I think C'bo has been more productive (or maybe powerful is the right word) with his carries. Best regards - looking forward to the Clemson Chat next week!!

Eric Hansen

2:38

Mike Golic Sr. is going to do the color commentary, so I trust him to talk over the noise.

Larry Terre Haute IN

2:37

Slighty different question - ABC last Sat. had "fan" noise so loud that it was hard to hear the announcers. Hope they do better this Sat! Talked to other ND fans and they agree - it was terrible.

Eric Hansen

2:37

It really depends on matchups and how you want to leverage that. Do you gain more than you lose bringing a second back onto the field and taking off a second tight end or third wide receiver? If you can get Tyree or Kyren isolated in a bad matchup on a pass play, I could see sprinkling some of that in.

Whitey from Alpha, NJ

2:35

Hi Eric -Thanks for the holding these chats. Do you think we will see a few more two-back sets with both Williams and Tyree on the field? Can't imagine neither could be covered by a linebacker. Thanks

Eric Hansen

2:35

Not concerned, but that's an area that needs to show improvement this week and beyond.

Matt from Nappanee, IN

2:35

Eric. are you concerned at the lack of defensive sacks? Curious if the number of blitzes thus far have been low as well?

Eric Hansen

2:34

Clark is outstanding, no question. But there's not a weak link in that coaching staff right now, and I think Mike Elston would get first crack at defensive coordinator and would be very, very good. I think if they go outside, I'd look at Cincinnati's Marcus Freeman.

Jay from Chicago

2:33

Hi Eric, a very important priority for any successful organization is succession planning. Do you know to what extent that the ND football/university administration prioritizes this? Obviously it is a very fluid situation with the rapid pace of coaching changes, etc. but I am curious whether any planning is done proactively or whether it is more of a reactive thing once a coach exits. I have a growing fear with the passage of every game that Clark Lea will be gone sooner rather than later. I just hope the excellent ND defense he has groomed does not go with him.

Eric Hansen

2:32

Don, I am well. Thanks for asking. ... Notre Dame is 38-6 since bringing Dr. Amber Selking on board as a consultant. Obviously, there are many other reasons for that run after the 4-8 season, but the players routinely cite Selking and how she's helped them individually. I'm not sure she figured into BK's decision to change his outlook re Clemson, but she does a lot to help the team.

Don Phoenix

2:29

Hope you are well. Havent made a chat for a long time but read them all. Interesting to see Kelly look forward. When watching the games I see the performance coach on the sidelines and she is always one of the first to greet a player off the field after a good play. Do you think she had anything to do with the change in looking beyond the next game?

Eric Hansen

2:27

Rob, it really is opponent/matchup specific and the ability to sometimes hide that intention pre-snap is valuable too. I think Clark has found a better balance with this than VanGorder did with Jaylon Smith. As great as Jaylon was in coverage, there were missed opportunities to use him in pass-rush situations.

Irish Rob from Scranton PA

2:26

Eric, I have been wondering if Clark Lea, has a feel for how often Wu needs to be in coverage vs near the line of scrimmage? Before I plopped down to enjoy the Pitt thrashing, I got to wondering why he hadn't been as impactful, seemingly, as he was week 1. It seems to be a coverage vs the LOS thing from what I can see, though he does impact both, of course. Is it opponent/formation specific, in terms of what his responsibilities are, and if so, what do you think his greatest usage will be vs a Clemson who has athletes all over the field?

Eric Hansen

2:25

Steve, really appreciate it. Other than the games, this is my favorite work thing to do all week.

Steve Grand Rapids

2:24

Eric: Forgot to give you the props your work deserves. Your commitment, patience and perspective are very appreciated. First time live listener as the virus has forced my wife and I inside and home.It's awesome to sneak in my nightly reading during the day.Thanks for helping our spirits and speeding our recovery.

Eric Hansen

2:24

Ed, thanks so much for the feedback and for jumping in with a question this week. North Carolina is really, really good offensively, so I'd put them as the next hardest game, plus it's on the road and with a short week. But the BC game, between Clemson and NC, is a trap game. BC isn't nearly as good as those other two teams, but we all know the dynamic in play there. The good news is BC's offensive line is one of the worst in the ACC at protecting its quarterback. ... An improving Wake Forest team (Dec. 12) may be a tougher out than if the Irish had played them on Sept. 26.

Ed from Golden, CO

2:20

Long time reader, haven't been very active in the question department. Love the chats, especially your level headed answers to most questions, and your great answers to some of the ridiculous questions. Loved Doug from Sunny Florida's comment, and your subsequent reply. Laughed hard at that. After Clemson, which game do you see as the toughest for the rest of the season considering the talent of the opposing team, the game location, and the spot in the schedule? Thanks!

Eric Hansen

2:19

Thanks Chris. I think the most immediate concern is getting to the bottom of what happened with DE commitment David Abiara on the legal front. Other than that, I think ND has moved back into a position of positive momentum on the recruiting trail.

Chris in Albuquerque

2:14

Great chats, any news good/bad coming for us soon in recruiting?

Eric Hansen

2:09

Their loss to BC was really weird in that one of the worst rushing teams in the country ran all over Tech and they labored in the passing game to the point Phil Jurkovec is now behind Ian Book in the national pass efficiency rankings. The two teams that passed at will against Georgia Tech were UCF and Clemson. I think ND's ability to run well will open up opportunities in the passing game.

Lawrence from San Diego

2:02

Looks like GT can get diced by the run. Where do you see opportunities to attack them in the passing game, and how does that fit with the development we are looking for in that area?

Eric Hansen

2:02

I'm going to pretend I don't understand that question.

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