JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat Oct. 6, 2021

Notre Dame Football Live Chat Oct. 6, 2021

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Eric Hansen

12:28

As you might expect, there are scads of offensive line questions. I promise to address those, but I also want to mix in some other topics so we don't get too monotonous here. And I don't blame you for asking the O-Line questions.

12:26

Brian Kelly's record vs. Top 25 teams (ranked at the time of the meeting) is 1-1 this season, 23-22 at Notre Dame, 31-27 in his FBS coaching career.

Don - Cincinnati, OH

12:23

What is Brian Kelly's career winning percentage (bowl games included) against ranked teams? I assume the winning percentage is less than 40%. His team's just can't seem to win the big games - although it is a lot to expect to beat Alabama (and Clemson during its heyday - which he did in 2020!)..

Eric Hansen

12:22

This will be the fourth week in a row in which Andrew Kristofic will be part of a guard rotation. A change was made at left tackle because one player had a concussion and another's still-healing ankle wasn't allowing him to play at a high level. So I'm confused about the point you're trying to make. Let me re-make my point, so it's clear. It's a gamble to make personnel changes in the offensiv eline outside of a bye week or bowl prep because of the nature of the position group. There's an investment you make at the start of the season in building consistency, cohesion and continuity. If, as a coach, you decide to make a personnel change, then you're forfeiting part of that initial investment. In rare cases, it's worth it. It's much easier to flip personnel in other position groups.

Steve F from DFW

12:17

Hi Eric - Last week I was told changes to the O-Line could not be made. Now we have a guard rotation. Comments??? 😂

Eric Hansen

12:17

I've watched some of the teams you've mentioned, and I don't think Tyler Buchner's footspeed is lacking compared to those other QBs. Jack Coan, yes. ... as far as predictability on offense, the O-line issues dictating additional protections are going to limit formations and the plays you can run out of those formations. Two things will help that -- better offensive line play and a quarterback who has more escapability.

12:14

I've had a chance to speak with Josh Lugg and Cain Madden in recent weeks from the O-line. No scholarship offensive linemen were included in last night's player availability. Yes, they are aware of the criticism, or at least they suspect it. Lugg told me he turns of his social media during the season and many of the other linemen do too, he said. He also said "We don't need to have someone else tell us we're not playing well. We know." He and Madden both seemed to think they weren't that far away from seeing some tangible progress. I think most Notre Dame players come there with the idea there's going to be intense scrutiny. I can't speak for how the younger linemen are handling it. (more)

Tom from Lansing, Michigan

12:06

Thanks for taking my question, Eric. Most of the blame for Notre Dame's loss last Saturday and disappointing offense this season has been placed on poor performance by the offensive line. Are they aware of this criticism and how are they handling it? And a comment: watching other teams it seems as though our quarterbacks are much slower and less dynamic than peers at places like Arizona State, BYU, UCLA etc. Why? And our plays seem slow developing. Watching games I usually can tell by the way we line up what is coming. Aren't the coaches aware of this slowness and predictability? Thanks!

Eric Hansen

Buckle up. Here we go.

12:04

PLEASE remember to include your NAME and hometown.

12:03

I'll tolerate whining this week, but let's keep it in moderation and make sure there's a question that follows it.

12:02

Here are the rules.