JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat Oct. 7, 2020 | 10/7/2020

Notre Dame Football Live Chat Oct. 7, 2020

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Eric Hansen

That's going to do it for this week. Thanks for all the great questions. We'll be back to do it all over again next Wednesday at noon EDT.

3:07

Mike. I wish I had a little more time to tease this out. I think you need. Let's start with the QB question. The team pass efficiency ratings for the last 10 nation champions were: 2-13-10-18-34-2-1-1-35-1. ... So ... the two outliers are Alabama teams. So yes and elite QB is ONE of the key factors, but not the only one. ... Definitely listened to some VH last night and today.

Mike, Lemont, Il

2:59

Eric, How much Van Halen did you listen to last night? EVH was the King. I already knew you were a dude I wanted to have a drink with and than you posted VH as the music ND should add to the rotation. Awesome. Do you think you needs great QB play to win the title? I know a lot of people think this way but I'm not sure Kevin McDougal was exceptional, maybe very good, but not the best. And everyone knows ND won the 93 title. You always bring us back to reality with your stats about how you need a top rushing D to compete for the title. Thank you for the chats. Cheers! Rock on!

Eric Hansen

2:58

None, and he can do wide receiver-like things as a running back with a linebacker or safety trying to cover him instead of a cornerback.

Dan from Vernon iHills Il

2:57

With the depth at running back and the problems at wide receiver, has there been any talk of moving Jafar Armstrong to WR?

Eric Hansen

2:57

I agree with Brian Kelly's assessment that the passing game will get better incrementally with the returning players and with game experience to smooth out the chemistry. Again, the podcast this week with Corey Robinson provides a lot of insight on that particular dynamic.

Jake from Saratoga Springs

2:56

Hello Eric, wanted to know what your thoughts are on where ND will go if they get their best receivers back on the field and the passing game does not improve dramatically. I think their line is very good and theirs are performing great so far but the higher echelon teams will simply load the box. Thanks.

Eric Hansen

2:55

Denis, the variable no one can account for is how much the change of scenery changed Jurkovec's trajectory. Even if Book had gotten abducted by aliens and Phil was the default starter, the pressure of leading a 2020 ND team that has the talent to make a run at a playoff berth and the pressure of leading a BC team that has the talent to surprise and not be awful in the ACC are two very different things. We can project and guess, but we don't know. But I always believe you play for the year that's ahead of you and worry about next year when you get to next year. Doing otherwise sends a very bad message to your seniors.

Denis from Niagara Falls, On

2:52

Denis from the Falls. Hi Eric. An interesting question, I hope. Would ND perhaps have been better off this year with an inexperienced Jurkovic this year and then an experienced Jurkovic next year. Of course the other choice is the one most likely playing out now. A tapped out book this year and probably first time starter Buchner next year. I am assuming Jurkovic stays under this scenario. I am asking you to comment on the two different two-year cycles. I believe the first scenario would yield better results over two years. Thanks very much.

Eric Hansen

2:51

Haha. I love it, especially with a 21-day gap without football.

Tim - Pleasant Prairie WI

2:50

Hi Eric! On the lighter side, the phrase "The previous play is under further review" makes me crazy. It's actually under INITIAL review, is it not? Now, if they review the play, come back to the microphone, then decide to review it again, THEN it is under FURTHER review. Thanks for indulging my sick, over analytical mind.

Eric Hansen

2:50

OK, here's the deal and I'm going to do this once to be fair to everyone. I wrote about this for our special section, which came out Aug. 9. It was a premium story on our website. However, because the MAC, Big Ten and Pac-12 were all bailing on football about that time and a lot of the national media was using the clever dominoes cliche about the ACC, it was difficult to promote the section or the story. Just bad, bad timing. So a couple of weeks ago, someone asked me very nicely in the chat about the story. I shared it with him and the handful of others who immediately asked as well. I continue to get asked. So I'm going to be nice and share the link as a free story to all of you. Here it is. The score of the story is much wider than the Michigan game. I hope you enjoy it.
https://www.ndinsider.com/football/notre-dames-brian-kelly-answers-mic...

Sean, Portland, OR

2:44

Can you link any articles or details regarding the Michigan travesty from last year? I don't know that I will ever get over this.

Eric Hansen

2:43

Mike, thanks. The roughing and running into the kicker penalties are much more well-defined when there's not a bad snap. In that case, you're trying to protect both the leg extended and the plant leg. However, with a bad snap, here is how the rule is interpreted: "After a bad snap it is not reasonably certain a kick will be made. That means the defense gets the benefit of any doubt as to whether or not contact with the kicker is avoidable."

Mike from Danville IN

2:42

I appreciate your work on these chats and your writing. Since the punter got the punt off and Botelho didn’t touch the ball, when he slammed into the punter, why wasn’t it roughing the kicker?

Eric Hansen

2:34

Jim, Father Jenkins is usually out of my lane in terms of what I'm writing about or even thinking about. In this case, it's a hard story to claim tunnel vision to get out of having an opinion. So here goes. He's put himself in a very difficult position in having credibility with the students on his campus. I think he could have come with a stronger apology. His actions moving forward are going to be dissected and watched very closely. He needs to take that opportunity to rebuild the trust of the students.

Jim - Lebanon PA

2:30

Good afternoon Eric, what, if anything, are you hearing regarding Father Jenkins coming down with COVID-19? His appearance in the Rose Garden (sans mask)... especially with the restrictions on the student body and all others in and around the university? Appears a bit hypocritical wouldn’t you say? Go Irish!☘️

Eric Hansen

2:29

John, scroll for the Abiara answer. Thanks for your support re the radio thing. I've made peace with it and will always support Darin Pritchett. When you're asking about position groups needing talent and depth, I'm going to assume you mean in the 2021 class? ND is almost finished there. There's not much room left. And yes there is the potential for a flip, namely at CB. So if I understand your question correctly. I'd go with cornerback, safety and linebacker.

John from GLENVIEW, Il

2:24

Hi Eric! I hope you and your family are all well. I’m going to continue to call on WSBT to get you back on Sportsbeat. You’re sorely missed and a ratings booster for their station is guaranteed to happen once you’re back on. With the class of 2021 recruiting almost finished, what position groups most need an infusion of talent and depth? I’m guessing cornerback but what do you think? Do you expect us to flip any recruits already signed elsewhere? Lastly, is David Abiara leaving or staying? Stay safe!

Eric Hansen

2:24

2012, because Notre Dame put itself back in the epicenter of the college football universe, something so many people were convinced had become impossible. 2017 because I spent a day with Brian Kelly the preceding June and learned about and saw his plan to reinvent himself, and it was cool to see that all play out during the season. Finally 2005, because Charlie Weis in year one was a trip in every sense oft the word.

Justin from South Bend

2:21

Hey Eric, Non 2020 related because I'm a little over this year. What year of Notre Dame football coverage was the most fun for you?

Eric Hansen

2:21

Cliff, as long as it's under 17, you won't be sent to timeout. It was difficult not seeing practices. It's difficult in other ways, but I have to and will overcome that. I did less checking in with sources than usual, because I didn't want to become too dependent on that and then have to explain why I was wrong. It's easier to explain why you're wrong (and if happens) when you're opinion in part is based on your own observations. Having said that, the corners are way better than I thought they would be, but Mike Mickens in July on the record told me he liked the group. Ian Book's play has surprised me ... I expected him to be more dominant early. He still can be. Crawford as safety is another pleasant surprise.

Cliff from Battle Creek

2:16

Hi Eric! I love your work! I've got to imagine this has been the toughest year you've covered the Irish. Not just Covid but not getting to see any practices ect means that you're probably relying more heavily on sources versus getting to see things with your own eyes. What, if any, things so far have been the biggest difference between what you were told and what you saw first 2 games? How big of an impact can Kevin Austin have coming back and what do you see happening for the WR unit moving forward? Sorry for the 14 point questions haha! Thanks!

Eric Hansen

2:16

Denny, thanks. I thought he was candid and didn't try to spin something that wasn't there. I think there was a point when you could win a national title with a dominant defense and a quarterback who managed the game and didn't lose it for you. But now I think you have to have both -- a dominant defense (sorry Oklahoma) and a dynamic offense/QB. I think Book can maybe get you to a playoff. He's going to have to have another level in him to win a playoff game. And it's not just on him. There are other facets of ND's team that need to continue growing over the next month or so.

denny from beaverton ormcast.net

2:10

Hi Eric and great to be in game week. Brian Kelly's assessment of Ian Book blew me away. He seemed to think a second and got to the core quickly. HE IS A WINNER OF FOOTBALL GAMES! I have heard Brian talk about the QB many times over the past 10 years but I don't remember him expressing as much confidence in anyone as Ian regarding game preparation, confidence and calmness when the chips are down, and finally the absolutely total support of his teammates as a leader. He said Ian may not measure up in stats to the critical eye and he mentioned that doggone Michigan game of which I would love to have Ian's take some day. Some pundits and fans have a roving eye to Jurkovich but I think Notre Dame is very fortunate to have Ian and I think he has the heart and skills to lead us the a National Championship. Alabama won many titles without Trevor Lawrence or elite type QBs but who were winners. What was your take on Coach Kelly's comments? Thank You for the chats!

Eric Hansen

2:08

The circumstances were that Mike Elko agreed to a raise to stay at ND, but Texas A&M was willing and able to get into a bidding war. So Kelly wasn't happy about a guy leaving after one year when he thought the commitment was for at least three years and that ND offered him a fair pay increase. That the collaboration of Lea-Mike Elston, etc. has worked out so well certainly helped BK move on. But at the time, Lea had never been a coordinator, so there was some risk that came with that.

Gabriel Weiss from South Bend

2:04

Another question related back to Clark Lea. I do not remember all that happened when Mike Elston left for A&M but I do remember it was weird circumstances that left ND feeling spurned. Do you feel at all that Brian Kelly felt more unbothered by his decision knowing he had Clark Lea to hire? Thanks again for your time, always enjoy reading your pieces

Eric Hansen

2:04

Jim, thanks for the kind words. If Clark is going to leave after this year, he'll leave for a Power 5 job. The question is with the pandemic and not so many schools in position to eat contract buyouts, will more coaches stay who would normally be fired under pre-pandemic conditions keep their jobs because of finances? Such a case is Lea's alma mater, Vanderbilt. Head coach Derek Mason has six straight losing seasons there and likely will have 7 in 7 tries after 2020. Yet he reportedly signed an extension in February of 2019 and has three more years on his contract after this one. So the answer isn't as easy as it should be. The bottom line is Lea loves Notre Dame but he also believes he's ready to be a head coach.

Jim Tal, Valley Center, CA.

1:56

Hi Eric, so appreciate all that you do and the tremendous amount of work you put in to keep us Irish fans in the loop. I really admire and appreciate the skills and mindset that Clark Lea brings to the table and I consider him one of the truly topflight assistants in the entire country. What he's done with the defense has been notable to say the least. I hate to say it but I just don't see him staying at ND beyond this season because he's gotten head coaching potential written all over him. And that would be a real and impactful loss for the Irish. Could you share your thoughts on how likely it is that Irish nation gets lucky and still has Lea calling the defensive shots in 2021. Thanks much.

Eric Hansen

1:55

Mark, thanks. I give Skip from Houston all the credit for asking the question in last week's chat. I would say your assessment is correct, but it doesn't have to be the two guards pulling. Sometimes it's the center and a guard, for instance.

Mark from Grand Haven MI

1:53

Eric —Your article today on blocking schemes was one of your best, and that’s saying something because your coverage of the Irish is top notch. My question stems from my wanting to make sure I understand what Aaron was explaining. My question—would an example of the pin and pull be the old Lombardi sweep where he pulled two guards to lead the backs? Thanks!

Eric Hansen

1:52

Jim thanks, and blessings to you. Kelly was pleased with the scrimmage and all what they were able to get out of it. Lots of 1s vs. 1s and situational work. Virginia Tech has a transfer running back from Kansas who leads the nation in rushing and all-purpose yardage (Khalil Herbert). The Hokies play at North Carolina on Saturday in a noon game. That should tell us a lot about both teams.

Jim Oakwood Ohio

1:48

Peace and Blessings to you and your family Eric for good health. A mini-rant if I may please: I am still stunned at the fact that Fr. Jenkins was without a mask and glad handing everyone at the Rose Garden superspreader event ... in violation of ND protocols that he was responsible for enforcing and after threatening the student body early in the semester with the possibility of being sent home for their actions. An incredible failure of leadership. How did Sunday's scrimmage go ... any new injuries or COVID limitations as of today ... Saturday night's game still a go? Virginia Tech is off to a good start with its road win @ Duke while so shorthanded with key personnel and coaches. I am surprised that they've played two games now with so many in isolation and quarantine. Be well.

Eric Hansen

1:47

Thank YOU! Improved quarterback play. A running game that can stand up to elite talent. Kevin Austin and Braden Lenzy turning into the Kevin Austin and Braden Lenzy that they're capable of being. The run defense going from good to great. Continued progress at cornerback.

Gene from NY

1:45

Hi Eric, thanks for bringing us a little bit of ‘normal’ in these crazy times! We’ve taken steps forward against lesser talent, but still light years from Clemson or Alabama. While we’re getting an injection of talent in receiving corps and offensive line has shown improvement, to beat those teams you need QB, OL and receivers to be at top of game (along with OC), or else defense will take away one or two options and force you to beat them with weakest link - and we know that hasn’t worked well in recent years. What are you looking for before Clemson game to feel we might be able to compete with them one month from now?

Eric Hansen

1:44

Tyler James and I asked Rick Mirer that very question on last week's Pod of Gold podcast. Mirer, who lives in the San Diego area, is very familiar with Tyler Buchner and his family. His thoughts were that Buchner would be better off at ND learning its system than another year in high school. I think the ND coaching staff would support him either way but would encourage him to come to ND.

Denny from Liberty Hill

1:42

Hi Eric. Do you think it would be best for Buchner to get in another season of high school football or early enroll for spring advantages? Also do you think Notre dame may influence his choice one way or the other for best results?

Eric Hansen

1:42

Mark, thank you. I think mentally, the Irish will be sharp. I think physically (timing, rhythm), it likely will take them a half to get settled in. And don't forget you're adding back in some pieces to the passing game -- good pieces -- but a chemistry challenge all the same. We talked about that a bit with Corey Robinson on our latest Pod of Gold podcast:

https://www.ndinsider.com/irishstew/pod-of-gold-corey-robinson-on-flor...

Mark, Orange County CA

1:39

Hi Eric, sure do appreciate all of your efforts to keep us informed on the status of ND football, especially these chats. Hope you and your family are well. Phase 2 of BK's career here at ND (the last losing season to now) has seen some fantastic improvements and results in the football program. Do you think the team will play Sat as if it is the 3rd game of the season, or play with some rust because of the long break since their last game?

Eric Hansen

1:37

Abiara I just updated (or rather Carter Karels did through me). ... I don't see Donovan Edwards ending up at Notre Dame without a lot of weird stuff happening.

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