JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat | Oct. 7, 2026

Notre Dame Football Live Chat | Oct. 7, 2026

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Eric Hansen

3:03

And on that note, I'd being coached to wrap this up and get on to my next commitment. Thanks for all the great questions. Thanks for putting up with me. We'll be back to do it all over again next Wednesday at noon ET.

3:02

Hi Patrick. There are a lot of players who project like that at ND who don't necessarily go into coaching. Shaun Crawford was one I thought surely had the chops and the ambiton to do that, but he went in another direction. On this team .. Anthonie Knapp and Ashton Craig, James Flanigan, Devin Fitzgerald jump out at me off the top of my head on offense. CJ Carr already is a coach. ... on D ... I could actually see Keon Keeley doing that, Drayk Bowen, Jaiden Ausberry, Adon Shuler, Talich. I am sure I am forgetting some other good candidates. For some of the other parts of your question, I'd have to do more research and put that into a story, but that's a great offseason idea that I'll file away.

Patrick M. - Traverse City, MI

2:56

Hi Eric, thanks for the continued great coverage. It's always a pleasure to read your work. After the UNC game Luke Talich was interviewed. And during the interview I couldn't help but think, "this guy is gonna be a coach some day". The way be broke down what he did and talked about the defense as a whole. It was clear the Tommy Rees was on the path to becoming a coach when he was a player. Do you find that some players clearly project in that manner early on? Are there players on this team that you see heading down that path? What makes for a player who wants to become a coach? What makes for one that becomes an effective coach (a la Coach Freeman)? Thanks, as always, for your thoughts!

Eric Hansen

2:56

Hi Tom. A lot of players love to wear those. Brian Kelly used to make them earn that right. I'll have to ask around, because it's not something I've studied. But you and the spaghetti sauce reference on your shirts, I want to party with you, brother. Especially if we're both wearing stain-free shirts.

Tom in Evanston

2:54

Hi Eric. After seeing the photo of Knapp with blood all over his face, why don't more players wear those shields on their face masks? I am sure the shields can be hot, annoying, distracting, etc., but personally I would rather not have blood all over my face. Spaghetti sauce is another matter, as my shirts will attest.

Eric Hansen

2:54

But given the roster ND has, whatever fault lines can be exposed, all of them should be fixable to a large extent. So just looking at how BYU is constructed for instance, they've got the best O-line the Irish have seen this season. And if LJ Martin comes back from injury, they combine an elite running back with a really good running QB who can also pass. So those are the elements worth watching in a coupele of weeks.

2:50

Hi Don, and thanks for being my agent! Well unofficially. And thanks for giving the exclamation point key a good smashing!!!!!!! I mentioned third down, offense and defense, running game and pass-efficiency defense earlier. I should have added just more sharpness and consistency on special teams. But the cool thing about college football and where it differentiates from a video game is that teams aren't static, they evolve. And so BYU and others will look for an test new areas to expose that ND will have to develop a counterpunch for. (more)

Don in Scottsdale, AZ

2:47

Eric, So far, so good. Any concerns from last week's game? Seems to me every year there is a game that shows a weakness or flaw in strategy. What do you think Freeman and team are working on this week to shore things up for the remainder of the season? Thanks to you and the rest of the staff. B&G have the best and deepest coverage on ND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

Eric Hansen

2:44

JD, that's a great question and one I will ask Marty Biagi the next time I get access to him. There are a lot of inexperienced players -- but elite athleties -- on special teams. A quick scan I see 17 freshmen logging special teams duty so far this season. I will double bheck my math before I post the transcript. Thanks for planting a seed for a good future story idea or chat answer.

JD from Chicago

2:39

Hi Eric – Thanks for hosting. It seems like special teams play has been sloppier than in (at least recent) years past. Do you think this is driven by playing more true freshmen on ST now that redshirting is gone? Do you have any data on "average age or class" of the special teams units this year vs. the past?

Eric Hansen

2:39

Q: You were concerned about Knapp not being in the game?

“I was. But you know what? You got to cut the apron strings at some point. You’ve got to let them play. So, it was a better play. It would have been a better call regardless of whether it would have worked or not. And I just made the wrong decision.”

2:38

Q: What do you like and not like with CJ Carr under center in a 1-yard to go situation? I know he's not Riley Leonard?

“Yeah, I'm with you. I'm with you. The whole quarterback sneak discussion, I do think it's something that takes some work. I mean, listen, I've seen quarterbacks get injured on a quarterback sneak. Sure. There's no foolproof quarterback’s going to get hurt doing this versus that. And, maybe if we execute the play that was called, we walk in the end zone just like we did against Purdue. We didn't execute it very well. That means it's a bad call, because we should have done — there were a lot of things that went into that, to be honest with you.

“The other play we had in that situation was a guard pull power, Knapp’s nose is running with blood, he's off the field. It didn't work, so it was a bad call. That's on me.”

I think it'll be more telling than if I try to translate an interpret it. So let's see if this flies:

Just of that particular question.

2:36

Hi Lorene. I believe I heard you too, not just your neighbors. And you were not alone. Yes, that specific play came up in or interviews last night with OC Mike Denbrock. For those unfamiliar, these are not the same interviews you see on YouTube. They are done in the same evening, but the ones upstairs with the print/internet media are much longer and more in depth and usually with mucu more candor. So let me try to give you the aw transcript. (more)

Lorne

2:33

Lorne from Reno. While the 4th down call from the 3 has gotten a lot of discussion, I was mildly upset with the 3rd down call (the neighbors heard me being mildly upset) -- we'd run from the 10 to the 7 to 1 foot from the goal line, and instead of pounding it again, we run Carr outside? Turning it over on downs inside the 1 is significantly better (more dangerous for the other team) than turning it over on the 3 (because Carr lost a few yards). I simply can't believe that we wouldn't have scored to make it 28-7 if we'd simply gone with a power run or two. Has there been any discussion of that call?

Eric Hansen

2:28

We had a similar question regarding a 2027 portal QB on our Sunday roundtable show on YouTube. Now, it is not a forgone conclusion ND will shop for a portal QB, but if they did, since we don't know if either of the QBs you mentioned would even be interested in leaving their current schools, I would take the field in that bet.

2:27

In my opinion, Matty Augustine would have won the job if he had been healthyin August. I believe he will win it during practices in October to be the November starter at right guard. I do not rule out that competition could bring out the best in Absher. I think he's knocking off the rust in practice. Why I might play him Saturday is if the game turns into a rout early. I would want him banking games reps at full speed. But if there's any question about whether he's 100%, then you just take your time with him. (more)

2:24

Happy Wednesday, the Beave! 1. I don't want to characterize Mylan Graham as a diva or a head case. I think he's a mega-talented player who is finding out just how hard you have to play at this level and just how much you have to want it for your talent to shine. I think a lot of players go through this, and it's Mylan's turn. What he does with it will determine how much he can help himself and help the Irish. 2. So the 30-snap comment about Absher, I was sitting right there next to Joe Rudolph when he said it. And the context was that going into the season, they were sure Sullivan could give them 30 strong snaps in a game this season. Beyond that, they weren't sure. And subsequently, he's goine out and done it and proved that. So, it wasn't a setup to ease Matty Augustine back in. (more)

The Beave. Grand Rapids

2:17

Happy Wednesday Eric! 1. Any chance there are some underlying attitude/practice practice intensity issues with Mylan Graham? The “flow of the game” comments by the coaches don’t explain 0 snaps against NC. 2. If you were HC, would you play Matty Augustine a quarter or a half Saturday to knock off the rust and gauge level before BYU? And do you think the ND coaches were laying the groundwork for that the talk of Ashber being better limited to 30 snaps? 3. Assume for this question that ND goes to the portal for a QB and you have to bet on it. Do you take Kenny Minchey/ Tommy Carr? Or the field?

Eric Hansen

2:17

I'm happy to pass along your thoughts.

Gabe from Walkerton

2:17

No question, just want a take minute to appreciate CJ Carr. How long have we waited for an elite passing QB at ND like him? With him looking more and more like a top 10 pick in this upcoming draft, I just don't want us to take for granted how well he is playing.

Eric Hansen

2:17

Now in terms of guys already playing, I could see larger roles ahead of Rodney Dunham at DE and Jonaz Walton at RB .. .and Mylan Graham if/when the light bulb goes on for him. ... thinnest beyond QB, probably offensive tackle, but Augstine give you depth at both guard and tackle when he returns. I would not say linebacker, because Faraimo is sitting there as a strong depth piece. Jack Soble did a nice piece on this, but the short answer is bad technique, which is fixable. Thanks for the hype and the excessive punctuation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2:13

Hi Mark, and thanks for both reading that story and quoting from it. Without taking injuries into account, the ones who have the best chance to push for that who aren't getting much right now are TE Ian Premer, returning OL Matty Augustine and probably Bubba Frazier, even though Bettis, Burress and Fitzgerald are more complete. Frazier has a gear that few on the roster have. On defense, it's hard to find someone who hasn't played much that will be suddenly a big part of things, partly because ND will be getting injured players back, thus reducing the opportnities. Ayden Pouncey continues to be a player i feel good about at CB or S, but it really would take an injury to push him up the depth chart (more)

Mark Czar /Grand Rapids mi

2:07

Quoting Coach Denbrock “The football gods doth reward people who play the game the right way.” Who are a couple players on each side of the ball that are due for an increase in snaps reward? Behind QB which position group is the thinnest? Could it be LB? With UNC having success throwing the ball - mainly in the middle of the field - what was the issue and fix? Eric - you are the bast!!!!!

Eric Hansen

2:07

So the four areas that need to most are rushing offense (already happening), third down offense, third down defense, pass-efficiency defense. ... As far as the smoked turkey leg recipe, I have some friends coming in next month for a game and they are expecting steaks and turkey legs, so I am going to make a test batch and see if I want to upgrade the formula. But c'mon, how do you improve on perfection? Happy Birthday and thanks for the early birthday wishes for me.

2:04

Scott!!!! So your question is the economy? I don't even have good answers when it applies to my own economy other than I don't have to have the ability to count very high. ... I've hit a litlte bit on the RBs and the targets for CJ. I do think the latter will slowly expand. The RB situation is evolving, but I don't see it going down to two backs. I think there's a way to play all three and milk that for maximum production. If Matty Augustine remains healthy, i see him as a November starter. I don't know we will see changes as much as we see a team naturally evolving and improving. (more)

Scott, Greenville SC

1:55

Eric!!! October is here! My favorite month of the year! We start to see changes in the rankings! Big games every week! Coaches getting fired! And roster changes on teams! So my question is the economy! No WAIT! Age is catching up. After the Stanford game, ND's schedule gets a lot tougher. Based off the first five games, does ND play Walton and James primarily versus AW? Also, do we start to see Premer get more reps to give CJ another target? Do you see Augustine replace Absher? After the BYU game, its the home stretch. What changes do you see MF making going into November? Finally, will you be making any changes to your smoke turkey leg recipe/process? Fans need to know. Love the articles Eric! You and the team bring it everyday! Enjoy October, great birthday month. I just turned 66, "so I've got that going for me, which is nice!" All the best!

Eric Hansen

1:54

Hi Jack. I think it sets up as one, but I think that are several factors that mitigate it. One, there's a bye week after BYU and ahead of Navy that helps both with preparation and tamping down complacency. I also think this team has maturity and strong player leadership and is used to playing to a standard. I think where that game is most challenging is the aftermath. Switching back to defending a conventional offense -- and a really good one in Miami -- can be a tough mental and physical shift after playing agains option football.

Jack,Strongsvville, Ohio

1:51

Hi Eric. I hate to ask this question because in a 12 game schedule every game is important but do you think the Navy game coming between BYU and Miami could be a trap game? Thanks as always for all your great work across your platforms.

Eric Hansen

1:50

Thank you, Tony the Great or Tony the Tiger, which do you prefer? 1) I don't think we'll see kickoff coverage personnel changes, but certainly schematic fixes, which is what Marcus Freeman thinks was the issue. That was also a new returner. He had never touched the ball on offense or special teams until that return. 2) KVA is questionable. We'll get an update on Thursday. If he can't go, I would expect Madden Faraimo to get some of those KVA snaps. But if the spread holds true (37.5), I think we'll eventually see the Kia brothers and Teddy Rezac later in the game as well. 3) Maybe one. ... and thanks!

2581

1:43

Tony from Lexington, KY, the current home of a very popular Kenny Minchey, the QB of the almost-ranked 4-1 Kentucky Wildcats. Best wishes to you, Eric The Great ! Question #1: after UNC's kickoff return TD last Saturday, can we expect to see any changes this week to ND's kickoff coverage team? With KVA sidelined for the Stanford game, does that mean that Madden Faraimo will get snaps as part of the regular 4-man rotation? Question #3: how many times do you think ND will punt on Saturday? Enjoy the game, Eric, and Go Irish !

Eric Hansen

1:43

Hi Tim. Neither one will play this week. I think we'll see Brauntae Johnson in October, but they won't push him. I've long felt Jason Onye will make his re-entry for Miami on Nov. 7.

Guest

1:42

Tim from Pittsburgh - What is the status of both Johnson and Onye do you think either or both will be back for the Miami game?

Eric Hansen

1:41

Hi Jim. In person, they look like they'd weigh in pretty close to one another, but they have different builds. James is more low center of gravity. Walton has legs that could kick down a door so he could rescue people out of a burning building. Aneyas' weight seems more uniformly spread out. ... The improvement in the running game continues to be different elements all kind of evolving at the same time, better O-line chemistry, different running scheme, backs adapting to their blocks and letting them set up, tight ends blocking well and frankly Jonaz Walton playing more.

Jim From Springfield, IL

1:38

Our three running backs are all listed as approximately the same size, but watching via cable it looks like quite different with Walton the largest, then Williams and then James. How does it look in person? It appeared that the offensive line was the primary reason for the victory over NC, both run and pass blocking, quite a difference from earlier in the season. Was it just that game against that team or did we see something big?

Eric Hansen

1:37

I think Nolan James starts against Stanford. I think we'll see five guys carry the ball against the Cardinal. Now against BYU, even if Walton does not start, I could see him getting the most carries in that game.

1:36

Tom!! Thanks for all the compliments. Have my grandkids been bribing you? Cause they know that works on me. ... Two reasons for the shortened rotation. Twelve personnel (two tight ends, two WRs, one back) and trust. I wrote about that today in the Denbrock piece. If someone else shows that can cconsistently be counted on when it's a big three down or goal line, you'll see that player on the field. Right now, ND is not a good third down team, so the rotation gets tighter. Now Saturday, I'd expect you will see more receivers, but not so much vs. BYU. The hope and goal, though, is to build a reliable deeper rotation for the stretc run of the season. (more)

Tom F, Kennesaw, GA

1:32

Hey Eric!! Hard to believe we are almost at the half way part of the season!!! Before camp we all talked about a 6-man rotation among the WR's because of all the hype on the young guys. Now, it looks like we have settled on a 3-man rotation of Faison, Gilbert and Greathouse with a sprinkling of RB's and TE's for a few catches. Do you think this is what we will see for the remainder of the season??? By using 12 personnel as much as we do, does that allow us to keep the WR's from wearing down??? For Stanford, will RB1 be listed as Walton OR James?? Thanks for continuing your great coverage and asking MF great questions. Go Irish!!!!!!!

Eric Hansen

1:31

The one game I can think of that is comporable was the infamous fifth down game involving Colorado and Missouri in 1990.

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