JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat Sept. 12, 2019

Notre Dame Football Live Chat Sept. 12, 2019

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Eric Hansen

1:34

I have not monitored Tyler's prospects. I would imagine it would take an injury to an NFL punter to get an opportunity like that to materialize. ... Trevor Robinson is out of football and into management. He works for a company in the area (Elkhart) called Lippert Components.

John - Elkhorn, Ne.

1:32

Hi Eric - have you heard any news on Tyler Newsome and chances of getting picked up by another NFL team? Also , any knowledge of what Trevor Robinson is up to these days? Thanks .

Eric Hansen

1:28

I think a defense can look slow if it plays slow. Early in the game, I thought that was the case with ND. There were a lot of surprises from the Louisville offense that contributed to that. Louisville did have some speed, particuarly WR Atwell. I would expect ND to play faster this week, not just because it's New Mexico, but because there's a better understanding overall about how to function as a defense.

Tom from Hillsdale, MI

1:26

Did you think the Irish defense looked slow? I had that comment made to me and that was the thought I had during the game, especially at linebacker.

Eric Hansen

1:26

I don't see that happening in base defense. The Irish do that, however, in their dime (six-DB) package. I think 13 of their 75 defensive snaps were in that look. I also think some of the other players got out of position, including Gilman at times, trying to compensate for some bad run fits early by the linebackers. I think you'll see more trust from the safeties and others this week with more players staying with their assignments.

Rick Pasadena CA

1:24

If the Line backers continue to struggle can you see can you see a scenario where Gilman moves closer to the line of scrimmage like a hybrid and hamilton starts in his spot?

Eric Hansen

1:23

Jeff, I'm not sure what your definition of keeping their foot on the gas means? Play the starters the whole game? Throw deep passes and run reverses with a 40-point lead? Not sure what that accomplishes. I think the most important things are to improve overall from where ND was last game, fix your issues and don't get anyone injured in the fourth quarter when reserves should be playing. I haven't studied the ND matchup with Georgia yet in detail, because it's not time to and I'm still learning about both teams. Georgia will be favored, I do know that. I don't think ND has a problem with confidence. I think its challenges are with execution at certain position groups. Eye candy means nothing. If you beat Georgia and Michigan, no one will care what the Louisville score was. Same thing happened last year. Ball State and Vandy were not impressive wins, yet ND made the playoff.

Jeff from LaPorte

1:17

I believe the game this weekend will be a track meet so to speak for ND. Just not enough fire power for the Lobos to even hang in there for long or at all. Backup QB, their "star" NG is out with injury, etc. They were like 1-12 on 3rd down against Sam Houston St in their opener. I think Chip Long and Kelly should keep their foot on the gas throughout the entire game, your thoughts?. Merely because of the lack luster performance at Louisville. I know they won by 18, but there was not much eye candy in that game on either side of the ball. This game needs to be used as a confidence booster for ND heading into the buzzsaw between the hedges next week. I'm nervous that the Georgia game will be a severe disappointment.

Eric Hansen

1:17

Tim it's an interesting question, but one with a lot of tentacles in producing an answer. Let me try to simplify it. Big wins over bad teams don't mean much. The committee watches the games and has a lot more info than just scores. Let's look at Alabama last year. Beating LSU 29-0 on the road ... the No. 3 team at the time ... and 16th-ranked Mississippi State 24-0 the next week meant a lot more than a 57-7 win over Arkansas State or a 50-17 win over Citadel. If you struggle against mediocre teams late in the season, as ND did in 2015, it'll hurt you. Strength of schedule matters. Beating good teams matters. 90-2 blowouts against FCS schools don't matter.

Tim - Pleasant Prairie WI

1:09

Hi Eric. It's hard to ignore the number of points being racked up by top 25 teams so far this season. Almost without exception, these teams have been putting up point totals in the 40s, 50s, 60s and even 70s on the mostly far lesser opponents (or better yet, pigeons) that so many of them typically play early in the season. My question is two fold: 1) How much weight do you believe the playoff selection committee (forget the AP and coaches polls) gives to the importance of the lopsidedness of victories such as these when considering "all other things being equal" scenarios, and 2) If these huge margins of victory are in fact a plus in the eyes of the committee, why do we rarely (if ever) see Brian Kelly run up scores this way? Is he unable, or unwilling? Or is it because The Irish never play teams of such low (FCS) quality, so it's not as easy as all that to score that many points?

Eric Hansen

1:09

I think it was typical first-game growing pains, particularly with the lack of game film for him to study with Louisville's personnel running that 3-4 look. I expect him to be much improved this week.

Rick from the OC

1:03

Finally got connected to your chat! Do you think Jarret Pattersons problems last week were mental or physical? Seemed like he got run over a couple of times. Thinking too much?

Eric Hansen

1:03

Rick. thanks for the nice feedback on the Pod of Gold podcasts. I think all that was promised Asmar in coming back for a fifth year was an opportunity to compete. And he has received that. It's not like some of the other fifth-years, in which the choice involved a sure-fire future as an NFL draft pick. I think some of the allure for Asmar Bilal was a chance to build a résumé that would lead to that.

Kelly has coached too many players who blossomed late to give up on a guy with Bilal's athleticism, which is pronounced. The question now is whether someone can or will overtake him based on a balance of athleticism AND play diagnosis. If there is not improvement from Bilal over the next few weeks, I believe one of the other linebackers (Simon, Lamb or Genmark Heath) will eventually overtake him.

Rick - Grandville, MI

12:54

Eric - Great Podcast - Sorry I didn't follow the rules last time. I am going to try and re-ask the question since I cannot see the first one I asked without my hometown attached to my name. Do you think BK is hesitant to sit down Asmar because he extended him a 5th year opportunity? I only ask this because if I were in BK's shoes wouldn't this be similar to asking a girl to prom just in case the better looking ones don't want to go with you? Is there really nobody that has more upside? Mr. Bilal is a great player and made plenty of plays in his time at ND, but he didn't look nearly aggressive enough, White looked pretty good at times, JOK is undoubtedly going to be a star as long as he stays healthy. Are Simon, Bauer, Lamb really at a lower level of skill compared to Asmar? I find it hard to believe, but I want to hear it from you. Thanks!

Eric Hansen

12:51

Steve. Allen's scholarship has not been given away, and there are a handful of worthy candidates. I don't think it's a bad idea to let that play out a little bit. the second part of your question is that ND cam have its entire roster of 105 players, including walk-ons. on the sideline for home games. For games away from Notre Dame Stadium, they could theoretically take everyone, because they're an independent. Conferences set the limits for road games. I believe the Big Ten's limit is 70. ND has taken large contingents to some of the Shamrock Series games. In general, they limit the travel squads based on the seats on the plan/travel expenses.

Steve from St. Louis

12:43

Has Derek Allen’s scholarship been awarded to anyone yet? What is the rule in regards to number of players allowed on the sideline for a home game vs away game?

Eric Hansen

12:42

Thanks so much, Bill.

Bill-Idaho Falls, Idaho

12:42

Read your chat all the time, but this is the first question I have submitted. Love your analysis and enjoy your work!

Eric Hansen

12:40

Well the newness of Louisville's schemes and personnel, and not having reliable film to study hurt Book initially. What surprised me was that he was jumpy in the pocket all game long. It reminded me very much of the Pittsburgh game last year, when he was antsy with his footwork when the Panthers threw him some new looks. Why I don't expect it to be a trend is that he learns very quickly. He isn't a guy who gets his feathers ruffled very often. I've seen too much good football from him in games last year and in practices this past spring and in training camp to believe this will be a trend. ... As far as the offensive line's performance, I thought they had some good moments and I think they'll string many more together this week.

Mike from Rockville, MD,

12:35

Thanks for the chats, Eric! Ian Book looked shell-shocked against Louisville. Why do you think he didn't perform better? How would you rate the offensive line performance?

Eric Hansen

12:35

Thanks Tom. I actually asked offensive coordinator Chip Long that very question about Claypool this summer for the magazine piece I did for the ISR Preview. His response? He can be as good as he wants to be. I expect Chase to be an lite receiver that garners national attention by season's end. He always had the athletic ability to do so. Now he has the drive, the maturity and the understanding of the big picture to go with it.

Tom from PGH

12:32

Hey Eric, great chats and better articles. I just read an article where chase claypool talks about getting 100 yards weekly. Coupled with Coach Kelly’s talk of him being the best player on the field; what do you think is Claypools ceiling?

Eric Hansen

12:32

I am surprised. And I would be shocked if we didn't see multiple attempts downfield against the Lobos.

Steve from St. Louis

12:31

With so much talk about Ian Book and the deep ball were you surprised ND didn’t attempt at least one against Louisville? Should we expect to see that this week?

Eric Hansen

12:31

Manny!!&*)%$#@~~++ A double dose. I love it. We are way behind on the Taco Bars. In fact, we haven't had one in over a year, so we're overdue. You're welcome to join us. The closest thing we had to one was me bringing in pumpkin donut holes last week. .... To your question. I don't think either of your choices regarding the offense is what reality was on Sept. 2. Playing against a new coaching staff is kind of like a blind date. And rarely does everything go well on one of those. Armstrong leaving the game early, I think hampered creativity. And Book's uncharacteristic antsiness bogged down the offense as well. I think having a bye week allowed the coaching staff to retoool formations and personnel without having Armstrong for a long stretch. I'm not sure how much of that creativity will show up Saturday, but it will show up this season, I believe.

Manny in San Pedro

Eric!!!!! Was our offense vanilla against Ville or are we just bland and predictable? Last year I loved some of the creative plays but didn’t see it last week

12:24

Eric!!!!!!!!! My Brother from another mother! How are the taco bars this season?!?!?

Eric Hansen

12:24

Bill, I absolutely do feel that way, though I enjoyed your analysis and feel you made some good points. Here are my counterpoints. Run defense is one of the most critical metrics to excel at in college football. Teams that play for championships and win them are always at least very good at it and usually elite. I do think it was encouraging Notre Dame improved in that area over the course of the game, but keep in mind Notre Dame will see much better running teams later on the schedule, including next week. Also, once Louisville got behind a couple of scores, running the ball wasn't going to get them back in the game quickly. The sacks late in the game also distorted the yards-per-carry average late as well. I think you'd be fun to watch a game with.

Bill-Idaho Falls, Idaho

12:19

Long time reader of your work and really look forward to your insightful reporting. Question: Your column following the Louisville game, concluded that ND's biggest need was to fix its run defense. Given that the statistics show approximately 45% of the total yardage gained by Louisville was their first two drive; following which they were held to under 4yds/carry; combine with ND out scoring them 28-3thereafter; first time ND had seen the new coaching staff with no appreciable film review; Louisville had a hyped up crowd and team; which team has some talent; do you still feel stopping the run is the most critical thing ND needs to fix? Thanks for all your great work. Enjoy your analysis.

Eric Hansen

12:18

I still think it's going to be Tony Jones Jr., who had 15 carries Sept. 2 in the win over Louisville. But with Jafar Armstrong out until likely late October and a game that isn't expected to be close, I think the coaching staff will want to get a good look at freshman Kyren Williams and perhaps position-switcher Avery Davis as well.

Kyle from Orlando FL

12:17

Which running back will get the most carries this week?

Eric Hansen

OK off we go.

12:14

And a reminder. Please include your name and your hometown with your question. Violators will be subject to some one-on-one time with Quenton Nelson ... in an opposing team's uniform ... when he's angry.

12:13

Here are the rules.

12:12

Sorry for the delay. We'll start rolling now.

12:07

Welcome to Notre Dame Football Live Chat, New Mexico week.

Connecting…

GVSU Chris

2:41

How worried should we be about the LB play?

Kevin

3:49

I think Louisville will be a bigger win than originally thought. They played a great game on a short week after losing to ND. I know it was E. Kentucky but 42-0 on a team that won 53-7 the week before is not easy. Watching that game their D looked fast and the QB was really good as well as the RB and #1. What are your thoughts?

Collin

7:21

If you knew right now that Louisville would end the season with 8 wins, would you feel more comfortable with where ND is at right now? Because let’s face it, everyone thinks they are terrible (only based on last season). But we’re they even a bad team? That could end up being a decent win for ND...

Cliff from Battle Creek

1:58

Hi Eric, thanks again for doing this! I'm sure you've heard a thousand questions about Ian Book and his surprising performance. Did that change any of your long term projections for him and how do you see him bouncing back? Also was there any noticable difference, that you could see anyway, in the way he practiced\prepared for this week?

Bill-Idaho Falls, Idaho

1:40

Question:

Steve. Toledo ohio

4:05

Hi Eric,

Steve. Toledo ohio

4:05

Hi Eric,

Steve. Toledo Ohio

4:07

Hi Eric, do you see a record of near 11-1?

Steve. Toledo Ohio

4:08

Hi Eric, after Saturday we have 4 ranked opponents of our next 5 games, 6-1 likely record?

Steve

4:12

Hi Eric, any injury updates?

Steve

4:13

Has Jurkovec closed the gap, can we expect to see him this week?

Steve

4:14

Where did you rank ND this week? Is 7th about what you expected or should we be higher?

Steve. Toledo Ohio

4:16

Is Tommy Tremble the next big name that's gonna break on the scene or will it be Phil J.?

Bob- Loganville, GA

4:19

Bob from Loganville, GA
I hear a lot of people talk about QB regression with BK. With Kaiser being the anomaly (junior year with 3 more TD passes and 2 less interceptions than his sophomore year). One could look at it as BK is able to get the best out of a QB and reach their ceiling at a faster pace than others. And once scouted by an opponent it shows the QB was not as good as we/public thought? When you look at the QBs that have transferred out/grad transfer none played better (except for maybe Hendrix – Miami Ohio) with their new team. In fact all were demoted to a reserve role by the end of the season. Based off the small sample size at UCF I suspect Wimbush is headed down the same path as Golson and Zaire. Would like to hear your take. Also what does SWAT (in teams of ND SWAT) stand for?

Rick

4:30

Great Podcast you have going Eric! Do you feel as if BK is having a hard time giving up on Asmar because he asked him to come back for an extra year? I was watching and it looks to me like he is too timid to play Mike or Buck. Not to say he is scared, but I hope you are following what I am saying as far as fundamentals. JOK is going to be great, and I see great potential with Drew White being aggressive in the middle of the defense. Asmar had made some great plays in his time, but with the middle of the D being the perceived "weak point" of our defense, don't you think placing someone else in there that has potential in the future (this year and beyond) would be nearly commensurate with having Mr. Bilal in there?

Al from Chicago

4:36

Is anyone really surprised that Book struggled; who is the last QB under Kelly that improved in their 2nd year?

Steve. Toledo Ohio

4:37

Hi Eric, is this our year to win it all?

Steve. Toledo Ohio

4:38

Any word on Phil Jurkovec and potential playing time Saturday?

Steve. Toledo Ohio

4:39

Being from Ohioland are you interested in the BG game this year?

Chris from Los Angeles

4:41

Eric, great to see you doing the live chats again and I'm excited for another season of great content! My question: I think the play from individual units (quarterback, linebackers, etc.) will continue to get better, but do you see this as a team that can consistently be on the same page at the same time? It seems to me that Notre Dame always has great players, but the team as a whole has struggled to consistently put every piece together at the same time.

Steve. Toledo Ohio

4:41

Eric are you confident our offensive line can control all our games this year?

Steve. Toledo Ohio

4:42

Do you feel Man Book has regressed?

Ryan from Atlanta

4:42

Hi Eric, first time chatter here. Thanks for all you do! Question: what if anything does C’Bo Flemister’s do

Al from Chicago

4:42

Is anyone surprised by Book struggles. Who is the last QB under Kelly to have a stellar 2nd year.

Ryan from Atlanta

4:44

Greetings from the land of Kyle Hamilton! First time chatter here—Thank you for all you do! What if anything does C’Bo Flemister do better than the other backs? How do you see him being used going forward? It looks like we’re going to need him. Thanks again and Go Irish!

Steve. Toledo Ohio

4:44

Heard ND hasn't been favored by this large of a margin since Lou s last home game vs Rutgers in 96. You predicting a blowout?

Steve. Toledo Ohio

4:45

How has Jurkovec looked @practice?

Frank Atlanta

4:55

Eric. Please tell me the Irish have a chance against the Dawgs. I’m a huge ND fan living in Atlanta and can’t stomach the abuse I will get if we get blown out. That environment will be like nothing ND has ever seen. What will it take for a victory?

Rick - Grandville, MI

5:40

Since I haven't seen Chris Finke be that much of a non-factor in quite a long time on Labor day, I cant help but wonder why Javon McKinley with his size isn't moved to the X (or do a committee type deal with others) while Finke goes back to the slot? Also, is there a game-breaker that is in the backfield now the Jafar is out for an extended period of time? Thoughts?

Eric, Bristol

5:57

The consensus on Houston Griffith seems to be that he has a high ceiling, and I've read some of your previous material speculating about where he fits best for the long haul in terms of a position group. (I'm with you that a future safety tandem of Hamilton & Griffith sounds intriguing). Last year it seemed like Griffith was targeted -- often successfully -- anytime he was on the field. Did you see anything in your pre-season media windows that led you to believe he made strides to the extent that he could be a viable option to help out at CB this year?

Rick from the OC

6:03

Let's be honest if not PC, UNM is not as strong as our second string. I doubt there is a player on the Lobos that was offered by ND. If Book doesn't look like superman against this team we definitely have issues, but if he does look great hopefully it will be a confidence builder for UGA. What is your over/under for passing yards in the first half? I put the number at 250 yards.

GVSU Chris

6:05

Eric.....flour or corn tortillas at the taco bar?

Jeff, Cleveland, OH

6:06

I always had high hopes that at some point in his career at ND, Avery Davis would break through at RB, but he's since gone through multiple position switches. Now, at least for the time being, do you see him getting many reps going forward at RB? I read somewhere where he is the fastest among the remaining group of RB's and he's probably the closest in skill set to Jafar. What are your thoughts? Also, why do you think he has never reached his potential and seen the playing field at any of the positions he's been at?

Eric, Bristol

6:07

I have nothing measurable to back up this perception, but visually it seems like ND's running plays are slow to develop compared to other teams. Many/most of the hand-offs appear to be the two-armed RPO variety from Ian Book that result in a moment of hesitation once he and the RBs converge. It just doesn't seem like the RBs are running downhill when they receive the ball. Do you know why ND doesn't incorporate more of the traditional one-armed hand-offs with RBs running at full speed, which could also set up play-action?

Jeff, Cleveland, OH

6:12

With a year under his belt, and a full offseason as the No. 1 QB and all the emphasis placed on him maturing in his role, I didn't expect Ian Book to look so skittish/rattled in the pocket. I felt that he was too quick to run with the ball, instead of sitting in the pocket or stepping up/sideways to buy himself some extra time. Do you think he settles down Saturday, and then going forward? I'm certainly hoping so!!!

Matt in Augusta Nj

6:13

Is there any way to have Gilman, Hamilton and Elliot on the field consistently at the same time. They all need to play, but not enough Safety spots. I know in nickel and dime it’s possible, but what about the base defense. Gilman at LB in spots?

Joe, Indianapolis

6:13

I should have also asked, why would you hire him?

Matt in Augusta Nj

6:15

I know it’s a week early but how confident do you think Georgia and their coaches are in beating ND. Do they consider ND not in the same class as the SEC?, I would love to hear their scouting report.

Matt in Augusta Nj

6:18

I agree on short yardage plays. We recruit lineman to well to not get a yard when needed. Thanks love the chats. Thanks

Matt in Augusta Nj

6:20

Where is Greg in Oakland? Would like to hear his opinion on the state of the program. He always had a high standard for ND.

Collin (Denver)

6:27

Eric, kind of back to Tom from GA’s topic on Bilal... It’s obviously ideal to have a dynamic playmaker at LB that’s also very assignment correct. But since we don’t have that combination of a player developed quite yet, would you rather have in there an LB that is more assignment-correct/less playmaker or more playmaker/less assignment-correct? And based on your answer, which player would that be as of right now (regarding the buck position).

Bob- Loganville, GA

6:45

I hear a lot of people talk about QB regression with BK. With Kaiser being the anomaly (junior year with 3 more TD passes and 2 less interceptions than his sophomore year). One could look at it as BK is able to get the best out of a QB and reach their ceiling at a faster pace than others. And once scouted by an opponent it shows the QB was not as good as we/public thought? When you look at the QBs that have transferred out/grad transfer none played better (except for maybe Hendrix – Miami Ohio) with their new team. In fact all were demoted to a reserve role by the end of the season. Based off the small sample size at UCF I suspect Wimbush is headed down the same path as Golson and Zaire. Would like to hear your take. Also what does SWAT (in teams of ND SWAT) stand for?

Robb, Colorado

6:45

Eric, Not much came from special teams last week, but at least Doerer made all of his XP and kickoffs were decent. Any chance they try to get something exciting to happen on a punt return or kick return this week or will it still be the same thing?

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