JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat Sept. 13, 2023

Notre Dame Football Live Chat Sept. 13, 2023

View Full Chat Next Page

Eric Hansen

3:09

OK, despite my efforts to go uptempo with my typing, I had to settle for a field goal and was not able to get to all this week. Thanks for all the great questions (answered and unanswered). We'll be back to do it all over again next Wednesday at noon ET.

3:08

Well thank, Mark, You guys in Canada are awesome (I assume awesome is also a superlative in Canada?) Speaking of Canada, Tom from Toronto, if you email me, I can answer your question. This might be more of a back and forth to get you the right answer than one simple question and one simple answer.

Mark Kincardine Ontario

3:06

Eric thanks for chats and keeping us informed concerning our team. Have a great week and go Irish!!!

Eric Hansen

3:06

I'm not sure how Miami ended up with five non-conference games, but they did and they had to lose one of them. The ND game wasn't canceled just deferred. ... And I have been hearing Army as the likely replacement, but nothing is official.

Jeff from Phoenix

3:05

Hey Eric, can you give us some of the back story to the cancellation of the Miami game in 2024? How unexpected was this and where does ND look now to add back a game? Thanks-

Eric Hansen

3:05

Keep in mind NC State, among ND's 2023 opponents, was by far the best pass defense among them in 2022 and figure to be formidable again this year. That 3-3-5, with the way they use it and their personnel's proficiency in it is no picnic. I don't think the separation is a problem at this point shared by the coaching staff.

Dave Ponte Vedra, FL

3:03

I always learn something from these chats, so thanks. Without the ability on tv to see all 22 players on the field, I got the impression that our receivers struggled to separate last week. Is that a concern shared by the staff?

Eric Hansen

3:02

Hi Jessie. When you win your first two games by a combined 98-6, blocking punts might seem like a misplaced priority, In the NC State game, though, it looked like they were bringing some good pressure on the punts. I don't think ND will lead the nation, but I do think we'll see some this year down the line.

Jessie, from Spring Tx

3:01

Last year Notre Dame had 7 punts blocked, best in NCAA. After 3 games this year I have not seen the intention to continue blocking punts. Why ? Most of the players in the special team are from last year.

Eric Hansen

3:00

Bob Morton had a great answer about that on our podcast. I'd suggest you listen, because I'll likely butcher it. But Parker's ability to adjust IN GAME in his first three games have been an impressive start.

Patrick from Los Angeles

2:59

It appears Gerad Parker is doing very well as ND's new OC. Not sure Tommy Rees would be doing as well. A shot of a frustrated Rees on Saturday and one of Tyler Buchner on the sideline made one question their decisions to leave the Irish behind. Working and playing for Saban is no walk in the park. Do you believe Parker will prove to be a better OC than Rees. Thank you.

Eric Hansen

2:59

Home of Jack Coan, If I remember correctly on your hometown ... Eli Raridon has an impressive skill set ... runs well, you can flex him out, but he's already a willing and advanced blocker, so you can play him inline. Really excited about his potential when he's ready. And since ND isn't shy about multiple tight ends, Holden Staes' rise is a plus, not a concern.

Ed from Sayville LI

2:56

Hello Eric. Not sure if Eli Raridon will be ready any time soon, but what skills might we see when his time arrives? I admire his fortitude in trying to overcome a second knee injury, and am rooting that his efforts will pay off. Thanks in advance four your thoughts.

Eric Hansen

2:56

Hi Tom. They used Tosh Baker for a goal-line play against Navy in kind of a jumbo package. Maybe we'll see that against at some point. ... Having done a 1-on-1 with Audric this summer, he didn't come right out and say this will be his last year at ND, but gathered that from our conversation if things go according to plan. So let's assume Audric does go to the NFL. ND is adding two running backs, but at least they can see multiple backs are used and a freshman is getting his chances. Not sure if Ford would leave even if Audric came back. Had a chance to talk to him at length and he LOVES ND and the people here, etc. He wasn't even sure he was ever going to play football again after last fall at Penn State. Being at ND has rejuvenated him, so I don't see him as unhappy.

Tom from Grand Rapids via Dowagiac

2:51

Eric, Happy Winning Wednesday!!! When Joe Alt was a freshman wasn’t he used as a pseudo blocking TE, until he stepped into the starting LT role? with that being said could you see either of the #2 guards or T.Baker assume that same role to assist with run/pass blocking, especially if teams want to load the box. If Estimé returns next year, I have to believe one of the rb’s (not named Ford) will leave the team. Do you agree or has McCullough sold his plan with complete buy in? Finally, beans or no beans in your chili? Go IRISH ☘️🏈☘️

Eric Hansen

2:51

Thanks CC. It looks like he may be in short-yardage and goal-line packages against certain offenses, but not for long stretches. I'm eager to see what he does this week if he gets an opportunity. I could have asked Al Golden about him Tuesday night with my last question and I opted instead to ask about Donovan Hinish, because he's playing more than Aidan Keanaaina at this point and I was more curious about that. If I get a chance, with our limited time, I will keep in mind to go down that road at some point this season.

Coach Colorado

2:46

Eric thank you for answering my question on Aiden K. last week. I love to see Colorado players! I watched ND game this past weekend and saw Aiden on a close back side tackle on the goal line. That was his only play. Kid looks hungry (Did not know he blew ACL last year) and It really seems as if the D coordinator is holding him back from any break out. As I suggested last week, with limited plays and the production he gives with limited plays, why not let this kid play this weekend and prove either way if he has it or not? It just looks from the few plays this kid gets, that he does not make many mistakes and handles his position strong. Dynamic? #56 interior only. The other players can't get off blocks. Not sure if reporters have asked these questions to the D coordinator or line coach about him, but the kid has 2 full season left. Appreciate all you do, thank you CC.

Eric Hansen

2:46

Ced, your predictions are duly noted.

ced walker

2:46

ced walker saginaw michigan I really believe our tight ends and wide receiver have been the biggest surprise this season jaden greathouse turning to a prime time player holden staes too Im happy for tobias merriweather too he will have a huge game for us really soon trust the process god bless the golden standard rally we are nd go irish love thee notre dame our mother pray for us

Eric Hansen

2:46

Hi Tim, and thank you. I really like the unbalanced line against certain defensive looks. Once it's rolled out, there's not a lot of surprise to it. It's more like we're going to run you over. But ND did have some variations with it. I think it's a good thing to have in your toolkit if you're Gerad Parker.

Tim from Kansas City

2:44

Eric, thanks for your always thoughtful analysis. I was impressed by the coaching adjustments both offensively and defensively in the NC State game. I had never before seen an unbalanced line used and it appeared to be very effective. What are your thoughts on the use of the unbalanced line, and possible advantages/ drawbacks of its use?

Eric Hansen

2:44

Hey Rich. I think most observers would agree with you. His 71.2 season grade is OK but not great. His pass rush grade is pretty good, but his tackling grade is pulling him down. Had his best tackling grade of the season vs. NC State, though. I'm expecting better days ahead for him.

Rich D melbourne fl

2:39

Eric, I feel like we haven’t heard that much from Rylie Mills. Thought we had a truly disruptive force…Am I wrong ? ..Are his “pff” figures really good?

Eric Hansen

2:39

Hi Steve, and thank you. If those penalties had been because of a lack of poise or if they'd done it in each game, yeah I would be. I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt for now.

Steve M. - Tucson, Az.

2:38

Eric, thank you for your dedication to these chats I have enjoyed forever. Are we concerned about the amount of penalties the Irish racked up last Saturday? Hopefully learning from their mistakes? Thanks again.

Eric Hansen

2:38

Work in progress Learn from the NC State game, which provided a lot of lessons. Great learning opportunity.

Shaun- Boston

2:37

Hello- after 3 games what is your evaluation of the offensive line? What tweak(s) would you make?
Thank you

Eric Hansen

2:37

Maybe the inexperience of Rocco Spindler playing next to him. I expect Blake's play to take a turn for the better soon.

J ricc Chester, NJ

2:37

What specifically if physically ailing Blake Fisher?

Eric Hansen

2:36

No and no. Check out our website on Mondays and Thursdays. We go through all the injuries on those days and update our depth chart projections if needed.

Frank from Royse City, Texas

2:36

Do you think Rubio and Reardon will be ready for OSU.

Eric Hansen

2:36

OK Matt, thanks ... rapid fire is what you'll get. 1) Extremely important and he's working his way onto their radar. Needs to keep coming. 2) Short term the No. 2 center is Ashton Craig, maybe with a longer-term absence at this point as well. But in 2024, it could be Pat Coogan, with Billy Schrauth joining the starting lineup. 3) Good observation on the cornerbacks, and yes, I believe they are. They'll soon have their chance to prove it on the field. 4) Culture in two words? Real life (and all that it entails). 5) Definitely not would you like fries with that?

Matt (KC)

2:31

Back with some rapid fire questions. 1. Marisat L. has been all over the field, how important is his spot against OSU and is he a legit NFL prospect? 2. On the two deep, if Z. Correll went down, is the backup center truly who would come in or would they slide a guard over and a #2 guard would step up, not sure how the OL two deeps really work? 3. I didn't play football, but am I crazy, even when NC St. completed passes against our CBs, it seems like they were in the right position and it took a perfect pass where sometimes we jsut tip our cap, are our CBs actually elite? 4. Can you tell me in a couple words, what is the actual football culture under M. Freeman like in the building and locker room (serious, all business, loose and fun, etc.)? 5. What is one question you wish someone would ask you? Consider it asked...please answer. Thanks as always, your chats are awesome.

Eric Hansen

2:30

Hi John, and thanks for sharing your memories. Can the O-Line and D-Line be elite? If ND wants to get to the playoff, they really have to be ... eventually, and sooner than later. There is the talent on the offensive line to get there. The defensive line continues to surprise and they need to. But the other components of the defense make that unit better. I think we'll have our answer on both of those position groups in 10 days. I am more convinced after the NC State game that not only is Sam Hartman special, but the team around him could turn out to be that. And yes, this is one of the more physical ND teams I've covered in recent years.

John Sacramento Ca.

2:25

Thanks Eric and Tyler. Enjoy your coverage for some time now. Best of luck with this venture. Can the trenches become elite? Both have depth. “D” line. Can it get violent“? O” line realizing it needs continuity. It also has depth. Would like to see them become nasty. In recent history, I don’t believe I’ve seen the depth this team has on all the layers of position groups. Long time faithful fan. I can remember Terry Hanratty. Also the Michigan State tie. My Father enlightened me that they just won the NC. I was still mad. It was on TV out here. Black and white. Never broadcasted games. We are from the Midwest. My Dad let us know about the hatred for ND back when he was young. This would have been the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s. I myself enjoyed Lyndsey Nelson replays Sunday mornings at 6:30 am. Last, do you feel this team is the most physical in a long while? Thanks again.

Eric Hansen

2:25

But here goes ... Rudolph: Incomplete/B, Biagi: Incomplete/B, O'Leary Incomplete/A (on field, at least), Washington Incomplete/B. To your WR question, I think the plan is to get the ball deep to Tyree, Tobias and Flores deep in particular when the opportunity presents itself. Thanks for your challenging questions. Much appreciated.

2:21

So if you had asked me to grade Mike Mickens through three or four games last year, the grade would not have properly reflected that wise investment in Morrison. Joe Rudolph is playing that same game this year with offensive linemen Rocco Spindler and Pat Coogan, It may or may not pay off. So to me, I'm not timid about grading, but it would kind of be like basing my Super 16 poll vote on partial scores, not final ones ... (more)

2:19

Hi Marie. My biggest hesitancy in grading after three games is that a football season is evolutionary, at least for the good teams. Let me give you can example. Let's take Ben Morrison as a freshman cornerback last year. CBs coach Mike Mickens, DC Al Golden and Marcus Freeman kind of knew what they had in him and were willing to live with his growing pains until there was a payoff. So a guy who finished as ND's second-highest-graded defender (77.3) looked like this the first seven games in his PFF grades: 62.8, 48.9, 61.6, 60.6, 60.4, 57.3 and 59.5 ... and then Clemson game and BAM 91.0. (more)

Marie from Atlanta

The second part of that question went something like this: there seems to be some lingering concerned about Speed for the wide receivers particularly when trying to push the ball vertically. Do you think ND would consider using Tyree to go deep? As always thanks for hosting the chat, and your great insights.

2:08

Hi Eric, I hope you are having a fantastic week. It’s hard to believe we are already 1/4 of the way through the season. I know you’re not a huge fan of assigning grades, but so far what grades would you give coaches Rudolph, Biagi, O’Leary, and Washington, and what do each of them need to improve for the Ohio State game in order to raise their grade?
There seem to be some lingering questions about Notre Dame speed, a receiver, particularly for moving the ball vertically, do you think the Irish would consider using Tyree snd his speed to go deep? As always, thanks for all hosting the chat and great insights.

Connecting…

Message History

On Off

Your current subscriptions

None

E-mail Address	Chat Owner	Status	Remove

Enter your email address to be notified when Eric Hansen hosts a chat