JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat Sept. 14, 2022

Notre Dame Football Live Chat Sept. 14, 2022

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Eric Hansen

2:46

Oh man, did I make a mistake rescinding the "no drinking" rule this week.

Guest

2:46

Domer Homer-Stafford VA, Eric if Freeman goes 3-9 in his first year is it his last year? If so, who gets the job?

Eric Hansen

2:45

Hi Jim, and thanks. I think you have to remove Marcus Freeman from the blame game here. The recruiting cycle was over when he became the head coach. And I think he was justified in trusting Tommy Rees about whether to take a portal option at QB. Remember, if you’re taking a grad transfer QB — and there would have been some that would have been interested — they would want some assurance that there was a clear path to earning the starting job. If they were looking for a backup type, would he really be better than Drew Pyne, who you might have chased with such a transfer?

If you took a potential starter, then you would be telling Buchner he’s not good enough. So take Marcus out of this. As far as BK and Rees, yeah they could have recruited better, and losing a player of Phil Jurkovec’s caliber via transfer was a big blow (though he is struggling this season on an 0-2 team of his own). A case in point was the 2022 recruiting cycle. Steve Angeli may turn out to be much better than his three-star recruiting statu

Jim Tal, Valley Center, CA.

2:29

Greetings Eric, wishing you the best as always. Regardless of what is thought of Drew Pyne, I think it would be universally agreed that if ND truly had a dynamic quarterback room, someone with greater talent and clearly more upside would now be taking over for Buchner. In other words, though a fine young man he may be, a player of Pyne's limited skill set would ideally not have been in a position to ascend to being a starter.at ND. So let's put some blame of responsibility on Kelly, Rees and maybe even Freeman to a degree for not making sure that a more gifted, viable and resourceful option was available in case of a season-ending injury. I find it hard to believe that the Irish somehow couldn't have found a better alternative though I hope Pyne ends up proving me wrong. I would value your thoughts on this issue. Appreciate all your dedicated work.

Eric Hansen

2:29

As far as practice structure, I don't see the flaws. ND actually went more 1s vs. 1s the week leading into Marshall than they normally do.

2:28

Bob Davie (1997) was a defensive guy with a really good offensive staff that included Urban Meyer. Yet Davie meddled too much in the offense and mitigated his staff’s strength. Charlie Weis, meanwhile, hired Rick Minter as his first defensive coordinator. The Irish in 2005 were so limited in personnel at certain positions on defense, they couldn’t even put a viable nickel package on the field. Yet Weis would go to mentor Bill Belichick for fixes on his defense, and Belichick would present him with hypothetical answers based on running a 3-4 scheme. Notre Dame was a 4-3 team at the time.

Longtime defensive coordinator Dave Aranda moved from LSU to take over Baylor in 2020 with the same limitations Marcus Freeman has in year one. The Bears were 2-7 and were 118th nationally in total offense that season. In 2021, Aranda applied what he had learned in year 1 and became part of the solution on offense, while still letting his offensive coaches coach. Baylor jumped to 53rd in total offense and went 12-2 in 2021.

2:27

Tom, I hope you have a great time back on campus. Manti Te'o will be back on campus and will address the team before the game, so that should be interesting. … I think if you’re a first-year head coach with no experience on the other side of the ball, you really have to trust the people you hired on the other side of the ball. Marcus Freeman is in position to make suggestions and game-day decisions, like going for it on fourth down or going for two after a TD. I’ll give you two examples in which first-year ND head coaches overreached in year 1, and then one example of a first-time head coach elsewhere who did not and evolved nicely into year 2. (mpre)

Tom Kennesaw, GA

2:10

Hi Eric, despite the disappointing loss last week I am still looking forward to be back on campus for the game this week. I guess this is a combo comment/questions: Is it possible that being a first year coach and not as familiar with the offense that MF has been too agreeable with what TR has been laying out? Maybe they didn't look at the QB portal because TR had unfounded confidence in the QB's and MF didn't challenge him? Same could be said for game plans. Maybe MF is trying to be supportive of his offensive staff because Offense is not his strong suit?? Your thoughts. Also, I wonder if the way that practices are planned and executed are not necessarily preparing them for gameday??? Do they go 1's on 1's during the week? Or, do they go against a prep team that is running the other teams plays/personnel?? Hope we can find some answers this week. Go Irish!!!

Eric Hansen

2:10

Hey Marie. It is concerning, though I'm sure he wanted to spread his wings a bit with BK gone and shut people up about how young he is. But Nick Saban has no problem with putting ego aside and bringing in the best support staff (analysts) he can find. I believe Marcus sees things the same way.

Marie from Atlanta

2:06

Hi Eric, I actually have a chance to jump on the chat live today. As follow up to the answer to my original question , does it concern you at all that Rees was not open to the idea of an experienced analyst such as Cutcliffe even though Freeman was open to the idea. Is it possible Rees is too young and too inexperienced to realize what he doesn't know?Thanks for hosting the chat.

Eric Hansen

2:06

Hi Irish Bob. I am tolerating the whining (to an extent) as well as bare feet and drinking this week. I think it's way too early to turn to younger players that have not EARNED a move up in the depth chart. You do that, you don't just lose games, you lose your team. Now, there are guys such as Prince Kollie, the two freshman tight ends, Tobias Merriweather who are making the kind of incremental growth and improvements in practice that have earned consideration for more playing time. O-line substitutions are more complicated than at other positions. But Mike Golic Jr. told the story on our podcast in which he was told in 2012, to get his act together or he would be replaced. I couldn't agree with you more about Chris Tyree. I think talk of Rees being replaced is way, way, way too early. But it's not too early to throw soft objects at the TV if that helps.

Irish Rob, Scranton PA

The thing that most disappoints me is that older players are struggling while there appear to be younger, more athletic options behind them. I understand execution and knowledge are big parts of the gameplan each week but if the older guys can't execute, why not turn to some of these youngsters and see what they can do? The OL and LBs are areas that guys need to know their spots aren't guaranteed, and that people can be replaced. Both, to me, underwhelmed greatly to start this season. Also, Chris Tyree is a home run threat yet competes for touches with guys, who while solid players, don't come near what he puts on the table. He has to become more of a focal point for Rees' offense. I am starting to lose faith in the boy wonder, and wonder how much offensive ineptitude his reputation can shoulder before Freeman thinks about a change there as well???

1:56

I am sorry Eric, but there will be no way to avoid whining this week. You may have to suspend that rule or relax it.

Eric Hansen

1:56

Thank you Zach. I bought into Dr. Amber Selking being an asset to the program based on how passionately the players were about how much of a difference she made in their individual and collective efforts and performances. You didn't have to coax it out of them. Jack Coan, for instance, was a huge proponent. And yeah, I think it was a mistake not to retain her. She's still in the area, so. ... Now would ND be 2-0 and not 0-2 if she were around. No. But could she be of value now and moving forward? My opinion is a big Yes.

Zech Denver, CO

1:48

Thanks for hosting the chats, you always do a great job! Do you think some of the issues the team has been experiencing can be attributed to the departure/dismissal of the Mental Health Coach/Team Psychologist that was used when BK was running the show? From what I’ve gathered, everyone on the team loved her and found what she brought to the table very beneficial. It just seems like there is a gap with where this team was last year mentally to this year, I don’t think it’s necessarily a lack of preparation that is the root cause, the team just doesn’t seem to have that kill factor/refuse to be beat, that “punch me, I’ll punch you harder” they’ve had over the last several seasons.

Eric Hansen

1:48

Scott, as I mentioned earlier, I'm going to let some assertions go this week that I don't agree with. There's a lot here that I would not cosign on. But let me get to your questions. If Marcus Freeman really wanted to, he could turn the play calling over to Gerad Parker. I don't see that happening now or later in the season. And I don't see Tommy Rees with shaky job security. Yet I don't think he's above criticism. What I'll repeat is my preseason assertion that this was going to be a defining year in Tommy Rees' career. He doesn't have Brian Kelly anymore as either a handbrake or a safety net. He has autonomy that very few offensive coordinators have to this extent. But it's WAY too early to draw long-term conclusions based on two games even though it might feel good to vent about it.

Guest

1:30

Scott from Johnson City TN
Hi Eric. In both games the defense became gassed in the 4th quarter. It was a direct result of the offenses' inability to sustain drives and keep the defense off the field. IMO the play calling is atrocious. This falls on Rees' lap. Our RB's and receivers cannot be that bad... I do not think a screenplay has been called. There is a lack of misdirection, we pretty much run into the opponents 8 man front or throw a 4 yard pass to the tight end (some exaggeration here). It is doubtful Rees is retained after this year is over (and he may leave on his own volition). Are there any other coach who can call the offense plays? It appears wer are heading into a BVG situation with Rees.

Eric Hansen

1:30

I'm willing to let that play out. ... Golic, incidentally, is adamant, if HH says Zeke Correll is one of the best ive, then Zeke Correll is indeed one of the best five.

1:29

Hi Len. I can't go back and do a film review of the play you referenced, but there were similar plays that i did see live with similar results. So I'll kind of roll that into your question about how a hard-working, well-coach O-line could have so many flaws. I'll lean into Mike Golic Jr.'s answer to that in our podcast (and I suggest you listen for the full answers). There was such a shift in how offensive line is being taught and now such an emphasis on tuchnique, that some of the linemen may be a little overwhelmed with all the info ... until they get to a point where it all sinks in. Until then, Golic said, it can lead to some misreads and mistakes. He went through the same thing himself in 2012. ... I'm not averse to CONSIDERING a move of Jarrett Patterson back to center if indeed Rocco Spindler, Andrew Kristofic or Michael Carmody prove they're a better option at guard than Zeke Correll ias at center. (more)

Len from the Jersey Shore

1:17

Hi Eric, Hey Eric remember It's hard to win! I believe this team and staff will get there. But for now you are what your play and record says you are. No choice but to work hard and better the execution. My questions. Most curious run blocking play was early in the game. It was a run to the right. Alt sealed his block and actually picked off another player crashing down the line. He had issues on other plays. JPat and Lugg both ended up blocking the same LB in the second level. Why?? Zeke was pushed into the backfield. Fischer let the man near him and Lugg go unabated and he ultimately made the tackle. After letting that player go Fischer just stood there. The play in general blew up with multiple O line miscues. Q1- with such a hardworking and knowledgeable O line coach with a great track record,how can you have so many miscues? How difficult will it be for the staff to conclude that JPat needs to be at center after there was so much said on the best 5 and Zeke at Center being part of that assertion?

Eric Hansen

1:16

I don't think the QB room will be managed any differently over the balance of the season than it is now. ... As far as looking at the portal for a QB this offseason, I'd say look at be ready to pursue someone, but I wouldn't commit until I saw: 1) How Drew Pyne and Steve Angeli developed. 2) How Buchner recovered. 3) Who the Irish were able to sign in 2023 at QB. ... And remember, most transfer QBs are expecting to start at their new schools. They're not looking to be a backup.

1:12

Hi Marie. As far as a sounding board for Tommy Rees, it's a different dynamic this season. I'd say he bounces ideas off all of the other offensive coaches, including O-line coach Harry Hiestand and TEs coach Gerad Parker, the latter of whom has offensive coordinator experience. ... But I think you are hoping for someone like David Cutcliffe to come out of retirement and take on an analyst role at ND? I was told that concept was pitched to Marcus Freeman and he was open to that this offseason, but I was told Rees was not open to it. Maybe next year, if Rees is still at ND, that can/will be revisited. I think it makes sense. And I'd feel that way even if Rees was older and more experienced. Why not add a great asset like that to your staff? (more)

Marie from Atlanta

1:04

hi Eric, what a disappointing start to the season. I am very disappointed with Rees as a coordinator and QB developer. Last year, he had Kelly and McNulty as mentors. I’m assuming that role has not been filled. Should ND hire one or more consultants/analysts to mentor him and also help with quarterback development? He has not developed a QB. How do you think The QB room is managed moving forward? Dip into the transfer portal regardless of Carr’s decision or landing a 23 QB. I am high on Buckner but he is injury prone. Texas looks to have a lot of capable QBs they can’t all play maybe we can steal from there. Thanks for your great insights.

Eric Hansen

1:00

Greetings, Bob. All great questions. Some quick, perhaps oversimplified answers ... 1) More Chris Tyree. ... better offensive line play wiill help a lot ... and it's coming. ... I'd like to see more Joe Wilkins as he gets more comfortable and more Tobias Merriweather at wide receiver. Even with Pyne at QB, I like the RPO game. 2) That's a good point ... I can see simplification as being part of the solution. 3) There was less rotation on defense in week 2 than in week 1. I think it works, but I'm not against the concept of the best being on the field when the game's on the line.

Bob - Loganville, GA

12:55

Eric, what a week this has started out to be.
Total Offense after 2 games – 117 out of 131. Where are the answers?
On Defense - Can we make our personal learn 1 defensive position well before cross training that individual with a 2nd defensive position. It sounded great in camp but it is not working. Lastly, can we please play our best defensive players when the game is on the line!

Eric Hansen

12:54

Ken. We miss you too. Come visit us anytime you'd like. We've got plenty of great content. I am confident when I say Notre Dame will not go winless in 2022. And no, there is no in-season transferring that would allow for immediate eligibility.

Ken - Pensacola

12:52

I sure miss you guys. Will ND win any games this season? And will Coach go to the transfer portal for a backup QB?

Eric Hansen

12:52

What Freeman and AD Jack Swarbrick are working on is trying to get the deans to find some middle ground with the transfer credits ... and turn around their decisions more quickly. Does it make sense that a 4.0 student can't get into ND if the transfer credits themselves don't perfectly align?Perhaps there's some wiggle room in cases where outstanding students can have the credits in question transfer. Can ND win without that? Yes, but sometimes the fine line from going from good to great is going to be plugging an unexpected hole because of injuries or other attrition.

12:48

Marcus Freeman wants to primarily build trhough high school recruiting (and he's recruiting at a very high level). BK actually did too at ND. But you're right, being so limited on the juniors and seniors ND can take because of the alignment of transferring credits is a big problem when addressing immediate needs. It kept the Irish from getting some wide receivers in whom they had an interest. Arizona State transfer (now at Florida) Ricky Piersall comes to mind. The Irish did notably pluck S Brandon Joseph and grad transfers Jon Sot and Chris Smith, but even Joseph from elite academic school Northwestern wasn't an easy fit. (more)

12:41

Hi Don, and thanks ... a VERY interesting 8.5 months. We're grateful to everyone who followed us over. ... Let me address the Brian Kelly part of your question first and then get to the heart of it. I am on record as saying BK's gripe with resources being his biggest reason for leaving ND is way overstated by him. Now had he stayed, he would have been working hard to try to get changes made to get the underclassman phase of the portal more Notre Dame-friendly. It wasn't a big deal when underclassmen had to sit out a year, so that whole dynamic hadn't surfaced yet when he took the LSU job. (more)

Don in Phoenix

12:33

Eric, Good timing for you and Tyler with the new gig. It's been a very interesting 8.5 months! HCMF has his hands full and he will either figure it out or he wont. My guess is he will figure it out. The bigger question is roster management. Is it possible to build a team in these times only through recruits? Looking around every team is active in the undergraduate transfer portal to fill the gaps of recruiting misses, injuries and the like. Coan filled a huge hole as a grad transfer but ND won't play in a big way with the undergrad transfers. With all that went on in the offseason there was someone who could have fit. My guess is the resources Kelly referenced that ND wouldnt give was liberal use of undergrad transfer. After the rant my question is do you think ND can find a way to effectively use the undergrad portal going forward? If not can they (or any team) do it only with recruits?

Eric Hansen

12:32

Thank you, Bill. I think Drew Pyne has better arm strength than when he showed up as a freshman two years ago, but I would not term it as above average. Tyler Buchner's is much stronger and yet his accuracy on deep balls last week was sporadic at best. I think Drew Pyne's best attribute is how well he prepares and how well he applies that preparation to actual game situations. The moment will never be too big for him, because he's fearless. He's got enough mobility to move around the pocket and outside of it and extend plays. He is also used to people doubting him and channels that very well. As far as weaknesses, his size limits him to a certain extent. He's not an elite athlete. His accuracy, when he's on the move, is so-so. But the young man is extremely impressive when it comes to what's inside of him. He's a leader.

Bill milford ct

12:24

Can drew Payne throw deep— can this line protect him- what are his strengths & weaknesses — thank you & for all you do for us

Eric Hansen

12:24

Hey Mike. I'm going to let some of the ranting/mild whining go this week, because it's probably therapeutic and it's definitely warranted -- even if I don't necessarily agree with some of the points. I will answer the question you posed, which is about Isaiah Foskey. He can't be happy with his performances through the first two games either. He has nine tackles and a sack ... and 0 forced turnovers. His overall player rating from Pro Football Focus' film reviews is 10th-best among ND defensive players through two games. As far as playing time, he actually leads all Irish defensive linemen with 92 total snaps. But maybe you don't notice as much, because he hasn't been as impactful as last season yet. He has the team's best grade as a tackler (80.6), but his pass rush grade is way down the list (57.1) and actually below average. The Irish need him to play like an All-American. Cal comes in this week with their biggest statistical weakness being allowing sacks. So we'll see.

IrishMike, Altoona,PA

12:10

Hi Eric! Thanks for the chat! Unfortunately I think the season is over - time to see what the younger guys can do. From what I could see it was very obvious it was Buchner’s 2nd start: always looking to run (partly the lines fault), missing open guys and staring down his first reads..! Now with his season ending injury, we are absolutely in a dilemma! The backups are average at best! They clearly aren’t high on Tyree or they’d run screens/RPO’s or anything to get him the ball.. our defense isn’t consistent - they can’t make a big stop to save their lives.. and why is Foskey off the field so much? Wasn’t he projected as a first round pick? He’s been invisible the first two games, and he spends half the time on the sidelines!

Eric Hansen

12:10

Off we go ...

12:09

A couple of programming notes:
A lot of you have questions about the offensive line, Harry Hiestand and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees. If you’re interested in a deeper dive on those topics than what we’ll cover in today’s chat, I strongly recommend you take a listen to this week’s Inside ND Sports podcast with our guest Mike Golic Jr.
Golic played for Harry Hiestand in 2012, was a teammate of Rees from 2010-12 and has an incredible knowledge base when it comes to dissecting X’s and O’s. And he admits, he probably freaked out more than the average Notre Dame fan on Saturday.
Also recommended, our Monday Night Live YouTube show, which keeps its shelf life going through the entire week leading up to the next game.

12:07

PLEASE do include your name and hometown along with your question.

12:06

Given the circumstances to start the season, the "No Drinking" and "No Bare Feet" rules have been rescinded for this week's chat.

12:05

Here are the rules.