JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat Sept. 19, 2019

Notre Dame Football Live Chat Sept. 19, 2019

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Dave, Kuttawa ky.

1:55

I vividly remember the fiasco in Miami. Do you have a sense that this is not something we have to worry about?

Eric Hansen

1:55

Gil that's a strong question that I wish I had more time to explore with you. The answer isn't either short or uncomplicated. So let me give it a stab. You're not going to bat 1.000 in recruiting. Most players transfer because they're not playing and want that chance elsewhere. Unless they left for some other reason (violation of university rules, for instance), their attitude or skill set or off-the-field problems aren't going to transform at the new school in most cases.

Gil from San Juan

1:50

Read your article on the football players that have left N D in recent years and they are not doing well even in the weakest programs. This does not seem to speak well of the judgement of the recruiting group. What is your opinion

Eric Hansen

1:50

Tai. I kind of touched on this in an earlier question. I think this particular game isn't going to change the perception of Notre Dame long term. It's already a narrative. ND has to continue to build through recruiting, and getting elite speed at RB (Chris Tyree) and elite skill at WR (Jordan Johnson) is another step in the right direction. They need that in volume now.

Tal, Valley Center, CA

1:46

Eric, thanks so much for being the go-to source when it comes to Irish football. I believe that from a national perspective it is essential that ND put forth a strong effort, if not in a winning effort than at least in a highly competitive one. A blowout loss or an uninspired performance will continue to feed the narrative that the Irish just don't measure up when the stakes are at their highest against topflight competition. I believe this is statement game for both ND and Kelly and will go a long way in defining their season. In your opinion, how damaging would another disappointing defeat in a high stakes contest be to the program as a whole? Thanks for all you do!

Eric Hansen

1:45

Thank you. If Notre Dame wins, and Georgia goes on to play for the SEC championship, then yes, the Irish have a trajectory that would put them in the CFP .. but they must keep winning.

MoxieBravo from Chicago

1:44

Eric - love your work. Question: When and if ND wins vs. Georgia does that put them in the driver's seat for the CFP? Where do you suppose they would be ranked if they narrowly win?

Eric Hansen

1:44

I would not rule that out. Lawrence Keys looked pretty good in that role last week. Perhaps using Keys and Davis together makes sense.

Jeff from Phoenix

1:43

Hey Eric, any chance we will see A Davis returning kick offs this week or in the future?

Eric Hansen

1:43

Seriously? ... I specifically mean that about the coaching change part. Jeff, come on, you're better than that.

Jeff from York, PA

1:42

Tell Chuck from NJ that he's dreaming. We are going to get an embarrassing loss at Georgia. Will we recover to beat a pretty good Virginia team on September 28th? That's the only question I have. If not, then people should be calling for a coaching change.

Eric Hansen

1:42

Rick, I'm not sure he's downplaying confidence in his team, just staying away from kicking the big dog on the porch.

Rick - Grandville, MI

1:41

Eric!!! Now this is where we want to be! National TV, Huge Under-Dog, Bakcs Against the wall..... Dare I say people (including our own fan base) are sleeping on what has been building over the last 3 years. Our guys are going to be ready. BK is clearly downplaying confidence in his squad. Is that because he doesn't like his team's chances or he wants his guys to hear FROM EVERYONE that his team is not good enough to compete? Thoughts?

Eric Hansen

1:40

Chuck, thanks, you are the bomb when it comes to thorough questions. I think in most of ND's games during Chip Long's time here, the Irish defense has been its strong suit, and the games unfolded and were steered by Brian Kelly with that in mind. In 2019, the offense is ahead of the defense, and the offense is going to have to play that way at Georgia. Ideally, you'd like to have Michael Young, Jafar Armstrong and a unrusty Cole Kmet to deploy if you're Chip Long, but some of the concepts you mentioned need to be part of the game plan. And yes, ND's offensive line must take a step forward in its development in this game.

Chuck from Brigantine, NJ

1:33

Eric, you are "the bomb" and my absolute source about our beloved Irish! My perception is that Chip Long tightens up in big games from a play calling perspective. His Offense becomes predictable and dull. Understanding that he expanded the playbook a bit last week and that the O-Line is under performing and that the Defense cannot sustainably stop the run, can we expect to see more offensive fireworks on Saturday to "rescue" the D? How about stretching the field with Keys or Braden, Tight Ends over the middle, some misdirection and a Screen pass if the rush becomes unbearable? I know the Dawgs are fast but fast teams over pursue also ---your thoughts, oh wise one? My prediction is Irish WIN ONLY if the O-Line dominates.

Eric Hansen

1:32

Barney, some of the modest individual stats two games in from ND's edge players, including Khalid Kareem, are a product of Louisville and New Mexico trying to get the ball out quickly, come hell or high water. Where that shows up, in part, is in ND's No. 3 ranking in pass-efficiency defense. I still consider Kareem to be an elite player.

Barney

1:29

Garden City,NY-----What has happened to Khalid Kareem, I mean only one tackle against Louisville and one against the lobos and no sacks? Where is the guy who played so well in last year's home opener?

Eric Hansen

1:29

Jay, thank you for the kind words. I actually think Notre Dame has little to lose in that respect Saturday night. So many people in the national media and even within ND's own fan base expect an annihilation. So anything short of that buys the Irish some brownie points. This wasn't a team that was projected to play for a national title this year. The high-end expectations was New Year's Six. It still is, win or lose, Saturday night. When you look at where Notre Dame is headed with regard to recruiting and player development, the wheels aren't going to come off with a two-TD loss. The important thing if that happens, is to come back and handle a ranked Virginia team that next week. I think when Clemson comes to Notre Dame Stadium in 2020, there will be a higher expectation for the Irish and they'll be held to a higher standard in that game by the outside world.

Jay Weir

1:21

Thank you Eric for all of your insightful and interesting work. The line this weekend is ND +13.5. Let's say this game is another recent Clemson-like blowout. What does that mean for Notre Dame and it's overall reputation? Will it be the 'over-rated' come true, or, will there be a chance to redeem yet this year? Jay Weir, Huntington Beach, CA

Eric Hansen

1:21

Daniel, I think ND's problems against Miami in 2017 had more to do with not handling the moment on the big stage than X's and O's, and Miami's play the balance of that season kind of backed that up. The Hurricanes weren't that good. Georgia 2019 would devour Miami 2017.

Daniel Kalamazoo mi

1:19

Eric, This game has me concerned we will be watching a similar game as to what we saw in Miami in 2017. Our inability to extend drives on third down coupled with our inability to stop the run has me very concerned. Have you seen anything to this point that leads you to believe we will be able to do either of those things Saturday night?

Eric Hansen

1:19

Steve, thanks. But no. I wrote about that very thing in my Gameweek column earlier this week. We also chatted with Gary Danielson this week about that very thing on the Pod of Gold Podcast. Not biting on you. I need to do a better job on Twitter of promoting these stories, I suppose.

Steve from Canton MI

1:17

Great reporting as always. Question for you -- If ND loses this game and with the deteriorating lack of class teams left on the schedule, do you see any route that ND makes the playoffs?

Eric Hansen

1:16

Well, with Alabama and Georgia, you're comparing apples and oranges. Those two teams run 3-4 fronts, so the defensive linemen are going to be bigger in that structure. ND runs a 4-3. ... And in today's football you need to cover, so ND isn't looking for 245-pound linebackers. I think you can be 225/230 and still be really good against the run. I think the programs you referenced have more depth at linebacker, have more experience and have more difference-makers.

Sam (Delray Beach, FL)

1:09

Eric, when I look at the depth charts for teams like Bama, Clemson and Georgia, it appears that ND is still undersized, especially on defense. The average weight of our starting linebackers is under 225 pounds; and the average weight of our top 8 defensive lineman is 275 pounds. Compare those figures to Georgia, whose starting linebackers average 240 pounds and top 6 defensive lineman average 300 pounds. Forgive me for being simplistic, but I believe that this is the number one reason why we've struggled against elite teams in recent history. I fear that Georgia is going to run the ball down our throats and give Fromm all the time in the world against our undersized front 7, while Book will have no time and our running backs will struggle to get past the line of scrimmage. Please tell me that I'm wrong. Are you concerned about our size as well?

Eric Hansen

1:06

Doug, thanks. .. Let me start with this stat from my colleague, Carter Karels, who charted this:

In their 25 snaps using the dime package this season, the Irish have four pass breakups, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries. The combination of quarterbacks between Louisville and UNM are 4-of-15 for 29 yards against that defensive look.

Now Jake Fromm is in a different universe than the QBs ND has seen so far. Georgia's WRs are really talented, yet inexperienced. If you're picking your poison, that would be my preference. ... But you have to mix it up defensively. You have to give Georgia different looks.

Doug from Norfolk, VA

1:02

Thanks for the chats! Love your work! If ND stacks the box on defense on early downs to prioritize stopping the run and UGA turns to play action to counteract, do you give the edge to the UGA wide receivers or the ND secondary?

Eric Hansen

1:01

Not sure I like my options in your last either/or question. Can I come up with my own answer? If you're defensive coordinator Clark Lea, you can load the box, but then you have to deal with the No. 2 active passer in the FBS when it comes to passing efficiency in Jake Fromm. Having said that, I think you need to do that some, just not a steady diet of it. You have to get Georgia to third down, where ND's dime package can get on the field. I think your read on how the linebackers played vs. New Mexico is accurate. I think JOK can and will bounce back. I still think he's the furthest advance of all the linebackers. He's certainly athletic and versatile.

Bob from NYC

12:56

JOK looked much worse last week, Asmar Bilal looked much better, drew white looks better to me with very snap he plays. Do you think they’re trending positively or negatively overall and would loading the box be enough to stop UGAs run game or should we just call it a L now?

Eric Hansen

12:55

I think there are several layers to it ... at Louisville, in particular, Book had opportunities to check into better plays. And did not. Overall, a combination of that, growing pains by the interior offensive line and play-calling. All fixable. How soon? Not sure it'll be by Saturday night.

Cliff from Battle Creek

12:53

Hi Eric, thanks as always for doing this! What is the biggest culprit in Notre Dame's failures on short yardage situations? If your answer in part is unimaginative play calling do you think the coaches have been holding back for Georgia?

Eric Hansen

12:53

I do, and wrote about that very topic earlier this week:

https://www.ndinsider.com/football/hansen-sizing-up-the-offensive-line...

Tyler D

12:51

From Cleveland OH. After all the chatter about Patterson and his move to center I have been disappointed in his play. Doesn’t seem to be able to generate any push against lesser competition nonetheless. Specifically the QB sneak we had where Wright essentially hugged Book in to the endzone. Patterson got blown back and almost blew the play. Is it just a product of growing pains or technique or both? Still faith in Quinn to turn the unit around?

Eric Hansen

12:50

Recruiting. Not that there wasn't good development. Recruiting. That's why Lance Taylor is here and that's why Chris Tyree's verbal commitment is so significant.

Brian from South Bend

12:49

Hey Eric, How did Notre Dame end up with such a lack of true talent at the RB position for 2019? Armstrong is good but wasn't recruited as a RB. Its striking how much better Georgia is at that position than ND.

Eric Hansen

12:48

I plan to chat with them next week about it, when it comes back into play (CBS has this weekend's game). From what I've read, they anticipated a pushback from their audience. It reminds me of "New"Coke.

Tim - Pleasant Prairie WI

12:47

Hi Eric....I was at the game last weekend so was unable to watch the NBC coverage, but I have heard the new camera setup and the resulting angles used to cover the game were anything but favorable. Do you have any idea if NBC has listened to the criticism and decided to either re-work the camera angles or abandon the new setup altogether?

Eric Hansen

12:47

There are positions that are endowed, but not all of them are. Because people are opening their checkbooks, you have things like the Dick Corbett Head Football Coach and the Bob Hinton Defensive Coordinator, for example. Nobody but Notre Dame calls them by those titles, however. It's not a common thing to have the positions endowed, but it's not unique either.

Iris

12:43

At the beginning of each season I print out a roster of the team members. When I was on the Notre Dame website I noticed they had also had a coaching roster and when I opened it it appeared that some of the coaching position titles have been sponsored by what appears to be families or family foundations. This struck me as being really odd. Can you shed any light on this?

Eric Hansen

12:42

Tom, thanks. You're right about the slow starts and how that might translate this weekend. If I'm BK, I'm putting my offense on the field. Kirby Smart is 28-5 in games when his team scores first, 7-5 when they don't. He's 30-3 when leading at halftime, 5-7 otherwise. Taking the ball first doesn't mean ND will score, but I'd take my chances. ... I do see some Drew White/Schmidt comparisons when it comes to instincts and not getting a lot of recruiting hype. Each played for one of the top high school programs in America. I'm sure Drew would like to borrow one trait from Joe, and that's having jaylon Smith playing next to him.

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