JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat Sept. 24, 2025 | 9/24/2025

Notre Dame Football Live Chat Sept. 24, 2025

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Z from Waka

Part 2
One last question- it appears to me that Ash may have been a good pencil pusher/ scout, but as a hands on leader and developer- simply put he is not. Am I way off base on my assessment? Ash almost has me longing for the days of BVG. Help me understand why not removing him now isn't the best option of bad situation. I understand it's not going to fix anything by him being fired; however, it would send a message to the current players and recruits- that this is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. Otherwise are they not all drinking from "The Well of Collective Madness"
Thanks Eric for hearing all my concerns and questions. As always you're part of the shine of what makes ND football special. Go Irish!

2:15

Greetings Eric!
I'm sorry I haven't been part of the chats for 3 out of the last 4 weeks. Rest assured I've tuned in and read every word after the fact.
Part 1
Like so many I am absolutely disgusted with where we are defensively. My concern is much deeper than play calling. We have had fundamental breakdowns of epic proportions. For 12 quarters I have seen time and time again especially DBs attempting to (not going to use the word tackle) opponents. Their arms are behind them- they are leading with their shoulders/ hips or worse helmets. Very few even think about wrapping up. Setting an edge or containment seems like an odd concept. As for pass rush there are "no moves?" I have yet to see a spin or even a swat and swim. Best I've seen is a few efficient bull rushes.(Hinish) Coach Al Washington didn't forget how to coach- I don't understand how we could have such a colossal collapse in so many areas.(?)

Eric Hansen

2:14

Based on the people who recommended him, including Urban Meyer, and based on people who knew of him in the business, I had an open mind that it could be a positive. Still might be. Hasn't been so far, and I'll own that. I'm open-minded it could go either way with Ash, but Marcus Freeman has earned the benefit of the doubt from me.

2:12

Now I can speak for myself on why I thought it would be as good or better. I looked at how good both the returning players are and new additions. I looked at the athleticism at linebacker and having the best DBs coach in the country back. I looked at Marcus Freeman's leadership and his assessment of the progress he was seeing (again our access it practice in August is very limited). That painted the picture for me. What I didn't know was how Ash would affect that picture. (more)

2:10

Al in fairness to Marcus Freeman and Chris Ash both, I'm going to reserve judgment on the hiring process until after the season. I can remember very well some harsh words in this chat (not by you) about Al Golden after his first couple of games and Marcus Freeman after both his first two games as DC and as head coach. Football's greatest life lesson is how you get up when you're knocked down. Now that doesn't mean you can't be mad now. (more)

Al from Flagstaff

2:04

In light of the current state of the defense, it would be interesting to know the thought process behind MF hiring Ash. Does it say more about the maturation of MF and choosing the right "fit"? Also; how is it that we heard this was thought to possibly be a better or at least a comparable defense to last year?

Eric Hansen

2:04

ND's season pass-efficiency defense rating last year as a nation's leading 104.4. This year they are No. 103 at 142.1. In the two games you mentioned, the Irish were a combined 150.1. However, in those two games they went against the No. 3 passer (Howard) and the No. 13 (Allar) and held them to collectively what both had done over the entire season individually. Howard was at 175.3 and Allar 153.5. Also the Irish faced No. 2, Kurtis Rourke of Indiana, in the first round. OK now more math for the rest of the chat.

2:00

Ok, here are the numbers and the context ,,,

1:52

Shane I think the easiest way is to calculate team pass-efficiency defense for those two games combined vs. games 1-3 this season combined. Rather than individual PFF film grades. Give me a second to do the calculations, please.

Shane from White Deer, Tx

1:51

Hey Eric, there has been a lot of talk about last years secondary compared to this years. I don’t know how hard it would be to do, but what would last years secondary be ranked if you just used the stats from say the Penn St and Ohio St games? Not trying to excuse the play, but the stats may not tell the entire story due to sample size. Although, Purdue kind of blows up my hypothesis. I wish I would’ve asked this last week. Thanks for the chats. Go Irish!!

Eric Hansen

1:50

There is still a lot of excitement of what his potential can be even this year. Maybe after the bye week he gets more engaged, but he is someone the staff is very high on for the future.

1:49

Ced!! I didn't get to your question last week, and you have fans who missed you, so here you are. Good observation on Dallas Golden, and if I remember right, you had been eager to see him in the lineup. I am surprised too that James Flanigan hasn't surfaced yet. But TE usage is down beyond starter Eli Raridon. He has played 168 snaps. Next is Ty Washington at 60 and Jack Larsen at 13. Flangian hasn't played on offense or special teams. (more)

Guest

1:45

ced walker Saginaw michigan aka sagnasty Saginaw pride I notice cole Mullins got some snaps vs Purdue im happy for Dallas Golden getting the start at nickle he played pretty good gave up a touchdown but did get a int when will James flanigan get some game reps at tight end God Bless This Football team here come the irish trust the process the golden standard rally we are nd god country go irish love thee notre dame our mother pray for us

Eric Hansen

1:45

Kevin!!! If you know how to get me into in-season practices, there's a free beer with your name on it in South Bend. Or a Dump Davie sticker I can mail to you. Your choice. Keep in mind there's less 1s vs. 1s during the season. It's 1s vs. the scout team. But in 1s vs. 1s, I would push my chips in on the offense.

Kevin-Sleepy Eye,mn

1:43

Eric!!! We heard all preseason that the defense dominated at practice. What are practices like now? Hard to believe defense dominates.

Eric Hansen

1:43

Hi Dave. This is Chris Ash's scheme and his defensive calls and the position coaches coach what he's directing them to do. Now it's not that they don't have input and a voice in meetings or even on game days, if they can contribute. Coaching on this staff is far more collaborative than it is doing things in a vacuum and marching orders and digging in of heels. And I think Marcus Freeman this week and in the last game is asking the same questions you are, so let's see what the answers look like on Saturday in Fayetteville.

Dave Henner, Bayamon, PR

1:38

Who calls the defensive line plays? Is that Ash? Why do they just "engage" and sort of stand there rather than having stunts or overloads?

Eric Hansen

1:38

Now, Traci with no hometown or capital letters in your name, if I told you, it wouldn't be a trick play, now would it?

traci

1:37

Are we going to see any trick plays this week?

Eric Hansen

1:37

If/when Charles Jagusah comes back, and he is not yet practicing, he's one of your best five. Period. Full stop. He may very well be No. 1. So, he'll return to the lineup. OC Mike Denbrock talked Tuesday night about how good the staff feels about the jelling and chemistry of the interior -- Lambert, Craig and Schrauth. Which then leaves the tackle spots. So if he were coming back tomorrow, it'd be as the starting left tackle. But a lot can change in a month, which may be when Jagusah finally returns from that summer injury (or longer). And Lambert stays in the lineup at Jagusah's old right guard spot.

Doug from Sunny Florida

1:31

Eric, it appears to me that the left side of the O-line has struggled during the first three games. I believe the PFF grades support that to some point as well as ND's tendency to run the ball to the right side more often. When C. Jagusah returns, do you believe either he or G. Lambert will move to LT with the other going to RG?

Eric Hansen

1:29

Think back to 2015. That's the movie your watching through three games. That was a playoff-worthy offense that grew each week paired with a defense that never solved anything. I don't think Freeman lets the movie end the same. Just my feeling.

1:28

And I think we're seeing significant strides there and will see more of them on Saturday. So if ND needs to get down the field vertically, it can. If it needs to pick apart a defense that's given receivers a cushion it can. If it needs to sit on the ball with a lead, it can, or it can against Purdue. Arkansas' defense is in the same stratosphere in most areas, though a bit better against the pass and slightly worse against the run. Ultimately, ND's defense has to improve or it gives you a tiny margin for error on offense and special teams. (more)

1:24

Steve, this is a great question and I hope I have the answer to match. OC Mike Denbrock talked about the evolution of the offense last night in a story I did for this morning: Mike Denbrock on Notre Dame’s offensive identity, CJ Carr’s growth and O-Line progress
For more depth, check it out, and lots of the interesting storyline, but let's stick to your topic here in the chat. The offense Mike Denbrock wanted to build was one that could do basically everything. Run-first and run-rich, but have gears to it for situational football. (more)

Steve from St Louis

1:19

At the beginning of the season I thought the defense would have to protect the offense with an inexperienced QB, now I feel the offense might need to protect the defense. Certainly doable with the backfield we have but how do you balance time of possession and not handcuff an offense that has the ability to be explosive?

Eric Hansen

1:19

Patrick!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bring the punctuation prowess today. And thank you. Patrick, I think you laid out the dynamic there very well, and YES, I do think Marcus injecting himself deeper into the process is necessary and will be successful. Now, Arkansas is a handful, even for last year's defense. So if you're expecting a 13-10 game, turn off the TV early in the first quarter. I think there are several players on a upward trajectory in the secondary ... I do, And I really do impose the "no drinking" rule on myself during the chats. I love where Tae Johnson's game is headed, and he'll start again at safety this week. Really love who Dallas Golden is turning into. And even if DeVonta Smith comes back this week form injury, I think Golden will play some and play well. Why? Two great athletes with the capacity to work hard and learn quickly paired with that athleticism.

Patrick from Boulder

1:13

Eric!!!!!!!!!!!!! So grateful for your chats and insight. Thanks for all you do! It's been a while since I've asked a question, but I have a couple for you today. First off, what do you make of the defense's disconnects b/w the secondary and defensive line? It seems to be a head scratcher to see poor technique this year vs. last year. My best guess is that technique follows confidence, and confidence comes from understanding. Do you think that Coach Freeman can help restore the defense's confidence so that they can execute at a high level? Second, who in the secondary do you see most likely turning a corner at Arkansas, and why? Thanks for your insights!

Eric Hansen

1:11

Jeremiyah Love being more involved in the passing game (12 targets) has probably eaten into his opportunities. I would not give up on this having a good ending. He's really talented, works hard and can be a real mismatch on third down and in the fed zone, especially with smaller nickels covering him. As CJ gets better as seeing mismatches pre-snap and making those changes, I think we'll see Greathouse become more of what we all expected. And as far as Knapp, the coaching staff feels like he's improving other than the whiff on the sack in the second quarter. His PFF grades would support that, especially with run blocking. Pass blocking still needs work.

1:07

And the Irish do play at Syracuse in 2026. ... Yo Greathouse. He's played the third-most snaps (88) behind Jordan Faison (146) and Malachi Fields (140). Will Pauling is fourth at 55, I think it's because Jordan Faison has been so effective outside, Pauling and Greathouse have been more of a timeshare than Pauling also getting more reps outside as well. But why only two catches for 41 yards through three games? He's only been targeted five times and has not had very good film grades, per Pro Football Focus (more)

12:59

Hi Matt, my only experience being a defensive coordinator was coaching 4th, 5th and 6th graders years ago, and I had a pretty hair-brained scheme that somehow actually worked. But I'd love the paycheck and not the headache. Yes, said to hear about former Irish QB Steve Angel's Achilles tear with his new team, Syracuse, which means he won't be able to play against ND in November. Coach Fran Brown does expect Angeli to be back for spring practice in 2026. (more)

Matt from Austin

12:52

Hi Eric, hope you are well. Kinda disappointed that you are hosting the chat today as it means that you were not promoted to defensive coordinator. Also sad to hear about Angeli's injury. Seems like a very nice guy and a hard worker. Question, is Greathouse in the witness protection program? After playing so well in last year's CFP, it's shocking to me that he can't get touches. Is there something more than just new players taking his reps? Do you see us getting a little more settled and consistent in the defensive backfield this week or should we expect more of the same (yeah, I know we had injuries). Lastly, what is going to happen with Knapp? Thanks Eric.

Eric Hansen

12:50

Well let me build on the Irish offense first, although i won't be able to match you creativity Roger. That was next level. But I think wide receiver play and offensive line play are elevating. That's significant. And CJ Carr continuing to show a very fast growth spurt in what he's able to do pre-snap at the line of scrimmage is huge. As far as the defense, three things ... there were better in the second half everywhere (286 total yards vs. 98). They were much better vs. the run all game than they have been against admittedly one of the weaker running teams on the schedule this year, and those young DBs put in some valuable time and show they can help. That was a win for the D,

12:43

We'll get back to some more questions about the defense, but I wanted to mix it up a bit, too.

Roger from Peoria

12:37

Hi Eric!!! Against the Boilermakers, Love the Price is Right and Carr motoring in the passing lane. Both obvious, but from your observation, what was the other most significant, positive development by the Irish offense? On the other hand, the first half the Irish pass defense was like Swiss Cheese, in the second not great, but Gouda. Again from your observation, was there a significant, positive development by the Irish defense? And if so, what was it?

Eric Hansen

12:36

They've got to get pressure on Taylen Green and also make sure he doesn't gash you in planned QB runs. Arkansas' QB is the nation's leader in total offense and Memphis was able to force him into a couple of interceptions in their narrow upset win last Saturday. Marcus kind of pooh-poohed the spy concept. Maybe a red herring. If ND did use it intermittently, I like Jaylen Sneed in that role. As far as the calls, I believe you make a good point and yet that was much sounder in the second half. I think, and rightly so, Marcus is more about finding answers than finding blame right now. Thanks for being part of the chats and for some fun conversation last weekend.

12:31

I'm not sure Marcus is as committed to ONLY a four-man rush as he is the notion if they're going to bring more than four, they better get home and effect the play, not just weaken the coverage. No one can cover forever. Not even Leonard Moore when healthy. And there are different things ND can do with four -- twists and stunts, pre-snap movement and different fronts, better disguising pressures as well are all a few options. (more)

12:29

Ok, to your questions, Marie ...

12:28

First things first. For those of you who are wondering if Marie is a real person, here is proof. We got together to talk football and life and a possible future YouTube project together when she came up for the Purdue game. As a former Irish tennis player. Marie was part of the "Cheer Her Name" initiative to celebrate 50 years of women's varsity athletics at the university.

Marie from Atlanta

12:23

would you agree that Ash just does not seem to make good situational calls? As always, thanks for hosting the chat and all your great insights.

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