JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat Sept. 4, 2024

Notre Dame Football Live Chat Sept. 4, 2024

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Eric Hansen

3:18

OK. that seems like a good place to end things for this week. Thanks for all the great questions and for putting up with my sometimes out-of-sequence answers. We'll be back to do this all over against next Wednesday at noon EDT.

J Buckley, San Diego

3:17

Thanks again for taking all our questions,, you can see everyone is so excited. I'm stoked, but now I have to find some food. Talk next week

Eric Hansen

3:15

Hi John. I think you could host your own chat and do it with more of an economy of words than me. I'll let most of your comments stand on their own merit, but let me add, I also think going with the younger guys was the right move and I said that before the game. Defaulting to experience, when those young guys proved themselves in practice, would have been the wrong move. Some of the seeming mistakes by the linemen actually were coached. In other words, they were following their assignment. But there was a lot of guesswork, especially earlier in the game, based on perceived tendencies that didn't end up aligning.

John Sacramento

Crap. Don’t know if that the 1st one sent. I liked what I saw with OLine very much. Determination. Plus the stamina of ND’s team was huge. Great to have depth to help. Team is so fast! Athletically, things are changing. Plus they’re smart students and want to be at ND. Your thoughts about those points.
Thanks Eric.

3:06

Thanks Eric. Like to hear your “O” Line take! Mine! Those two “Youngun’s” held their own. Right side of line did great also. A&M supposedly has NFL quality lineman. Two for sure. Couple of times they were crashing. Made line look bad. QB mis read. Should’ve pulled the ball. I thought they were attacking. I saw “WANT”. Could it turn into just plain nasty? Hats off too the coaches for going with but guys

Eric Hansen

3:06

Hi Matt, you and a whole bunch of others had the deep passing game question, and understandably. And hopefully I answered it satisfactorily. So let me get to your second question about the backup QBs. Given that Riley Leonard missed spring, is new to the offense and has a lot of newness with his wide receivers, leaving him in the game a little longer (not a lot longer) makes sense. Of the other three, Steve Angeli at this point gives you the best chance to win if something happens to Leonard, so that needs to be the priority. This is about the 2024 season. If you're asking me who will be the starter in 2025, I think it will be CJ Carr, but I don't think getting him game reps at this point in the season is urgent.

Matt from Austin

3:01

Hi Eric. Very nice win. I was a little surprised that we didn't have much of a vertical passing game. Do you see us working on that Saturday? If so, to whom? Secondly, if, and I mean if, ND gets a lead this week of a substantial margin, do you anticipate that Coach will give the other QBs some reps, or try to let Leonard have all the snaps to build his efficiency and comfort in the offense? Thank you very much Eric.

Eric Hansen

3:00

Robert, your question cut off so I'll try to answer what I can see of it. ... and thank you. I said going into last season that Al Washington had something to prove on the recruiting trail and on the field. He answered it resoundingly on the field. And as long as he keeps doing that, I believe recruiting will pick up. I do think honing in on the Chicago market is smart. Yes, Justin Scott went elsewhere, but Chris Burgess and others are coming in the 2025 class, and there's some really premier 2026 D-linemen from Chicago with whom ND is heavily involved. So I like where this is going.

Robert, Dunedin FL

2:50

Eric- Thank you for the chats and expert insights. My question revolves around player development. I think DL recruiting has probably lacked a bit in terms of star rating. I do think Coach Washington has done a good job developing the players he has. I realize he didn't recruit all the current line, but what say you about their development and what Coach Washington needs to focus on in recruiting the 2025 line and beyond? I realize this is a difficult position to recruit. Do we foc

Eric Hansen

2:50

Hi Len. I think Jordan Botelho was playing so well and Boubacar Traore has passed Junior Tuihalamaka on the depth chart, that it didn't leave many opportunities for Junior to play. He did play on special teams. I don't belive Kevin Bauman is limited physically. He was doing everything in the practices we saw. But he is the fourth option. I could see him possibly getting some red zone work this week or in the future.

Len from the Jersey Shore

2:47

Eric, if you have the time any info on why Junior T did not play? And we now know Mitchell E was limited, is Kevin B also still limited?

Eric Hansen

2:46

Hi Patrick. Most of those will be improvements on offense. I mentioned some of those previously. I think coverage on special teams and punt returns will/should improve. I think you'll see punter James Rendell air some punts out. Getting home on the pass rush could improve as well, though ND's pressure created chaos on offense without the big sack numbers.

Patrick from Los Angeles

2:44

In what areas of the game do you think we will see the most improvement in week two, and why? Thank you.

Eric Hansen

2:43

5.8 yards a carry is pretty explosive, which is what ND did against Texas A&M. Carried over an entire season, that would have ranked fourth nationally last season. I think where the improvement can and will be is with consistency. A lot of stuffs and some home runs last week to offset them. This week more four yards, eight yards, good chunks and home runs. Northern Illinois allowed 94 rushing yards on 29 carries in its 54-15 win over Western Illinois in its Saturday season opener. The Huskies were 60th, so near middle of the pack, in rush defense in 2023.

Frank from Royse City, Texas

2:39

Eric, do you think ND’s running game will explode against NIU?

Eric Hansen

2:39

Lorne, quite honestly, I don't remember the tackle and don't have time to go back to my DVR and check it. But I thought you observations were colorful, so I was willing to make myself look like a big dummy by not answering your question just to include them.

Lorne

2:36

Lorne from Reno. As always, thanks for the opportunity to pick your brain. 1. We might not be in such a good mood today if not for Mitch Jeter. 2. FSU will be this year's Clemson - trying to salvage the season with a win over us, but at least this one's at home. 3. If you are a ND fan, you gotta love D. Hinish (and K for that matter). 4. Was Leonard's slide really a big deal? Doesn't the clock restart on OOB now? 5. Schadenfreude: "Kelly has now lost all three of his season openers..." 6. Okay, a question: do you think the tackle on Faison was dirty or just awkward and unfortunate?

Eric Hansen

2:36

Hi Michael. Thanks for asking the question. Please do so again in future chats. And don't let my answer scare you away. ... And I am drinking ... coffee but thanks for the permission to spike it. Tyler James did a deep dive on the O-line with his film analysis, and you can find that here. It's got all kinds of video examples, etc. And Bob Morton did a great breakdown off the cuff on our Into The eNDzone YouTube show right after the game. That'll give you a more nuanced look. My look is more general. I thought, GIVEN THE CONTEXT, they did very well -- six previous starts, elite defensive line going against then, 10,000 (screaming) maniacs or so it seemed. Not grading on that curve, it wouldn't be as favorable, but it's about winning games and evolving as a team ... and for me it was a good first step.

Michael Atl GA

2:30

Hi Eric, I believe this is my 1st question although I read this every week. Would you give us grades or analysis of the play of each of the O line? Thanks, and go ahead and drink if you want. We won't tell!

Eric Hansen

2:29

J Buck, I already answered that question, but was so amused by your phrasing, I posted your question anyway for pure entertainment purposes.

J Buckley, San Diego

2:28

I forgot the City, sorry 20 lashes

J Buck

2:28

Thanks for all you do, enough of that, I know A&M defense's line is really good, but I'm really hoping this conservative play calling ends now. We have some burners, I want to see some toast. Thoughts? Lets Go.. now I'm hungry.

Eric Hansen

2:27

Hi Pat. I do not have to clean it up. I said ROCK ON, and then wrote a column about it: Notre Dame redefines itself for the long run in road win at Texas A&M

Pat, West Wyoming,Pa

2:25

Eric: What was your first thought's when ND called both 4th down call's? You probably have to clean it up so you can put it in print, Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!

Eric Hansen

2:22

Hi Tom. There are some similarities and some differences as well. ND was coming off a big loss ahead of Marshall and is coming off a big win this time. Rylie Mills talked about this heading into the Texas A&M game about the team's mindset for the long hall and how director of football performance Loren Landow had talked to the team about the need to flush the A&M game, win or lose, shortly after its conclusion. The way Marcus Freeman has focused on putting improvement at the top of the priority list helps carry that message along. I would say look to the captains of this team to re-enforce that this week.

Tom F, Kennesaw, GA

2:19

Eric, the NIU game has some similarities to the Marshall game two years ago. It is the second game of the season and ND is a heavy favorite. Do you think that Jaden Harrison has talked to his teammates about the mindset of a team like NIU coming into ND stadium hoping to pull off the upset? Also, who are some of the key Irish players from that 2022 team who will make sure that history does not repeat itself Saturday?? Thanks and as always, Go Irish!!!

Eric Hansen

2:18

Hi Kagan, and thanks. I don't want to completely dismiss the Brian Kelly Era on that count. The Oklahoma game in 2012 comes to mind, where the Irish were kicking butt and taking names at the end of that game, but that was more of an outlier. Consistently, you would have to back to Lou Holtz. ... For your second question, I think Mike Denbrock said he had a whole top 100 list. Reducing penalties, a passing game more in sync and more vertical, an incremental step of improvement for the O-line all would be good signs

Kagan From Angola

2:12

Hello Eric, what a great win to start the season! I just wanted to comment on the evolution of Marcus Freeman in this game. He embodied a very confident coach that believed in his players to execute a game plan to a T. When he went for it on our own 32 and then again and got it even though the replay said he didn't on the 50 I think that was the defining moment in the game, you could see the way the kids responded from that moment on with supreme confidence even though there really wasn't a lot to be confident about at that point in the game. My question is when was the last time you saw a coach embody that confidence going into a hostile environment and seeing the players not only feed off of it but embody it as well? Lou Holtz was before my time so I can't say I have ever seen it especially not in the days of Brian Kelly. My second question is going into the Northern Illinois game what do you need to see growth wise from the offense in this game? Thank you and Go Irish Beat Huskies!

Eric Hansen

2:12

Joe. Thank you. That was my easiest question of the day,

Joe from Baltimore

2:11

Hi Eric. I've been watching Here Come the Irish and hearing our team speak at press conferences. I'm biased, but are ND student athletes (from all sports) truly different than most other college athletes? They just seem like amazing young people. Thanks again!

Eric Hansen

2:11

Hi David. I highlighted them in a story I wrote for Monday morning. Tobias Merriweather was hurt for Cal, Braylon James is not a featured receiver yet for TCU and Chris Tyree was targeted three times and reportedly dropped all three passes.

David -NY

2:09

Hi Eric! Thanks for the chats. Wondering if you have any insights on all the transfer WRs that left ND. Was not surprised to see Flores do well but was shocked not to see Tyree and others in the box scores. Would love any info or POV you have from this group!

Eric Hansen

2:09

Hi Ced, yes the scholarship number has been satisfied, through NIL money, so no one is suddenly paying for tuition, books, etc., that wasn't expecting it. There is no difference in how player No. 85 and player No. 86 live, so to speak. In the past, there WAS a gap. Aside from special teams, I don't see Rocco Spindler or Pat Coogan rotating in with the 1s in the heat of the game unless injury dictates. But I could see the 2s coming in en masse later in the game and I think you'll see them on special teams.

cederickwalker

2:04

ced Walker Saginaw michigan aka sagnasty Saginaw pride are with chance tucker out for the season we are now at 85 right and do see pat and rocco getting any playing time in the offensive line p.s. our lb and Marcus Freeman were hype sat night 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

2:04

Scott, thanks for the plug on Football Never Sleeps, now complete with theme music! Let me start with your second question first. Yes, I see the offense becoming more dynamic AND more assignment-correct. QB/WR chemistry, Mitchell Evans' higher usage and offensive line evolution will drive that. ... Is this the best coaching staff? Off the top of my head it's hard to answer, only because that's not something that runs through my mind and I do research confirming or denying. What I will say is I've been in the South Bend market since 1988, and from top to bottom, this is the best I can remember an staff of assistants being. Who Marcus Freeman becomes this season will help me better answer your question later this season. But I really liked who he was in Game 1. A big step up.

Scott, Greenville, SC

1:59

Eric, another excellent FNS session with Tyler! Outstanding analysis by you both! Speaking of analysis, a major shout out to the entire coaching staff. All elements did great! No one cramped, excellent adjustments in the 2nd half on both sides of the ball, Jeter was phenomenal, and Marcus showing his confidence in the team to twice go for it on 4th down - which they made both times. I live 800 miles from College Station and saw Riley made tge 1st down. Great effort by all. Two quick questions: does ND have the best coaching staff in college football? I would say yes. And, how do you see the offense become more dynamic over the next few weeks? All the best to you and thanks for your great insight, humor, and coverage of ND football.

Eric Hansen

1:59

Hi Bob. I know Mike Denbrock is really high on Cooper. He impressed Denbrock by learning the playbook as fast or faster than any of his teammates, then went out and had a strong spring and fall camp. And that's why 43 snaps on Saturday, most among tight ends. You are right, he was hit and miss on Saturday night. In a larger sample size last season as a freshman, he was better than average but not elite. He's still young. His run blocking is where he has more work to do with consistency, but he has the tools and the work ethic to improve.

Bob (Oxnard CA)

1:51

Based on what you have seen since he arrived, do you think tight end Cooper Flanagan will block effectively? On Saturday, he seemed to block well at times but also whiffed a few times. Thanks.

Eric Hansen

1:51

Hi Don. I think they were impressed conceptually with how ND was going to rotate its linebackers and allow young talent to flourish along with experienced talent. And seeing it in reality can only help ND's case. But there is not such thing as a slam dunk in recruiting.

Don Mahoney from Avon, CT

1:49

What impact, if any, do you think the defense’s performance (and the win) in College Station will have on the ongoing recruitments of Faraimo and Owusu-Boateng?

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