JotCast | Notre Dame Live Chat April 16, 2020

Notre Dame Live Chat April 16, 2020

Eric Hansen

3:15

That's going to do it for today. Thanks for all the great questions. Because there was such a tremendous response today, we'll continue to do these every 2-3 weeks or so.

3:14

And thanks Mark, for your amusing conspiracy theory re Michigan I didn't get a chance to get to.

3:13

Mike, I'd have to see the play on film to be able to answer this.

Mike in Maine

3:13

Eric, I believe that this happened in an ND game last year. I have seen it a couple of times and it baffles me as the most counter-intuitive football rule. ND kicks off and the kickoff lands around the 5 yard line just a few feet in-bounds. the receiver slides (intentionally or not) so that his feet are out of bounds, and then reaches back for the ball. The ball never goes out of bounds, but ND is charged with a penalty for a kick out-of-bounds, and instead of getting the ball at their own 5, the receiving team gets it at the 35. The broadcasters explained that the rule required that. I could not find it in the NCAA rule book. Are you familiar with this rule, and do you agree it makes no sense?

Eric Hansen

3:13

I'm not sure your math works, but I'm for anything that gives us a safe college football season.

Chad from Toledo

3:12

Im trying to figure out how we can have some normal college football season??With that said I’ve always been a fan of play the heavyweights n cancel the cupcakes!So what’s your thoughts on only playing 10 games and cut out the 2 weakest not just Notre Dame but every power 5 school?I believe this will attract more viewers n easier to select for playoffs!We need to condense the season for safety n less none sense (like Bama vs citadel)!!I kno it’s way to early to know what’s going to happen but it’s a perfect time for quality over quantity!!Amen God Bless America

Eric Hansen

3:11

No, but May 15 is a key date for some decisions and more info.

Frank

3:11

In cabin in rural Missouri. It seems inevitable the football season will at least be postponed and likely canceled. Is there a date for deciding?

Eric Hansen

3:11

Thank you. I find myself rooting for noon kickoffs. I think I owe it to my readers to keep an even hand, because they deserve that. So not rooting, except for a good parking space and plenty of time to write before deadline.

Jack Strongsville Oh

3:09

Hi Eric. Thanks for the great job you do for the SBT and on Sports Beat. Another inside baseball question. Much of your writing and analysis is based on statistics and factual evidence. Do you find yourself rooting either for or against certain teams and how do you maintain an even hand in reporting on a team?

Eric Hansen

3:09

it already is.

ED Palm Beach

3:08

As the college Football and Basketball landscape morphs into a mega million business with University outlays at historic proportions which include bloated staffs,athletic perks beyond normal do you think this pandemic will give cause for concern as to where we go from here designating funds for athletics?

Eric Hansen

3:08

Hi Marie, and you stay safe too. Offense, I'd say offensive line play and running backs. Defense, cornerbacks -- far and away -- and then safeties beyond Kyle Hamilton. ... on the Buchner question, I'd say yes to that. ... re Chris Watt, that's an incredible resource to have as a grad assistant.

Marie from Atlanta

3:06

Hi Eric, Thanks for hosting the chat. For ND to win the national championship in 2020 , omitting QB play as one of the answers, what two areas of the offense and defense would have to improve the most? If Tyler Buchner enrolls early and establishes himself in Spring practice next year, do you think BK would overcome his reluctance to start true freshmen?Finally, any thoughts on the hiring of Chris Watt, I think if he can teach the mentality with which he played the game to the current players that will benefit the offensive line tremendously. As always I appreciate you comments. Stay safe.

Eric Hansen

3:06

OK, I'll play psychic. I'll say OG Rocco Spindler.

Pat St. Paul MN

3:04

Eric - thanks again for hosting these chats! Who is the next to commit to the Irish?

Eric Hansen

3:04

Mark, to be honest with you, I don't give a lot of thought or research to those premises/questions. It's not really relevant to what I do on a daily basis. I do know the SEC consistently has more NFL prospects than the other Power 5 leagues. Why that's so is a better question for someone who covers football in that area. I'm not saying that isn't a intriguing road to go down, but it's not one I have studied much.

Mark from Grand Haven MI

3:01

Eric—Always enjoy the info from these chats. Thanks as always for hosting. My question involves ND’s current status amongst the college football elite. When I was a student there in the 70’s, the SEC as a conference did not have nearly the prestige it has today. I can point to three factors:1.) the increase in population in the south which has expanded the talent pool, 2.) the expansion of TV coverage, and 3.) the clever way the SEC has made itself appear elite by scheduling so many non-conference patsies that everyone in the conference appears to be good based on their overall record. But is there more to it, specifically that the conference is crooked in the way it attracts talent? Tough subject to address, but I appreciate your perspective as a journalist. Is this something you talk about with your cohorts inside the SBJ?

Eric Hansen

3:01

Raymond, I think there initially was the hope that spring practice could be moved to June and there could be some sort of intrasquad game in that structure. With classes om campus starting no earlier than July, that's off the table. If there were to be some additional prep time before a traditional training camp, it would be heavy on the conditioning and very light on X's and O's. ... and thanks for including your hometown.

Raymond Haines

2:58

Hello my name is Raymond Haines from Oglesby,Illinois. Sorry I didn’t include my hometown at last chat. Ok, I wonder if there will be Blue and Gold Summer Game to make up the cancelled spring game? It’s just my thoughts. Thanks

Eric Hansen

2:58

Bill, I have not had a chance to meet/interview Mike Mickens yet, but I hope to soon. And from some coaches I respect very much, they feel the hiring of Mickens will help Notre dame a lot in recruiting and on the field.

Bill 1000 Oaks Ca

2:57

Do you have an opinion on new corner back coach? On paper looks to be an upgrade recruiting wise.? Don't know if offers out are for CB'S that will grow into safeties or if we're looking for pure CB'S? Please stay safe. Calif governor doesn't look like he's going to move off mandate of no large crowds pro or college anytime soon! GO IRISH

Eric Hansen

2:57

The idea of a spring season is getting a lot of play right now. Again, I emphasize, the world can change a lot in a month in terms of strategies, discoveries, etc. I don't like to think or type in terms of absolutes.

Patrick in Los Angeles

2:56

What do you hear about the possibility/probability of a Spring season? Based on everything I read and hear, I am not sure there is any chance of a season until virtually everyone can be tested, there is very effective treatment protocol and/ or there is a vaccine, which at the earliest may be a year a way under a best case scenario.

Eric Hansen

2:55

They are using resistance bands when working with actual weights is not possible. The NCAA has shifted the mandatory workouts into optional ones, so a lot is on the players' shoulders to find the drive, structure, etc. I guess all teams theoretically would face the same challenges, so there would be a level playing field.

Tim in Atlanta

2:54

How will Strength and Conditioning compensate for missed training especially for offensive and defensive line players? Those positions require more power lifting reps with heavier weights.

Eric Hansen

2:54

Yes, he can and he can play center in a pinch. He's a very valuable guy.

Terry from Cincinnati

2:53

Assuming all the OL are healthy and the starters are Eichenberg, Banks, Patterson, Kramer and Hainsey; where does Lugg rotate in? Can he spell players at guard and tackle?

Eric Hansen

2:53

We are learning a lot about testing/tracking and what effect that can have. We are learning about new medicines. But I think just based on what we know now, if there is a safe way to play in partially filled stadiums, athletic directors are open to that possibility.

Ed. Duluth. Ga

2:51

With social distancing it will be impossible to seat 85000 in a stadium Do you think colleges will play before reduced crowds or no crowds at all?

Eric Hansen

2:51

I don't want to generalize, but I suppose I am, it'd be crippling, even missing a single season.

Martin

How much damage to the health of the other sports would there be if the Football season is cancelled

2:50

martin from Phoenix

Eric Hansen

2:50

Ian Book was not considered a draftable quarterback in the 2020 draft cycle had he chosen to jump into it. That being said, you can be a good college QB and not get the NFL decision-makers excited. Book could improve his pro outlook with his 2020 season, but I would not expect him -- based on traits -- to move up significantly in that regard. Again, that doesn't take away from what he could potentially do for the Irish in the upcoming season.

Brian

2:45

Brian from NYC: In the run up to the NFL draft, scouts share their notes. Over the last 2 years on Boykin and Claypool; I have read some direct quotes from scouts that do not give Ian Book much credit (general; the WR's "overcame" a poor QB). Question: CFB is as QB driven as ever; in your coverage of the team; what is the most common perception (ND is 33-6 despite Book or because of Book) and is he thought to be a legit NFL prospect?

Eric Hansen

2:44

This is similar to Marty's question. If that happened, and it seems unlikely, I don't think there would be uniformity in what choices those players would likely make. Remember, they are continuing to take classes, so they are working toward their degrees.

Joe from Asbury Park NJ

2:42

Worst case scenario------season cancelled------what happens to the 4th and 5th year guys ? Do they come back for a 5th and 6th year or just move on to the NFL or the working world in your opinion ?

Eric Hansen

2:42

Aren't we all?

Chad from Toledo

2:42

I’m trying to hope for a normal season for college football ?

Eric Hansen

2:42

Marty, I am going to focus on your question and not address the various premises. There seems to be very strong sentiment at the moment that the college football season will get played sometime in the 2020-21 academic year. Now that could mean fall. That could mean next spring. So the seniors should get some sort of chance to play before the next draft cycle.

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