Eric Hansen: Welcome to Notre Dame Football Live Chat, a special Saturday edition.
First a couple of quick announcements.
Tyler James and I will host another LIVE edition of Football Never Sleeps Monday at 7 p.m. on YouTube. We'll take your questions live and might even break into song ... or not.
NOT to the part about singing ... we WILL take your questions.
I also wanted to tell you about a special offer from insideNDsports.com. If you love the chats, you'd love being a paid subscriber. We've got lots of free and premium content. So here's the offer for new subscribers. Subscribe now using the promo code, and it's free until spring.
Eric Hansen: OK, as far as this week's chat …
Please include your NAME and HOMETOWN along with your question(s).
Please keep your hands flat on the keyboard and feet flat on the floor.
Eric Hansen: All those usual rules? Out the window this week.
So behave.
Off we go.
Mike from Ann Arbor: Hi Eric. Thanks for your excellent coverage during this amazing playoff run.I think the Irish played a gritty but far from perfect game against Penn State, and could put it all together and avenge their last second loss to OSU last season. I am wondering what you expect the offensive line plan is for next week. I would think maybe Jagusah to left tackle and Spindler/Pendleton at right guard would be their best option?
Eric Hansen: Having grown up in Columbus, Ohio, I find it fitting to start the chat with a question from Ann Arbor. And it's a good one, Mike. We haven't spoken to Marcus yet. I'm going to assume Monday, but that is an interesting thought. Jagusah graded out pretty well at RG, considering everything, and that's where he has been practicing. He's a really smart dude and can pick things up quickly, so left tackle maybe, but I think you stick with Baker there if Knapp can't go. We also need to see what Rocco Spindler's status is. But Baker has been practicing at LT all season. Not sure in this short window I would want to mess with that, but love your thought process.
(Note: on Sunday head coach Marcus Freeman confirmed that Knapp will miss the CFP National Championship Game with a high ankle sprain. No word on who would replace him.)
Joe G from San Juan: Joe G from San Juan PR - knowing what we know now, with all of the teams with 1st round byes losing, was this all part of Jack Swarbicks's master plan to help ND make it to the finals? Eliminating the possibility of ND getting a bye now looks like a stroke of genius
Eric Hansen: Hey Joe. I am detecting some humor in your question, and so I'll answer it in that spirit. Yes, he was an evil genius. And he also figured out to keep the most difficult matchup on the other side of the bracket. I really hope they keep this thing at 12, although 14 wouldn't be awful. And it's interesting that the two teams that will play for the title would have been left out of the four-team version and likely playing each other in a New Year's Six bowl.
Steve from Monterey: I still can’t figure out how Notre dame won. They lost both lines of scrimmage. Lost the turnover battle. Couldn’t stop the run game. Gained 15 yards running in the first half. Lost 2 offensive linemen. All I can point at is 4 points saved on the dropped TD pass and 7 gained when the PSU cornerback fell down, giving ND a 54 yard touchdown. That must have been 1 heck of a halftime speech. Can you identify and specific changes the coaches made during halftime that helped ND be successful? Thanks for doing these chats!
Eric Hansen: Steve, there's a really good video Dan Orlovsky post on Twitter/X/whatever it's call these days that takes a deep dive into the adjustments. And he does a much better job than I could do, plus we'd never get to Patrick's question if I had to type that much. Here's the link:
Patrick from Los Angeles: Thanks for the chats. After watching the Ohio State juggernaut last night, I saw no weaknesses in the Buckeyes. What areas MUST ND excel in to secure a victory?
Eric Hansen: OK Patrick, there are many other questions similar to yours, and it's not a short answer. But two things are something Steve mentioned ... winning the rushing battle and winning the turnover battle. And I'll do some more details with some of the other questions. But let's focus on those two ... ND under Marcus Freeman is now 29-3 when the Irish win the rushing battle, 4-6 when they don't. And turnovers? 18-0 under Freeman when they win that, 10-2 when it's tied, 5-7 when they lose the turnover battle. They've only lost it twice this year ... NIU and Penn State. .. One thing to point out, Penn State did win the rushing battle, but ND won it in the second half when the Irish rallied 101 yards to 63. And it was 55 to minus-3 ND in the third quarter.
Marie from Atlanta: Hi Eric, what a great win the other night. Very excited to be hosting the national championship game in Atlanta. What three things have to happen in the game for ND to beat OSU? What are the key matchups for the game? Is there a position group where you think Notre Dame has a decided advantage? What do you think the coaches can utilize from Michigan’s game plan when they defeated Ohio State in their game plan? As always, thanks for hosting the chat, look forward to seeing you in Atlanta next weekend.
Eric Hansen: Hi Marie .. and to your question in the text ... ITALIAN is the absolute right answer. Put me down for that. ... MANGIA! ... OK to your actual questions. Let's start with the Michigan question. And the "have them wear Michigan helmets" joke has already run its course, so I will give you a serious answer. The 2024 Irish statistically profile and trend similar to the 2023 Michigan team, more so than any of the 2024 teams that reached the semis in fact. Now the 2024 version, there may be a few ideas on defense that might be worth looking at, but stay away from Michigan's 2024 offense. Yuck.
Eric Hansen: Key matchups is a long list, but lines of scrimmage will be huge ... both sides. So three things ... repeating, win rushing battle and win turnovers ... and No. 3 win the margins ... fourth downs, special teams, the little things that add up in big games and the ND is best at in the CFP field. ... At this level ND had a decided advantage in nothing. But I think beyond the lines of scrimmage, if the Irish win we're going to be talking about their secondary. No. 1 pass-efficiency defense in the nation.
Jack from Strongsville, Ohio: Hi Eric. Thanks for being here on a Saturday. Eric Hansen Never Sleeps! I thought the key part of the PSU game is when Steve Angelli came in and was able to put points on the board. He is not as mobile as Riley Leonard but what are Steve's strengths and weaknesses? Happy New Year.
Eric Hansen: Hi Jack. Thanks for singing the praises of Football Never Sleeps and the clover twist, but can you sing the theme song as well as Piano Man Steve Lungrin? Seriously, that guy is talented. Check out his appearance on the Rich Eisen Show a couple of years ago. I linked it. Now to the Steve you asked about ... Angeli. Strengths, reads defenses VERY WELL, makes very quick and accurate decisions, studies and prepares like he's going to play significant downs every game. Supports Riley Leonard and helps him during games. Weaknesses ... is built to be behind an offensive line that has Mike McGlinchey and Quenton Nelson on it more than a freshman left tackle with a bad ankle. He is a better runner than you might think and yet could not get you the third- and fourth-down conversions Riley Leonard does. Great guy to have on the team. ND is better for him having stayed.
JRicc from Chester, N.J.: Mitch Jeter deserves all the accolades he is receiving. In addition, two other players deserve special recognition. They are the ND center and ND holder on the game winning field goal. Please state their names for your reader audience.
Eric Hansen: Hi JRicc ... Two walk-ons fill those roles. Chris Salerno is the holder and Rino Monteforte is the snapper. I did a feature on Rino this summer. Fun interview. Check it out:
Undersized, overlooked Rino Monteforte tackling the odds at Notre Dame
Julie Feasel: What did Coach Freeman say to his team at halftime? Had to be of "Win one for the Gipper" magnitude.
Eric Hansen: Hi Julie. Notre Dame's Fighting Irish Media will likely have a video up on that this week, so you can see for yourself. My guess is he said: “Mitch Jeter, make sure when you kick your game-winning field goal, you remember how to make the flight of the ball curve." OK, OK, so I'm not a movie script writer.
Beau Harvey from Rockwood, Tenn.: What are you hearing about the NCAA granting 5 years of eligibility rather than 4 and the possibility of Riley Leonard getting one more year? Is this just wishful thinking or is there legitimate hope this comes to fruition? If there is hope, who else besides Riley would this impact?
Eric Hansen: Hi Beau ... this is something the NCAA is CONSIDERING. No vote set. No timetable for anything, and it could happen ... but not soon enough to affect anyone this year without a lawsuit. And I think RL is ready for the next step anyway, though he does have some classes to finish.
Len from the Jersey Shore: Hello Eric!!!!! This team has grown so much during this season. Earlier I never would have expected to win with a key stat being passing yardage. But it is now whatever the team needs to do to win. I have figured out who Riley Leonard reminds me of, be it a more modern version. Joe Capp. Not the best natural passer but a great leader. A QB who would do anything to win, including hurdling a defender for a key first down. The team exhibits that same trait. I thought the defense looked mentally and physically tired to begin the Penn St game. Their angles of pursuit were off. As were their quick recognition of the play being run. It's possible the tragedy in New Orleans contributed to that as much as the delay. Three questions. When will CMF give an injury update? IYO Where is the depth stretched the most? How will the staff get this team mentally and physically ready to show their best on January 20?
Eric Hansen: Hi Len!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for the great punctuation and the commentary. I'm going to cut right to your questions. Not sure on Marcus' next presser, but I am guessing Monday. So we should get injury updates then. ... ND's depth is stretched the most at D-line and cornerback and STRESSED on the O-line. Ohio State's D-line is wicked, just like Penn State's. How to get them ready? They lean into sports science, and starting Monday classes start back up, so there's less recovery and meeting time and the 20-hour rule (NCAA) goes back into effect. Ohio State actually started back this past Monday, so ND actually has a bit of an advantage there. A lot of people think: work, work and more work and that's where sports science says, "Not so fast my friend."
Especially now, getting ready to play the first game 16 in school history after playing the first game 14 and 15, recovery, balance, NOT overdoing it and working smart are huge keys.
Related Content
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► Notre Dame football depth chart projection for CFP final vs. Ohio State
► Notre Dame football injury report: LT Anthonie Knapp out for title game
► Virginia Tech transfer Jalen Stroman adds to deep Notre Dame safety corps
Bob from Oxnard, Calif.: From the stands, it appeared our team was relatively low energy the first half. Do you think playing Georgia took a bit out of our team?
Eric Hansen: Hi Bob. I am nor sure I am going to give you the answer you are looking for here. I didn't sense the low energy you saw. But these teams are playing a longer season that has ever been played. This is all new territory. There's no template. And given the emotion of New Orleans and the physicality of the Georgia game and the shorter turnaround for the semis, I think that round was a challenge for all the teams.
Tom F from Kennesaw, Ga.: Eric, thanks for a Saturday Chat. What a gutsy, gritty win for the Irish!!! This team epitomizes Ara's mantra of "No Breaking Point". Proud of the way they play and the way Freeman and everyone represent Notre Dame. A question I have had is who convinced Al Golden to come join a first time, first year head coach?? Was Swarbrick involved? What did Golden see in this opportunity?? Collins missed the PSU game for reasons unknown, but in his absence Greathouse really shined. Collins has had too many drops IMHO. I don't know about X's, or Y's or position but I think our best combo at WR is Greathouse, Faison and Thomas. I like the dependability and also blocking of this group. Throw in Harrison for a few deep routes. What is your opinion of our WR group's performance this season? Without going after a QB in the portal this year shouldn't that open up more NIL money to recruit some really good players in our areas of need, like DL??? Hope we can share an adult beverage here in Atlanta. Go Irish!!!
Eric Hansen: Hi Tom. First things first. Yes, put me down for that adult beverage. Now to your questions. Golden did his research and really liked Marcus ... he also mentioned Notre Dame was a very attractive option. I'm not sure he could have come back in the college game at any other school. I'm not sure how much Jack Swarbrick was involved in that. I know Marcus knew what he was looking for ... and he actually had another option turn him down before it could pick up momentum. It was not the right fit. Golden was. ... Beaux Collins didn't play much but did play ... 7 snaps. He had the flu in the Georgia game and suffered a calf strain vs. Penn State. Marcus Freeman expects Collins to progress well enough this week to play in the game.
As far as the wide receivers, I think Riley Leonard being hurt in the spring hurt. I think having a new OC, even a very very good one, was another learning curve. But I will say this about that group VERY, VERY unselfish. And Faison is coming on at the right time. ... As far as portal additions, ND got four in December -- two WRs, a DB and a TE ... and I expect more VERY VERY soon, including the position group you mentioned.
Shane from White Deer, Texas: Hey Eric, just finished watching the O St-Texas game. Another good game. After watching these two teams, do you think ND matches up better with Ohio State, or would have matched better with Texas? Not that it matters now, but was wondering what you thought. Also, do you think Ohio State has weaknesses that ND can exploit, or at least some vulnerabilities? O State looks solid, but there is something special about this Irish team. I think they are ready for the moment. Go Irish!!
Eric Hansen: Hi Shane. I watched most of the game but had to multitask with some work, so didn't see every down ... but I was listening when I wasn't watching. Marie mentioned the Michigan game, but there are elements ND can learn from ... from the first Oregon/OSU game, the Nebraska game and even the Penn State/Ohio State game. .. I think ND can do some things with movement and pressure in its front 7 that can cause some challenges for OSU's reshuffled O-Line. Protecting RL is going to be huge ... and so again is his running ability. ND is the better turnover margin team. They have to be on Jan. 20.
Jim from Springfield, Ill.: ND seems to have struck out in the DL transfer market. What happened? Thanks
Eric Hansen: Not so fast my friend.
Eric Hansen: Patience.
(Note: After the chat ended, four transfers announced commitments to Notre Dame, including two defensive linemen).
NWI_Irish96 from Munster, Ind.: You've been asked before if you could have any one injured player back who would it be, and the answer wasn't Benjamin Morrison because of how well Gray and Moore have been playing. Now that the Irish are going to be facing Jeremiah Smith, does that answer change?
Eric Hansen: No, although I love Morrison. Leonard Moore is ND's No. 1-graded defender per PFF and one of the best at any position in the nation. And Jordan Clark on Egbuka is a much better matchup than most people can throw at him. I would still go with Rylie Mills or Boubacar Traore. And if you could bring back a player who had a year of eligibility from last year, Joe Alt.
Ken from Steel City, Pa.: Hi Eric. Wow! What a game. I am blown away that the Irish are in the National Championship. How do you feel the playoff run will impact recruiting in the next few seasons? Is there any truth to the rumors that there are already defensive linemen that will transfer to Notre Dame that has not been announced? Lastly, can you share your thoughts on this season. When we started the season, the consensus amongst the chats was a successful season would include a playoff win. Not 3 with a potential 4th on the way. Has ND finally bucked the “unable to win big games trend”? Sorry for so many questions today. I’m just excited!! I am looking forward to the road trip to Atlanta!
Eric Hansen: Ken, you're going to be in Atlanta? Maybe we should have a little ND Football Live Chat get-together. The more the merrier. I'll let Tyler James do all the work. 😎 ... Yes, laying a title run on top of everything else ND offers can only help recruiting, both portal and high school ... and ND will stay heavy into the HS recruiting. ... As far as portal announcements, Marcus Freeman wanted to keep the focus off the portal, but with classes starting Monday, there is a window for some news on that front, so I think you curiosity is on point. ... Let's put it this way, Marcus Freeman had more top 5 wins in an 8-day span than James Franklin has in 11 years at Penn State (1-15).
Mike, Phoenix: Eric, HNY! You are the knower of all so how soon after Notre Dame beats Ohio state will I be able to purchase a “Champs” shirt at either Fanatics or Dicks? Can you talk about Sneed and Shuler flashing/ascending? Do you see a fresh Charles J. being an improvement for the OL? You may remember me as the guy who said the sun is shining brighter and my coffee is tasting better a month or so. Still happening! Cheers! Go IRISH! ☘️
Eric Hansen: Happy New Year Mike! You and I are living parallel lives as far as great coffee and brighter sunshine. ... Now for the bad news. I have no idea about buying T-shirts and the best place to get them. Way out of my purview. Now if you want unicorn headphones, which I got for my granddaughter, I know where to get them at a good price! ... Jaylen Sneed and Adon Shuler, two really good stories with different plotlines. Sneed is an elite, elite athlete who never played traditional linebacker in high school (and actually was the starting QB), and had a hell of a high school coach who still supports and mentors him. And maybe that's one reason he's still here and didn't give up.
His challenge was to channel that athleticism into being a great linebacker, and we're seeing that process play out in front of us, remembering progress is not always a straight line. Shuler was the Flavor of the Week early in spring practice at safety. Then again. Then again. And when Rod Heard transferred in, in June. Shuler kept surging and beat him out. And now both of them are valuable. ... Jags is an amazing athlete and an amazing story. Don't have the time and bandwidth today to do it justice here, but with roughly two months of in-season practices in two years, he's already THAT good. He'll start somewhere on the O-line next year and be even better. When he signed out of HS, longtime recruiting analyst Tom Lemming told me Jags was better at the same stage/age than Quenton Nelson and Mike McGlinchey. That's how high his ceiling is if he can stay healthy and if he can get there .. per Lemming.
Lorne from Reno: Just "wow." As for the question, any chance they'll move Jagusah to LT? Baker seems overwatch. And thank you for a great season of informative chats.
Eric Hansen: Hey Lorne, asked earlier and it's something I'll ask about at the next press conference is O'Malley/Prister don't beat me to it.
Scubavt from Jamestown, Tenn.: Eric do you think we have a decent shot at beating Ohio State given our injuries ? Does OSU have any injured players you know of?
Eric Hansen: Hey ScubaVT, yes Ohio State had O-line injuries and maybe one significant one at WR ... was talking on the phone with CBS' Dennis Dodd before the chat, but didn't get a chance to dig deep yet. Decent shot? OSU is the favorite for a reason. WAY too early for a score prediction from me, but I'll share it with you when I do.
Tony, Lake Mary, FL: To Marie in Atlanta, what are the good Italian places in Atlanta? When I lived there, I had a hard time finding one, although we did go to one that is famous for its eggplant Parm helping to induce labor. My wife and went when she was past her due date with our first...didn't work.
Eric Hansen: Here is the scoop ... directly from Marie in Atlanta ... and yes, she is Italian ... For pricey very nice Italian places some of my favorites are La Grotta and Antica Posta in Buckhead. Sotto Sotto in Inman Park. More neigborhoody Grana in the Morningside neighborhood, Boco Lupo and A Mano Inman park area and Pasta da Pulcunella in Midtown.
Bill from Denver: Eric… Just a comment. I loved your post game article “Notre Dame continues to redefine itself in Orange Bowl in for the ages”. As a fan since the early ’70s, your article really brought me back to those feelings in ’88 when after 11 years the Irish were great again. That 11 years seemed like a long time back then. This team’s accomplishments are far greater, win or lose going forward, given all the injuries and the new college football landscape, and your article captured that beautifully. In the old days (I’ve got several years on you) this would be clip and save article. Thanks for the great work over the years.
Eric Hansen: OK Bill, now I'm getting a little verklempt.... Talk amongst yourselves. ... Rhode Island is neither a road, nor an island ... Discuss.
Seriously, Bill, thank you.
Tom from Evanston, Ill.: Hi Eric. This playoff seems like a lot of games. I was surprised to see that North Dakota State also played 16 games in winning their title. Is ND having an unusual injury run or is this playoff likely to bring more injuries? Is there anything to find out from the division that has been doing a playoff for a lot longer?
Eric Hansen: You know what Tom, that's a great question. And certainly IU coach Curt Cignetti could have tapped into that had Indiana made a run, given his pre-IU background. I think the FBS dynamics are different, but there certainly has to be something that can be gleaned. You have me a good idea. I'm going to take it and run with it ... just not in today's chat. Thanks.
Cliff from Winnipeg: What are the biggest matchup problems for ND against your Buckeyes? 😉
Eric Hansen: Hi Cliff. ND's O-line vs. OSU's front seven.
Carlos from Augusta, Ga.: Does ND have to share playoff money with ACC? With the new TV deal and Under Armour contract what's the total take $$$. If you're ever in Augusta for the Masters look me up!
Eric Hansen: Carlos, if I'm ever at the Masters ... is that an invite? ... because I think I can find a green jacket somewhere or golf shoes or a quote from the Dalai Lama ... any of those things. ... I can't do that math problem for you, however, but ND does not have to share playoff money with the ACC ... or the Trophy if they win, more importantly.
The Beave from Grand Rapids, Mich.: Hey Eric. Thanks for giving up your Saturday to allow the ND faithful to continue to celebrate this great run together. You are appreciated. The line for ND v PSU moved right before kickoff in favor of Penn State. At the same time, there were social media reports of Nora virus running through the ND team and reports of players getting sick in the locker room before the game, Do you have any information as to whether there is truth to this rumor and who, if any, if the ND players were affected? If there has been no official confirmation, did any of the snap counts or substitution patterns suggest any ND players were under the weather? Pre-game party at Marie’s house? Go Irish.
Eric Hansen: Hi The Beave. Are you going down too? I'll have to check with Marie on the party, I will be working, but I am having dinner with her one night. ... The source I spoke to said the flu rumor was WAY overstated and would not affect the team. They had been fighting a bug for a couple of weeks, and it did affect Beaux Collins in the Sugar Bowl and his dad tweeted something to that effect, and it is worth asking about at the next presser. But if you look at the snap counts and sub patterns, only Collins looks off. The rest were injury-related. And thanks for the kind words.
Jonathan in Hideaway, Texas: Hi, Eric!!! So much fun to keep this season rolling! Hope you’re enjoying more than burning out. As I look at snap counts and PFF grades, it makes me wonder if the successful in-game adjustments might be summarized as responding to Penn St size and brute force with more size (and correspondingly less speed) in our own lineups. At least, as I look at who played more and less than usual, that’s my guess as to the reasoning. Am I on to something? Perhaps relatedly, PSU had more success blocking Irish defenders than anyone I recall since, I dunno, Bama 2012? Any insight into why? Scheme? Athletes? Sheer size? I certainly was surprised to see ND battle back despite what looked like physical domination (except on that one, glorious 2-yard run) by the N Lions.
Eric Hansen: Jonathan!!! Strong exclamation point game without overtaxing your fingers .... I think Tyler Warren and Penn State's lack of WR threats made playing three linebackers more attractive than a lot of nickel. Jordan Clark only played 15 snaps out of a possible 67. He's usually in the 80-90% range if not higher. He will be higher for OSU. Some of Penn State's ability to block was scheme. Some of it was having two RBs who are really good who are 220-pounds plus. Trevor Etienne, for instance, was 200, if that, for Ga. But Al Golden adjusted, which is his fastball as a coordinator and he located it. ... And yes the run by J-Love for 2 yards is one of the most impressive 2-yard runs I've seen in more than four decades of doing this.
Mike from Rockville, Md.: Hi, Eric! Do you know if Denbrock/Freeman script the first 10-15 plays of the game on offense? BK used to do it and I've heard others like Chip Kelly do it too. Thanks!
Eric Hansen: In the times I've spoken with Mike Denbrock, that's the impression he's given me. Haven't talked much about it specifically. It's pretty common throughout college football. But again, the big money is made by being able to adjust ... and Denbrock did that too .,.. again and again this season, and in the Penn State game, as did Golden on D.
Brendan from Pittsburgh: Hi Eric. How much extra juice is ND going to have for this game? Obviously it's the national championship anyway, but may it be more personal given last year, Coach Freeman's connections, and the line initially being a pretty high 9.5?
Eric Hansen: If you anyone needs extra juice for THIS game? They are in a coma.
Sean from Schaumburg, Ill.: Do you envision Freeman going for it more on 4th and short? More fake punt plays? Without the injuries we're a wee bit overmatched. It had to be Ohio State. I was at both games. It took me two weeks to recover from the 2023 game. I'm not for hyperbole, but this might be the biggest game in ND history. Win and glory returns. Lose and it's the same old mantra of not defeating the top tier teams in the biggest games. Defeating Georgia was a step in the right direction. Although, anti-ND fans can point to Beck being out. We get him in Miami to start the 2025 season. Just win, Baby. Nothing else matters.
Eric Hansen: Hey Sean, thanks for the question and commentary. I'll leave the commentary alone and get to the question. Notre Dame will go for it on fourth and short, because they're good at it. They're tied for eighth nationally at 73%, but OSU is really good on 4th as well, 71%. And they both have great defenses they believe can hold up if they don't make it on fourth down. Ohio State is No. 1 in total defense and ND 9th. This will be the fifth game for each one against a top 10 defense. Two of those in common -- No. 2 Indiana and No. 7 Penn State. Fun fact... guess who No. 4 is?
Northern Illinois.
Eddie from Honolulu: Aloha Eric! I’m curious to hear your thoughts about what was unsaid in the lead up to the Orange Bowl. Both Freeman and Franklin were asked about the significance of black head coaches in the game and how they arrived at this point. Freeman gave credit to his mom and listed many coaches from high school to college as well as the ND administration for giving him a shot, but notably didn’t mention Kelly. Is there anything to read into that or is that just Marcus being a class act and keeping the positive attention and focus where it needs to be?
Eric Hansen: Aloha, Eddie. I don't think there's any animosity there, but they only worked together for one year. They are not particularly close, don't talk regularly and BK wasn't thrilled Mike Denbrock left LSU for ND. But no bad blood. But BK had nothing to do with Marcus becoming a head coach, except creating the vacancy. I will say this... an unintentional factor, BK in his defense did get the program to a point where it COULD roll the dice on a coach with no previous head coaching experience. The same could not be said in 2009 December when BK landed the job.
John Scottsdale, AZ: Eric, I appreciate these chat but I appreciate your writing and fine journalism even more. The ND continues to redefine itself” article was superb. And as I shared with you my Uncle from ND used to cut and send your articles to us regularly. This has been a magical and unexpected season, especially with all the injuries. Now for my question. In your opinion what part of the culture that Freeman built at ND is most important in this amazing playoff run.
Eric Hansen: John, you telling the story about your uncle gave me goosebumps, and not just because it’s 31 degrees outside here. ... The most amazing part of the culture is Freeman never giving up on a player who's not a front-liner and neve letting them give up on themselves ... or wallow or feel sorry ... And that's why Junior Tuihalamaka matters now, and Pat Coogan and Charles Jagusah and Tosh Baker and Christian Gray and Jordan Greathouse and Steve Angeli and Mitch FREAKING Jeter ... they were all ready for their moments, because they believed they would matter. And they did ... and still do.
Tom F from Kennesaw, Ga.: Ok Eric, I understand my Irish bias, BUT imho, the PSU defender did not "just fall down". If you look at it closely Faison made a great move to the inside off the line of scrimmage and then a great break to the outside. Then after he caught the ball he juked the last defender on his way to a great touchdown. Going along with your opinion of his rise at the right time, I just think that JF deserves more credit than most people are giving him. Go Irish!!!!
Oooppps. I meant the TD catch and run by Jaden Greathouse, not Jordan Faison. My brain is still on an adrenaline high. Eric, just like a good coach/leader brings out the best in his players, I think that your insight and hard work bring out the best in us Chatters!!! I am always impressed with the level of questions that are in these weekly Chats. Thank you. Now, Go Irish!!!!
Eric Hansen: Tom, really appreciate that. And let me add, you all are amazing. This is always a highlight of my weeks ... even when you break the no-drinking rule .... and even after NIU. Great conversations and they give me a lot of story ideas ... so thank you.
Eddie from Honolulu: Aloha Eric, Appreciate all that you do to positively impact college football and the journalism profession by demonstrating fairness, decency, and impartiality in this ever changing landscape. We saw two Irish teams in the Orange Bowl: one that got beat up and pushed around for most of the first half and another one that rallied around Steve Angeli, great coaching/leadership, and astute halftime adjustments/speeches. After the game players said that Coach Free reminded them that history is written by the conquerors and to go out and write their own. This reminded me of an emotional segment of Peacock’s Here Come The Irish. I believe that before the NIU game, Marcus invited Manti Teo to speak to the team as featured in Here Come the Irish. He gave a fiery, passionate speech about history being written by the victors, urged the team to write their own, and concluded by handing Marcus a pen. I wonder if Marcus pulled that out at halftime, among other things?
Eric Hansen: Hi Eddie, thank you and I'll have to find out ... but I am hoping to try to get Manti on a podcast this week ... no promises, but I will effort it.
Sean, Schaumburg, IL: I forgot to add HNY, Eric. You and Tyler are top notch journalists. I enjoy FNS. Bob Morton's addition has been great. Be well. Go Irish!!
Eric Hansen: Thank you!!!
Len from the Jersey Shore: Any chance for three tight end sets for Jan 20? Or maybe a young Joe Alt with a TE number?
Eric Hansen: Cooper Flanagan's injury makes three-tight end sets a little less enticing ... but maybe ... and yes, if you could bring back that version of Joe Alt ... or any version I'd take it. Guerby Lambert is a stud. That would be fun to see him in that role.
Denny from Beaverton: Hi Eric...What a game! Last chat you told me how important winning the ground game was in relation to win/losses in games, We dodged a bullet last night after we were outrushed by almost 100 yards. I was surprised Penn State put those rushing numbers up on us and also our inability to get effective pressure on the QB. The loss of Rylie Mills is bigger than I anticipated. Last night we lost 2 offensive line starters (and maybe 3 ...did Sam Pendelton play?). J. Love’s magnificent touchdown run was epic Heisman like and he seemed supercharged but only had a couple runs in the first half. Rushing offense and defense will be vital in the Championship game. What are your thoughts about this factor? I do feel we will never be out of a game because of Coach Freeman's leadership and the cohesiveness of this resilient team but there are strong headwinds to face. What a pleasure having you to bounce things off of. THANKS ERIC!
Eric Hansen: HI Denny. Thank you … I am bobbing and weaving through your fun commentary and hoping I don't miss the questions. ... I did mention ND's rushing advantage in the second half ... As far as run defense, Ohio State is 3. For comparison sake, IU is 1 and Penn State 9. Sacks, OSU is 3rd, better than anyone ND has faced, though they did face No. 18 NIU, No. 23 Penn State, No. 25 IU, No. 29 Ga. ... Huge, huge matchup in getting O-line play right ... and RL's running and escapability are huge too. Sam Pendleton did not play, had been working at No. 2 center with Jags taking over as No. 2 guard ... then No. 1. ... I hope I got to them all.
Eric Hansen: OK that's going to have to do it for today .... I’ve got many multitasking things coming up yet. Thanks for all the great questions and hope to meet some of you soon. ... As to the next chat? For sure I'll do one the Wednesday after the title game, so Jan. 22 at noon ET. I will try to do one more before the game but have to work it around the media schedule, which I don't have yet, and travel. Thanks again everyone.
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