Eric Hansen: Welcome to Notre Dame Football Live Chat brought to you by J&R Solutions. It's a special Thursday edition. We'll move back to Wednesdays at noon ET, next week and for the balance of the regular season.
Some quick programming notes:
► If you’re contemplating joining our Inside ND Sports community as a subscriber, getting access to all our premium content, have we got a deal for you. We’ll reveal it Friday on our website (insideNDsports.com), on our Facebook page, and on our Twitter/X accounts: EHansenND, TJamesND, or cbowles01.
► Join Tyler James and me Thursday night (8 ET) for this week’s live episode of our weekly Notre Dame Football YouTube show, Football Never Sleeps. Included in tonight’s agenda, our season predictions. Remember, if you miss the live show, you can catch up anytime on YouTube.
► If you missed our Inside ND Sports Podcast, our special guest Bill Wagner discussed Navy's head coach transition from Ken Niumatalolo to Brian Newberry, which quarterbacks are likely to play against Notre Dame next Saturday, how coordinator Grant Chesnut has tweaked the offense, who is expected. The podcast can be listened to via SoundCloud or on your preferred podcast platform including: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean and Pocket Casts.
► And finally, I’ve returned to WSBT radio as a co-host with Darin Pritchett on Weekday SportsBeat (960 AM, live streaming at wsbtradio.com) on Wednesdays and Thursdays during training camp and the 2023 Notre Dame Football season. I'll also be co-hosting the pregame shows with Darin. The weekday shows run from 5-6 p.m. ET. You can download episodes as podcasts.
Eric Hansen: As for this week's chat …
Please include your NAME and HOMETOWN along with your question(s).
Here are the rules:
Eric Hansen: Off we go.
Marie from Atlanta: Hi Eric, I hope you’ve had a great week. You must be getting excited about the season. There was a lot of enthusiasm about the receivers in the spring, and now that seems most recently to have been tempered. In what area specifically do you feel the receivers are falling short ? There was a lot of enthusiasm when Colzie signed as a recruit, why do you feel he has been unable to meet his potential? If Chris Tyree has a good year and really looks like he’s a serious wide receiver. Do you think he would consider staying for a sixth year in an attempt to raise his stock? As always, thanks for hosting the chat, and for your great insights.
Eric Hansen: Hi Marie. Let me preface my answer by saying during training camp sometimes, we in the media may be prone to overreach at times, where a single drill rep or even how a guy is stretching one day can be extrapolated to big-picture significance when it has no business being more than just a very small part of a small sample size. I am bullish on this wide receiver group being an improvement over the collective group ND put on the field last season. They're faster, deeper, more athletic and they have a quarterback who can get them the ball. Perhaps what you're interpreting as tempering is there are unknowns about them. Tobias Merriweather has one career catch. Chris Tyree is at a new position. You'd expect the freshmen to be ready for the bright lights, but you never know for sure until it happens. You never know who's stomach won't agree with colcannon and champ.
As far as Deion Colzie, I would not write him off. I see a much more confident player than when he arrived and one who has started to put together more consistent stretches. I think being away from family and success not coming easily early was a shock to his system at first. He pushed through the urge to transfer and dedicated himself to getting better, and I think we'll start to see more of the fruits of that labor this season. Chris Tyree is only in his fourth year and only will have five years, but I didn't get the vibe from talking to him that he's planning on being in school next year. His hope and ambition is that the position change will give his NFL hopes some serious traction... And thank YOU for your questions.
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Patrick from Los Angeles: Do you think all four offensive guards will see action before Ohio State, and why do you believe Coogan has ascended?
Eric Hansen: Hi Patrick. I think you may see more than four guards against Tennessee State on Sept. 2 and likely get to at least the No. 2s on Sept. 16 against Central Michigan, but you also want to measure that this early in the season against the benefit of all five starters playing as many game reps as possible TOGETHER, to build chemistry. If you're asking will this be a timeshare situation at those positions, new O-line coach Joe Rudolph told me he'd prefer not to do that. ... Pat Coogan was a three-star recruit who I think Jeff Quinn was tepid about, Harry Hiestand really liked and Rudolph also seems to be impressed with. He gives you a nice blend of bruising physicality and assignment-correctness. His leap over Billy Schrauth, who has a bright future regardless, is still stunning.
Terry from SD: HEY Eric. Heading to Dublin Monday. Wishing you could be there!!!!!!! I would buy you a beverage or three!!!!!!I have a REALLY good feeling about this season. Barring major injuries, I say 11-1 and think they can run the table. What say you!!!!!!!!!!!
Eric Hansen: Terry, thanks for the hypothetical freebies. Sports writers have a weakness for anything free, especially the promise of three beers! The way the front seven has played in spring and then this training camp -- and what I think may be coming from the defense that they were careful not to show too much of -- convinced me to change my thoughts about the upper limits for this team to 11-1, but I still think the most likely outcome, barring injury, is 10-2. That prediction was made with zero beers affecting it.
Jonathan in Addison, TX: Hello again, Eric! Getting so close to week one! What do you see as the more important team attributes when facing a squad like this Navy team, stout defensive linemen? Experienced linebackers? Corners who are reliable one-on-one? A high-powered offense that can put scoreboard pressure on that triple-option offense? Some other quality I can’t think of? And do these Irish have em? Hoping for more of a commitment from you than “all the above” so I can praise your prognosticating afterwards.
Eric Hansen: Oh Jonathan, a question that restricts one of my possible answers. A bold move indeed -- and I love it. ... I think Notre Dame's proficiency in the deep passing game, without turning it over, puts more pressure on Navy than any other factor. 1) It will open up the run as well, against the nation's No. 2 run defense last season and one that returns 9 starters. 2) It may force Navy out of its ball-control/limited possessions comfort zone. 3) It forces Navy to have to convert third downs at a high rate and commit no turnovers themselves. And yes, I think Notre Dame is equipped to execute this.
David - NY: As always, thanks so much for these chats! My question: With Alabama insiders seeming to all be circling Jalen Milroe at 1 and Ty Simpson at 2 I'm really starting to feel for Buchner. We are sort of in the worst-case scenario of what could have happened with the transfer to Alabama and sort of what made many scratch their heads on the decision in the first place. Have to kept your ear to the ground on this? Any rumblings from the Buchner camp? I just see such a talented kid who needed to wait only one more year and learn from one of the most accomplished QBs in CFP history to then have 2 guaranteed years starting at ND. With return to ND off the table and the door seemingly closed to start at Alabama what would your advice to Tyler be?
Eric Hansen: Hi David. I've followed Tyler Buchner 'sand Drew Pyne's preseason journeys only recently, given my responsibility to the actual ND beat and its players. I realize there is interest in what happens to transfers -- especially ones this high profile, and I plan to do a catchup on all of them between the Navy and Tennessee State games. So let me get to your questions. Let's start with the bottom line. What would be my advice to Tyler Buchner if I were someone he actually should listen to: I'd tell him to keep working hard, keep learning the offense and be ready for his chance. If he wants to re-evaluate the decision to come to Alabama, August is not the time to do it. December is. From what I am hearing, he does not have a very good chance at starting the opener and may be No. 3 at that point. But we'll see. I don't know that anyone has a lock on their place in the pecking order. I do think his best move post-spring at ND would have been to stay and learn from Sam Hartman for a year.
He would not have been guaranteed to start in 2024 and/or 2025, but he would have had the inside track to do so.
Frank from Royse City, Texas: Eric, love these chats. My question: Is Nolan Ziegler now practicing with the team?
Eric Hansen: Thank you, Frank. Marcus Freeman said Nolan Ziegler was at practice for Saturday's closed scrimmage. He did not say whether he even went through stretching. The media had their two final viewing windows of the preseason/season this week on Tuesday and Wednesday. We did not see him either day. Ziegler is attending to a personal off-the-field situation in which he's requested privacy. Freeman said he expects him to rejoin the team this season.
Jim, Oakwood, OH: Hi Eric, Thanks as always for your excellent, extensive, and prescient reporting regarding ND Football. I see from some early reporting out of Annapolis that Navy plans to use 2 quarterbacks (a sophomore and a senior) with different but complementary skill sets; and continue to use the triple-option offense with "additional wrinkles." Also, they have a new HC who was the DC and he's added a new OC who used a spread option offense at FCS Kennesaw State. Seems like one of your famous "blind dates" for the Irish especially since there is no film on Navy or the new OC. I did not see mention of the new DC - is Coach Newberry doing both roles? What problems for the Irish do you foresee, that are different from years past, regarding both the offensive and defensive side of the ball? And a quick comment: do you think that prospective OL recruits to ND will take note that two of the top 3 income earners for interior OL in the NFL came from ND: "Q" Nelson and Zach Martin after his recent reworked Cowboy's contract?
Eric Hansen: Thank you, Jim. The compliment alone probably fatigued your fingers. So, let's unpack all the elements here. We had longtime Navy beat writer Bill Wagner on our Inside ND Sports Podcast on Wednesday, and we talked extensively about this and some of your other questions if you'd like more depth than my chat answer. The two QBs are closer in skill set than maybe your interpretation. Navy is looking to add a quick passing game to its triple-option bread and butter. So yes, there will be some blind-date elements here. But ND DC Al Golden may have some surprises as well. On defense, new head coach Brian Newberry elevated linebackers coach P.J. Volkers to take Newberry's old DC spot. This will be their seventh season coaching together, so expect things to remain schematically similar.
I think the challenge is similar to what it typically is with Navy. They never put out the same plays and nuances from one year to the next, even making adjustments in game. So there are always some surprises to deal with. And if they can play with the lead, they can limit your possessions. ND will have to make adjustments on the fly, which they DID NOT do last year. ... ND will certainly reinforce your premise regarding O-line recruiting on social media, but it was a stronger message when Harry Hiestand was back. Joe Rudolph didn't coach those players, though he did have plenty of eventual pros when he was at Wisconsin and played in the NFL himself. So, as Joe Alt and Blake Fisher, etc., make their way to the NFL, he'll have his own selling point.
Tim Thompson from Nantucket, Mass.: Hi all, is the offense we will see the Brian Kelly/Tommy Rees model tweaked by G. Parker or did he develop his own playbook from”scratch”, bearing in mind that most teams run a common set of plays but sequence them in myriad ways, based on personnel and analysis of opposing defenses.
Eric Hansen: Hi Tim. Gerad Parker didn't scrap the Tommy Rees/Brian Kelly playbook. He built off that. Some of that is because of the lateness in the offseason of Tommy Rees' departure to Alabama -- February rather than, say, December, and some of it is that he liked the concepts and the players were familiar with it. He's got a really wide background of offensive philosophies from which to draw. And certainly how he calls a game may be quite different from how Rees would have called a game with this 2023 personnel. And you're right, some of the tweaks were indeed based on having more dynamic wide receivers and an elite, experienced QB. Keep in mind too this is Marcus Freeman's vision for the offense as well. He has much stronger opinions and ideas about the offensive in year 2 as a head coach than he had in year 1.
Bob from Oxnard, Calif.: Will Charles Jagusah start at guard by week 7?
Eric Hansen: hi Bob. Freshman Charles Jagusah is an impressive freshman O-line prospect who would best benefit this season in taking it slow ... from getting his knee healthy after February surgery and a long rehab and from simply learning after playing for a high school program without the resources to provide him with college-ready lessons and coaching. Although he has been practicing at guard, Jagusah may end up at tackle in the long run. He's definitely a guy with starting potential. But not in 2023.
John from Scottsdale: First, I’ve really enjoyed the writing of you and all the staff during camp. Very insightful and interesting pieces on the players and coaches. Last winter you were very clear that you felt coach Washington had the most to prove and that D line development was lacking last year in your opinion. Now that we are thru spring and fall camp has your opinion changed or are you still feeling “show me” until improvement shows up on a Saturday in September.
Eric Hansen: Hi John. Thanks for the compliments, and thanks for remembering my stance so clearly and accurately. I still think the proving has to continue this season on the field and on the recruiting trail, but I will give Al Washington credit for the progress his unit has made both in the spring and through training camp. The D-line has a chance to be the surprise storyline of this season for ND -- which would be a very good thing. And Jason Onye is my surprise player for this season.
Ryan from Mars, Pa.: Eric how has Donavan Hinish looked so far in Practice Go Irish ☘️☘️🏈🏈
Eric Hansen: Hi Ryan. Donovan Hinish got a nice shoutout from Marcus Freeman the other day. He's progressing well, but I do not see him yet cracking the two-deeps, which is good for him and good for ND. I like where his career arc is headed.
Jim Tal from Valley Center, Calif.: Hi Eric. Wishing you the best as always. I realize this season hasn't even begun but necessity requires that you do have to look ahead. As of now, if you had to guess, do you believe ND's starting quarterback in 2024 will come from the group that includes Angeli, Minchey or Carr or is there a high probability that the Irish will bring in a portal transfer to lead the way ala Coan and Hartman? Thanks for keeping up the great work.
Eric Hansen: Jim, thanks and best wishes to you. It is not a silly question in the least, because that IS something the ND coaches had to begin to evaluate this training camp. The reps for Steve Angeli and Kenny Minchey matter for 2023 AND 2024. Now, how they practice during the season and progress there and how they play in their cameos are significant factors as well. So is how CJ Carr progresses in his senior season of high school. I would say right now, ND would probably be leaning away from the portal. But that can change over the next few months. And even if they like what they have, if there's someone the caliber of Sam Hartman who's interested in a one-and-done at ND, it's only responsible to give that a long look and a deep conversation.
Kevin from Sleepy Eye, Minn.: Eric!!!!! So how do you feel about Angeli? Would he have passed buchner?
Eric Hansen: Kevin!!!!! I am impressed with the way Steve Angeli improved in the spring and again the leap he made over the summer and in training camp. HOWEVER, there is still a huge gap between the FBS' active leader in passing yards and TD tosses, and any QB with zero college pass attempts. But I think Angeli has maximized his growth potential over the past eight months. ... as far as would he have passed Tyler Buchner? It depends upon how Buchner practiced. He was very good last spring EXCEPT in the Blue-Gold Game. If Buchner had stayed, I'm not sure Angeli would have had the opportunity to grow as much as he did with the additional reps. But I would have expected Buchner to be ND's No. 2 QB going into the season had he stayed.
Curt from Warsaw, Ind.: Eric, how are the freshman wide receivers looking in camp?
Eric Hansen: Hi Curt. There are four of them. Jaden Greathouse and Rico Flores Jr., are both No. 2 on the depth chart at their respective WR positions, so that should tell you something about their spring/summer/camp. Braylon James has shown flashes of potential and may have a higher ceiling eventually, but he's not as far along as those two. KK Smith has been recovering from shoulder surgery and probably won't practice until October. He was the only June arrival of the four. I'd expect him to redshirt.
Doc G from Wheaton, Ill.: Greetings, Eric!! Excited to ask my first question ever, but follow every chat faithfully. LOVE your work! If you could add one former player from Notre Dame's past to THIS team, to enhance their chances of making the playoffs this year, who would it be?
Eric Hansen: Hey Doc. I'm excited that you asked a question, and I love your question. Thank you. Because it would make my head explode to have the run of all the ND rosters of the past, I'll limit myself to the Brian Kelly Era until now (2010-present). Off the top of my head, the finalists would be Stephon Tuitt, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Jaylon Smith, Quenton Nelson, Kyle Hamilton and Will Fuller. So, this is based on need as well as excellence. Out of that group I think Jaylon Smith upgrades the team this most, followed by Tuitt, but I'd take any one of those guys I listed.
Frank from Royse City, Texas: Another question if I may, if Bauman gets a medical Redshirt does that open up another scholarship for this year? Thank you
Eric Hansen: Hey Frank. Medical redshirts and regular redshirts are still on scholarship, so no, that would not open up a spot. Now if Kevin Bauman took a medical hardship before classes start next week, then yes that would. BUT, Notre Dame is already two UNDER the limit for this year. (I would think hard about giving those to walk-ons Jordan Faison and Luke Talich.) Also, I watched Bauman working out with a strength coach off to the side where injured players ride the stationary bike and do all kinds of upper-body work, etc. He was doing that with such passion, you would have thought he was playing next Saturday. So, I don't see him considering a medical hardship at this time.
Matt from Salem, Ore.: Coach Freeman talked about depth at guard. Having 3, wanting 4. Did Kristofic drop? With surprises like Coogan and Spindler, should we expect transfers from the O-line overall that might impact depth even more? I'm thinking of Lacey, seeing himself on the depth chart and saving a year of eligibility. Could some do the same this year and how big do you think the impact to this season if reserve O-line transfers happen?
Eric Hansen: Hey Matt. It's hard to predict transfers. Remember last spring when so many people thought Rocco Spindler would leave if he had not overtaken Andrew Kristofic at that point? He didn't. Neither did Tosh Baker leave. Or Michael Carmody. So let's let this play out for a while. Notre Dame may have as many as three openings next year for starting spots. The two tackles and center Zeke Correll. Even if Joe Alt and Blake Fisher come back, you could still have an interior that includes Spindler, Pat Coogan and Billy Schrauth, with Coogan at center. I don't anticipate someone sitting out after four games, but it's hard to predict that. Even Jacob Lacey himself didn't see that coming at first. And keep in mind, the portal works two ways. If ND loses to the portal, they can add from the portal as well.
Ron from Dover, Del.: Eric, writing from the North Sea. I hope all is well with you and you are surviving the crazy and uncertain environment of college sports. I thought the NIL policies were bad but this conference jumping especially out of regional geography seems insane. I really question how long ND can stay out of a conference because I think the conferences may try to freeze them out of the bowl championship. What do you think?
Eric Hansen: Hi Ron, first of all what in the world are you doing in the North Sea? I probably should resist telling of my experience in the North Sea, but I can't control my fingers at this point. ... So when I was 9 years old, my family and I were coming back from Norway to visit my grandparents, and we took an ocean liner back. There were a few steps at North Sea ports to pick up other passengers for the first couple of days, before heading to New York. There was so much chop, I got seasick BAD. So, may parents called one of the ship's nurses. She had a seasick pill ,,, that wasn't made for swallowing, if you catch my drift. Taking the pill — how and where I had to take it — cured me from future seasickness... now to your questions:
There are three things that would coax Notre Dame into conference membership for football against its will: 1) Lack of access to play for the national title. 2) The ACC implodes and there's no one who will take ND's basketball teams and Olympic sports squads without full football membership. 3) ND can't get a media rights deal in the next two years that is competitive with what the SEC and Big Ten schools are getting. Outgoing athletic director Jack Swarbrick has always had the clout to keep ND in play through the various changes to national title inclusion. Will successor Pete Bevacqua have the same clout? You would think so, but that may be tested.
Stanley from Chester, Va.: As does EVERYONE on this chat, I appreciate the excellent quality of work you and Tyler give us. Do you have any insight as to why Tommy Reese bolted to Saban's camp so late in the game. I'm also a little surprised that he even got the offer, given that, while his play calling showed some promise, his overall body of work was not particularly outstanding. I am a fan of TR and hope he succeeds, but I think, so far, the word "potential" is a more fitting description. Is that an unfair assessment?
Eric Hansen: Hi Stanley, and thank you. And I always think about your world-famous pancakes when you ask a question. ... Tommy Rees left so late, because Alabama had an opening late. The NFL changes usually happen later than the college ones do, and Alabama's offensive coordinator, Bill O'Brien, didn't get named New England's OC and QBs coach until Jan. 24. I think a lot of people, especially ND fans, would agree that Rees' potential so far has been greater than his actual production.
Bill from St Joe, Mich.: Hi Eric! Has Billy Schrauth taken any reps to your knowledge at center?
Eric Hansen: Hi Bill! Appreciate the exclamation point. ... I have not seen him do so, but that could be a possibility in 2024 as could Pat Coogan at center in 2024. Coogan took reps at center last season in practices all year pretty much.
Jeff from Canton, Mich.: Hi Eric, Do you know if the Navy game in Ireland kickoffs at 2:30 p.m. Ireland time, which is 9:30 am ET? Or is it a night game over there with a 2:30 pm ET start?
Eric Hansen: Hi Jeff. It is a 2:30 p.m. start in the Eastern Time Zone of the U.S. That's for both you and me. It will be 7:30 p.m. in Dublin.
Jeff from Phoenix: Good morning Eric! Regarding player involvement in news conferences, is it my imagination or are more players being made available during the press conferences this year? If so, do you think this is to help them with their NIL and general professional exposure? It feels like we have been seeing freshman and backups with the seniors and higher visibility players, which is great to see. On a side/lighter note, could the ND press conference coordinator tell the dude just outside the door who is usually running a wood chipper or holding cheerleader practice to ‘take five’ during the press conference so we could hear? Thanks, GO IRISH!
Eric Hansen: Hey Jeff. Are you still melting, or has that subsided somewhat? ... Yes, way more player availability under Marcus Freeman than during the Brian Kelly and Charlie Weis regimes for sure. The media loves it, but I can make the case that it's a good thing for Notre Dame -- and I think Marcus Freeman would agree. You have to give credit to Katy Lonergan, who did a great job of pushing for that. Here's the thing: Notre Dame recruits players who can express themselves and have great stories to tell. How could that not help you in building that brand and in recruiting?
Brian Kelly at a point became more concerned with one message — his — and not deviating from that voice. That worked for him, but it meant very little access to players who couldn't parrot that message or assistant coaches at all. Notre Dame trusts its freshmen and if they goof up, they'll learn from it. ... As far as the noise. The electronic media is downstairs where the noise is. It's pretty quiet upstairs for the print/internet people, so we haven't run outside yet with pitchforks and torches.
Chris from Albuquerque: Hey Eric, I was listening to Mike Farrell on the radio this morning. His one beef with Hartman and the ND offense is what happens if/when they get behind to a good team, can they come back. He doesn't think so. So, my question to you is we are down 10 to USC, OSU or Clemson, can we come back and win? Thank you sir!
Eric Hansen: Ugh, Chris it puts me in an awkward position when you bring up that somebody said something and you are asking me to tell you that they have their head up their butt. In the future, you'll get a better answer from me if you just say, "I was wondering, how effective do you think Sam Hartman will be in games in which Notre Dame has to come from behind?" So let me answer that question. There's a big difference between ANY TEAM coming back from double digits against the three teams you named and the other nine on the schedule. Given the deep passing potential of this offense, the balance, the improved speed and athleticism at wide receiver, I believe this ND team is better equipped for that situation than many of those in the Brian Kelly Era or Marcus Freeman's first year. As for the person you were asking about, I haven't seen him at an ND practice this year.
Isaiah from South Bend, Ind.: Does the notion that Nolan Ziegler may be with the team but not practicing seem consistent with what you understand about his personal situation? I had assumed that once he retuned that he would resume practicing.
Eric Hansen: Isaiah, I'm really trying to respect Nolan's privacy, because he asked for it and it's warranted. What I can say is does it really make sense to get him ready for Navy and an offense that won't help him prep for other games? Or just wait? I would lean toward the latter.
Kevin from Dallas Texas: Hi Eric, fresh off our cold snap of 97 degrees we are ramping back up to 107…you have to hydrate. Which got me thinking about recovery. I have seen comments from Coach Freeman about planning for the trip to Dublin and being ready to go at kickoff with the travel/time zone. Have you heard him speak about the other side? We have seen this team struggle the following week traveling back home after a late Saturday game. I know the opponent is not top tier but they will bring everything they have. I am curious if Coach Freeman has discussed or commented to the plan post Navy..travel, practice and recovery. Thanks
Eric Hansen: Hey Kevin, he hasn't been pressed on that, but I'm sure he will be the Monday after the game. Given the deeply nuanced approach going into the game, I am envisioning the same kind of care coming out of it. When ND scheduled an FCS team that week, I was not on the bandwagon of what an affront this was to the program. I thought it made a lot of sense. Still do. And given how poorly the 2012 team played against a middling Purdue team after the Ireland opener that season, I understand our concern and curiosity about the game plan coming back. I feel for you with the hot weather there in Texas. We've been lucky .. 71 here right now.
Chris from Chicago: Eric, Notre Dame Stadium switched to field turf several years ago. It seemed at the time this was driven by Brian Kelly. Any idea what Coach Freeman prefers? I would think players would prefer a return to grass. As would the majority of ND fans. Any chance we see natural grass back at ND Stadium in the future? Thanks for all the great coverage!
Eric Hansen: Chris, athletic director Jack Swarbrick and a lot of other folks higher on the good chain than Brian Kelly were for the FieldTurf. It's not just about football but the other events it allows ND to host in the stadium -- concerts, hockey games, soccer games, etc. I've heard nothing from the coaching staff, the players or people with influence who are eager to go back to a grass field in this climate.
Chris from Albuquerque: So sorry my man! I listen to a lot of college sports radio and then like to bounce things like that onto you as I really do like your perspective.
Eric Hansen: I understand ... just if you can take the talking head out of it, it makes it less likely I'll hurt someone's feelings — or inflate their ego.
Jerry M. from Dallas, Texas: Eric, if Sam Hartman were to get injured, (hopefully for not long), can Angeli or Minchey successfully handle the offense?
Eric Hansen: Hi Jerry. I think Steve Angeli can for short stretches, maybe even entire games against certain opponents, but Notre Dame plays six teams this season that were ranked in the top 31 nationally in total defense. I would not want to test my theory in those games.
Len from the Jersey Shore: Hi Eric. Thanks for hosting. Game time is approaching. What change in starting personnel or key backups might we see before Navy?
Eric Hansen: Hi Len. I think what you're asking me is whether there will be depth chart movement, not specific to Navy, but that's unsettled yet for the balance of the schedule? Because there will be some Navy-only tweaks to the personnel. Beyond Navy, I think the depth chart is fairly settled. Players may move up and down once the season starts, based on game performance and injury. But I feel pretty good that our Inside ND Sports depth chart projection is reflective of what you'll see in week 2 and mostly what you'll see in week 1.
Norris from Singer Island, Fla.: Hi and thanks Eric. Short term: Go Irish! Long term: Where are we going? 1) To become CFP eligible, if USC must regularly play mid-western Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, Wisconsin, and MSU, why would USC also want to yearly schedule ND? 2) If FSU, Clemson and Miami will only be scheduled as irregular opponents, and Stanford football disintegrates, where does ND find games of substance to attract the CFP committee? 3) Since the Big Ten and SEC are now perceived as clearly superior Conferences, with surer exposure for players, more TV money available for NIL play for pay schemes , easier portal access for the second chance player, and maybe even the ability to escape NCAA regulations,how can ND continue to compete for the vast majority of the elite players who only want immediate fame and the financial rewards that go with it? With the AD changing of the guard, even though we emotionally treasure our tradition of independence and walking our high road, is it not time? “If you can’t beat them, ….”
Eric Hansen: Hi Norris. I really appreciate the thought, depth and crafting of your multi-layered question. There is way too much to unpack here in the detail in a chat forum, and ground I've covered in stories and podcasts previously. And I don't agree with all of your premises, so it makes that difficult not to get sidetracked and tease those out. Again, beautifully thought out question, so let me get to your bottom line. Is it time to consider giving up football independence, absolutely. Is it time to actually do it? Not yet and perhaps not for a while. The things that would drive the decision to abandon independence, which I mentioned earlier in the chat, have not come into play. They could, and in a hurry at some point. The concerns you have I don't believe are real and certainly not drivers of that decision. USC doesn't play ND annually because it's a midwestern school. They play because it's one of the great rivalries in all of college sports.
Tom from Grand Rapids via Dowagiac, Mich.: Eric, it’s beginning to look a lot like football season. I truly appreciate everything you have done for all of us over the years. 35-13 @ Halftime: 2nd half - 20 plays, 2 net yards, 1 interception thrown, 4 punts, 3 plays run past the 50 yd line, and 11:53 time of possession. Please tell me this year’s Offensive staff has a better plan than running into an overly stacked box with predictable run plays, if the defense sells out like it did last year. Maybe 5 wide- empty set?
Eric Hansen: Hi Tom. I would bet they have a better game plan, and a better quarterback.
Dave from DC: Notre Dame had a lot of success on special teams last year, particularly the punt block team, which was game changing at times. Do you expect that unit to have similar success this year, and which players will be on it? I hope to see Jason Onye there!
Eric Hansen: I expect Notre Dame's special teams to remain strong under Marty Biagi, though the punt block magic that Brian Mason concocted last season is going to be hard to replicate. That doesn't mean ND can't or won't pressure and that may manifest in shanked punts more than blocked ones perhaps. The one very important constant is Marcus Freeman's commitment to giving his special teams coach the run of the roster and enough time to work on special teams in practice. As to specific personnel, I can't answer that on punt block with reasonable certainty.
Ron from Dover, Del.: Eric I sent to soon one other question if you can. A kid like Robert’s had a lot of interest before he committed now he withdraws is commitment two months later. Is this a case of local pressure to stay home or an issue of NIL money?
Eric Hansen: There are a few of you who asked about the decommitment of Nate Roberts, a highly touted 2025 tight end prospect from Oklahoma who's commitment to Notre Dame lasted about two months. Many of you have offered different theories. We've heard all of those. I want to be fair here. What we've heard from sources doesn't necessarily line up with the facts. And what the family might say publicly may not line up with what they say privately. Usually, there's not one singular factor, but when a commitment lasts two months and signing day is 16 months away, NIL being a factor isn't a bad guess.
Chris from San Diego: If I could read only one book before the season starts, which provides the single most informative history of Notre Dame football? Which history of ND football book would be the most fun to read? If your answer is a sequence of two books (i.e., one for the remote history and another for more recent history), that's fine too. Thanks.
Eric Hansen: Hi Chris. I'm going to have to give this some thought and email you. I wrote one myself back in 2004, but a lot has happened in ND history since then, even though I'm very proud of what I put into that book. I know you gave me the option of recommending two. I probably would have more questions for you (which I will email you) about what you're hoping to get out of that book. Facts? Great stories? Great writing? Those don't always co-exist together.
Sean, Schaumburg IL: I think it's time for ND to join the Big Ten. It's inevitable that we're gonna see 3 super conferences. Florida State will start the exodus from the ACC. I predict 60-70 teams in the BigTen, SEC and Big 12. They'll leave the NCAA. My hope is that ND admins don't stick to their Holier than Thou attitude(Hiring the NBC exec/ND alum is a positive move to prevent that) to prevent the football program from become the University of Chicago. You've mentioned ND being proactive/having foresight or lack thereof(Yes, I'm talking about NIL/transfers). This is a moment to have foresight and predict the next 10-15 years of CFB. And, be ready for it. The hockey team is a member. USC remains our rival. We get back our Big Ten rivals. Can we, finally, ditch the ACC? Also, what's your biggest area of concern with the team? Mine is WRs. Crucial Parker/Hartman/WRs on the same page. I'm, also, glad I'm not the only one that keeps mentioning that awful 3rd and 15 blitz call in Columbus last year. Had a mention last week. Go Irish
Eric Hansen: Sean, I think you wanted to vent more than you wanted my opinion. I'm not sure I could change your mind if I tried. So what do I have the biggest question about heading into this season. It was the front seven on defense. It's now how OC Gerad Parker responds in the big games.
Eric Hansen: OK, I'm out of time. Thanks for all the great questions. Remember, we're back to Wednesdays next week at noon ET.
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