Chat Transcript: ND QB Pyne's particulars; Where's Foskey? Fire who?
Eric Hansen: Welcome to Notre Dame Football Live Chat, Cal week.
Here are the rules:
Given the circumstances to start the season, the "No Drinking" and "No Bare Feet" rules have been rescinded for this week's chat. PLEASE do include your name and hometown along with your question.
A couple of programming notes:
A lot of you have questions about the offensive line, Harry Hiestand and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees. If you’re interested in a deeper dive on those topics than what we’ll cover in today’s chat, I strongly recommend you take a listen to this week’s Inside ND Sports podcast with our guest Mike Golic Jr.
Golic played for Harry Hiestand in 2012, was a teammate of Rees from 2010-12 and has an incredible knowledge base when it comes to dissecting X’s and O’s. And he admits, he probably freaked out more than the average Notre Dame fan on Saturday.
Also recommended, our Monday Night Live YouTube show, which keeps its shelf life going through the entire week leading up to the next game.
Eric Hansen: Off we go ...
IrishMike from Altoona, Pa.: Hi Eric! Thanks for the chat! Unfortunately, I think the season is over — time to see what the younger guys can do. From what I could see, it was very obvious it was Tyler Buchner’s second start: always looking to run (partly the line's fault), missing open guys and staring down his first reads! Now, with his season-ending injury, we are absolutely in a dilemma! The backups are average at best! They clearly aren’t high on Chris Tyree, or they’d run screens/RPOs or anything to get him the ball. Our defense isn’t consistent — they can’t make a big stop to save their lives. And why is Isaiah Foskey off the field so much? Wasn’t he projected as a first-round pick? He’s been invisible the first two games, and he spends half the time on the sidelines!
Eric Hansen: Hey Mike. I'm going to let some of the ranting/mild whining go this week, because it's probably therapeutic and it's definitely warranted -— even if I don't necessarily agree with some of the points. I will answer the question you posed, which is about Isaiah Foskey. He can't be happy with his performances through the first two games either. He has nine tackles and a sack ... and 0 forced turnovers. His overall player rating from Pro Football Focus' film reviews is 10th-best among ND defensive players through two games. As far as playing time, he actually leads all Irish defensive linemen with 92 total snaps. But maybe you don't notice as much, because he hasn't been as impactful as last season yet. He has the team's best grade as a tackler (80.6), but his pass-rush grade is way down the list (57.1) and actually below average. The Irish need him to play like an All-American. Cal comes in this week with their biggest statistical weakness being allowing sacks. So we'll see.
Bill from Milford, Conn.: Can Drew Pyne throw deep? Can this line protect him? What are his strengths and weaknesses? Thank you and for all you do for us.
Eric Hansen: Thank you, Bill. I think Drew Pyne has better arm strength than when he showed up as a freshman two years ago, but I would not term it as above average. Tyler Buchner's is much stronger and yet his accuracy on deep balls last week was sporadic at best. I think Drew Pyne's best attribute is how well he prepares and how well he applies that preparation to actual game situations. The moment will never be too big for him, because he's fearless. He's got enough mobility to move around the pocket and outside of it and extend plays. He is also used to people doubting him and channels that very well. As far as weaknesses, his size limits him to a certain extent. He's not an elite athlete. His accuracy, when he's on the move, is so-so. But the young man is extremely impressive when it comes to what's inside of him. He's a leader.
Don in Phoenix: Eric, Good timing for you and Tyler with the new gig. It's been a very interesting 8.5 months! HCMF has his hands full and he will either figure it out or he won’t. My guess is he will figure it out. The bigger question is roster management. Is it possible to build a team in these times only through (high school) recruits? Looking around, every team is active in the undergraduate transfer portal to fill the gaps of recruiting misses, injuries and the like. Jack Coan filled a huge hole as a grad transfer, but ND won't play in a big way with the undergrad transfers. With all that went on in the offseason, there was someone who could have fit. My guess is the resources Kelly referenced that ND wouldn't give was liberal use of undergrad transfer. After the rant, my question is: Do you think ND can find a way to effectively use the undergrad portal going forward? If not, can they (or any team) do it only with recruits?
Eric Hansen: Hi Don, and thanks ... a VERY interesting 8.5 months. We're grateful to everyone who followed us over. ... Let me address the Brian Kelly part of your question first and then get to the heart of it. I am on record as saying BK's gripe with resources being his biggest reason for leaving ND is way overstated by him. Now had he stayed, he would have been working hard to try to get changes made to get the underclassman phase of the portal to make it more Notre Dame-friendly. It wasn't a big deal when underclassmen had to sit out a year, so that whole dynamic hadn't surfaced yet when he took the LSU job.
Marcus Freeman wants to primarily build trhough high school recruiting (and he's recruiting at a very high level). BK wanted to build the same way too at ND. But you're right, being so limited on the juniors and seniors ND can take because of the alignment of transferring credits is a big problem when addressing immediate needs. It kept the Irish from getting some wide receivers in whom they had an interest. Arizona State transfer (now at Florida) Ricky Piersall comes to mind. The Irish did notably pluck S Brandon Joseph and grad transfers Jon Sot and Chris Smith, but even Joseph — from elite academic school Northwestern — wasn't an easy fit.
What Freeman and AD Jack Swarbrick are working on is trying to get the deans to find some middle ground with the transfer credits ... and turn around their decisions more quickly. Does it make sense that a 4.0 student can't get into ND if the transfer credits themselves don't perfectly align? Perhaps there's some wiggle room in cases where outstanding students can have the credits in question transfer. Can ND win without that? Yes, but sometimes the fine line from going from good to great is going to be plugging an unexpected hole because of injuries or other attrition.
Ken from Pensacola, Fla.: I sure miss you guys. Will ND win any games this season? And will coach Freeman go to the transfer portal for a backup QB?
Eric Hansen: Ken. We miss you too. Come visit us anytime you'd like. We've got plenty of great content. I am confident when I say Notre Dame will not go winless in 2022. And no, there is no in-season transferring that would allow for immediate eligibility.
Bob from Loganville, Ga: Eric, what a week this has started out to be. Total offense after two games – 117 out of 131. Where are the answers? On Defense — can we make our personnel learn one defensive position well before cross-training that individual with a second defensive position? It sounded great in camp, but it is not working. Lastly, can we please play our best defensive players when the game is on the line!
Eric Hansen: Greetings, Bob. All great questions. Some quick, perhaps oversimplified, answers ... 1) More Chris Tyree. ... better offensive line play will help a lot ... and it's coming. ... I'd like to see more Joe Wilkins as he gets more comfortable and more Tobias Merriweather at wide receiver. Even with Drew Pyne at QB, I like the RPO game. 2) That's a good point ... I can see simplification as being part of the solution. 3) There was less rotation on defense in week 2 than in week 1. I think it works, but I'm not against the concept of the best being on the field when the game's on the line. No one should be against that.
Marie from Atlanta: Hi Eric. What a disappointing start to the season. I am very disappointed with Tommy Rees as a coordinator and QB developer. Last year, he had Brian Kelly and John McNulty as mentors. I’m assuming that role has not been filled. Should ND hire one or more consultants/analysts to mentor him and also help with quarterback development? He has not developed a QB. How do you think the QB room is managed moving forward? Dip into the transfer portal regardless of CJ Carr’s decision or landing a 23 QB? I am high on Buckner, but he is injury prone. Texas looks to have a lot of capable QBs. They can’t all play. Maybe we can steal from there. Thanks for your great insights.
Eric Hansen: Hi Marie. As far as a sounding board for Tommy Rees, it's a different dynamic this season. I'd say he bounces ideas off all of the other offensive coaches, including O-line coach Harry Hiestand and TEs coach Gerad Parker, the latter of whom has offensive coordinator experience. ... But I think you are hoping for someone like David Cutcliffe to come out of retirement and take on an analyst role at ND? I was told that concept was pitched to Marcus Freeman, and that he was open to that this offseason, but I was also told by a good source that Rees was not open to it. Maybe next year, if Rees is still at ND, that can/will be revisited. I think it makes sense. And I'd feel that way even if Rees was older and more experienced. Why not add a great asset like that to your staff?
I don't think the QB room will be managed any differently over the balance of the season than it is now, but I think you are referring to the potential 2023.addition? Getting a 2023 QB, I believe, is still more desirable the having Carr reclassify to the 2024 class. ... As far as looking at the portal for a QB this offseason, I'd say look at, and be ready to pursue someone, but I wouldn't commit until I saw: 1) How Drew Pyne and Steve Angeli developed. 2) How Tyler Buchner recovered. 3) Who the Irish were able to sign in 2023 at QB. ... And remember, most transfer QBs are expecting to start at their new schools. They're not looking to be a backup.
Len from the Jersey Shore: Hi Eric. Hey Eric, remember It's hard to win! I believe this team and staff will get there. But for now, you are what your play and record says you are. No choice but to work hard and better the execution. My questions. Most curious run-blocking play was early in the game. It was a run to the right. Joe Alt sealed his block and actually picked off another player crashing down the line. He had issues on other plays. Jarrett Patterson and Josh Lugg both ended up blocking the same linebacker in the second level. Why?? Zeke Correll was pushed into the backfield. Blake Fisher let the man near him and Lugg go unabated, and he ultimately made the tackle. After letting that player go Fisher just stood there. The play in general blew up with multiple O-line miscues. Q1— with such a hard-working and knowledgeable O-line coach with a great track record, how can you have so many miscues? How difficult will it be for the staff to conclude that JPatt needs to be at center after there was so much said on the best five and Zeke at center being part of that assertion?
Eric Hansen: Hi Len. I can't go back and do a film review of the play you referenced, but there were similar plays that I did see live and remember bettter with similar results. So I'll kind of roll that into your question about how a hard-working, well-coached O-line could have so many flaws. I'll lean into Mike Golic Jr.'s answer to that in our podcast (and I suggest you listen for the full answers). There was such a shift in how offensive line is being taught and now such an emphasis on technique, that some of the linemen may be a little overwhelmed with all the info ... until they get to a point where it all sinks in. Until then, Golic said, it can lead to some misreads and mistakes. He went through the same thing himself in 2012. ... I'm not averse to CONSIDERING a move of Jarrett Patterson back to center if indeed Rocco Spindler, Andrew Kristofic or Michael Carmody prove they're a better option at guard than Zeke Correll is at center.
I'm willing to let that play out until the bye week (Oct. 1). ... Golic, incidentally, is adamant, if HH says Zeke Correll is one of the best five, then Zeke Correll is indeed one of the best five.
Scott from Johnson City, Tenn.: Hi Eric. In both games the defense became gassed in the fourth quarter. It was a direct result of the offense's inability to sustain drives and keep the defense off the field. IMO, the play-calling is atrocious. This falls on Rees' lap. Our RBs and receivers cannot be that bad. ... I do not think a screen play has been called. There is a lack of misdirection. We pretty much run into the opponent's eight-man front or throw a foure-yard pass to the tight end (some exaggeration here). It is doubtful Rees is retained after this year is over (and he may leave on his own volition). Are there any other coach who can call the offensive plays? It appears we are heading into a Brian VanGorder situation with Rees.
Eric Hansen: Scott, as I mentioned earlier, I'm going to let some assertions go this week that I don't agree with. There's a lot here that I would not cosign on. But let me get to your questions. If Marcus Freeman really wanted to, he could turn the play-calling over to Gerad Parker. I don't see that happening now or later in the season. And I don't see Tommy Rees with shaky job security. Yet, I don't think he's above criticism. What I'll repeat is my preseason assertion that this was going to be a defining year in Tommy Rees' career. He doesn't have Brian Kelly anymore as either a handbrake or a safety net. He has autonomy that very few offensive coordinators have to this extent. But it's WAY too early to draw long-term conclusions based on two games, even though it might feel good to vent about it.
Zech from Denver, Colo.: Thanks for hosting the chats. Yyou always do a great job! Do you think some of the issues the team has been experiencing can be attributed to the departure/dismissal of the Mental Health Coach/Team Psychologist that was used when Brian Kelly was running the show? From what I’ve gathered, everyone on the team loved her and found what she brought to the table very beneficial. It just seems like there is a gap with where this team was last year mentally to this year. I don’t think it’s necessarily a lack of preparation that is the root cause. The team just doesn’t seem to have that kill factor/refuse to be beat, that “punch me, I’ll punch you harder” they’ve had over the last several seasons.
Eric Hansen: Thank you Zach. I bought into Dr. Amber Selking being an asset to the program based on how passionately the players were about how much of a difference she made in their individual and collective efforts and performances. You didn't have to coax it out of them. Jack Coan, for instance, was a huge proponent. And yeah, I think it was a mistake not to retain her. She's still in the area, so. ... Now would ND be 2-0 and not 0-2 if she were around? No. But could she be of value now and moving forward? My opinion is a big Yes.
Irish Rob from Scranton, Pa.: I am sorry Eric, but there will be no way to avoid whining this week. You may have to suspend that rule or relax it. … The thing that most disappoints me is that older players are struggling, while there appear to be younger, more athletic options behind them. I understand execution and knowledge are big parts of the gameplan each week, but if the older guys can't execute, why not turn to some of these youngsters and see what they can do? The OL and LBs are areas that guys need to know their spots aren't guaranteed, and that people can be replaced. Both, to me, underwhelmed greatly to start this season. Also, Chris Tyree is a home run threat yet competes for touches with guys, who, while solid players, don't come near what he puts on the table. He has to become more of a focal point for Rees' offense. I am starting to lose faith in the boy wonder, and wonder how much offensive ineptitude his reputation can shoulder before Freeman thinks about a change there as well???
Eric Hansen: Hi Irish Bob. I am tolerating the whining (to an extent) as well as bare feet and drinking this week. I think it's way too early to turn to younger players that have not EARNED a move up in the depth chart. You do that, you don't just lose games, you lose your team. Now, there are guys such as Prince Kollie, the two freshman tight ends, Tobias Merriweather who are making the kind of incremental growth and improvements in practice that have earned consideration for more playing time. O-line substitutions are more complicated than at other positions. But Mike Golic Jr. told the story on our podcast in which he was told in 2012, to get his act together or he would be replaced. I couldn't agree with you more about Chris Tyree. I think talk of Rees being replaced is way, way, way too early. But it's not too early to throw soft objects at the TV, if that helps.
Marie from Atlanta: Hi Eric. I actually have a chance to jump on the chat live today. As follow-up to the answer to my original question , does it concern you at all that Rees was not open to the idea of an experienced analyst such as Cutcliffe even though Freeman was open to the idea. Is it possible Rees is too young and too inexperienced to realize what he doesn't know? Thanks for hosting the chat.
Eric Hansen: Hey Marie. It is concerning, though I'm sure he wanted to spread his wings a bit with Brian Kelly gone and shut people up about how young he is. But Nick Saban has no problem with putting ego aside and bringing in the best support staff (analysts) he can find. I believe Marcus Freeman sees things the same way.
Tom from Kennesaw, Ga.: Hi Eric, despite the disappointing loss last week, I am still looking forward to be back on campus for the game this week. I guess this is a combo comment/questions: Is it possible that being a first-year coach and not as familiar with the offense that Marcus Freeman has been too agreeable with what Tommy Rees has been laying out? Maybe they didn't look at the QB portal, because TR had unfounded confidence in the QB's and MF didn't challenge him? Same could be said for game plans. Maybe MF is trying to be supportive of his offensive staff, because offense is not his strong suit?? Your thoughts. Also, I wonder if the way that practices are planned and executed are not necessarily preparing them for gameday??? Do they go 1's-on-1's during the week? Or, do they go against a prep team that is running the other team's plays/personnel?? Hope we can find some answers this week. Go Irish!!!
Eric Hansen: Tom, I hope you have a great time back on campus. Manti Te'o will be back on campus and will address the team before the game, so that should be interesting. … I think if you’re a first-year head coach with no experience on the other side of the ball, you really have to trust the people you hired on the other side of the ball. Marcus Freeman is in position to make suggestions and game-day decisions, like going for it on fourth down or going for two after a TD. I’ll give you two examples in which first-year ND head coaches overreached in year 1, and then one example of a first-time head coach elsewhere who did not and evolved nicely into year 2.
Bob Davie (1997) was a defensive guy with a really good offensive staff that included Urban Meyer in year 1 at ND. Yet Davie meddled too much in the offense and mitigated his staff’s strength. Charlie Weis, meanwhile, hired Rick Minter as his first defensive coordinator. The Irish in 2005 were so limited in personnel at certain positions on defense, they couldn’t even put a viable nickel package on the field. Yet Weis would go to mentor Bill Belichick for fixes on his defense, and Belichick would present him with hypothetical answers based on running a 3-4 scheme. Notre Dame was a 4-3 team at the time.
Longtime defensive coordinator Dave Aranda moved from LSU to take over Baylor in 2020 with the same limitations Marcus Freeman has in year one. The Bears were 2-7 and were 118th nationally in total offense that season. In 2021, Aranda applied what he had learned in year 1 and became part of the solution on offense, while still letting his offensive coaches coach. Baylor jumped to 53rd in total offense and went 12-2 in 2021.
As far as practice structure, I don't see the flaws. ND actually went more 1s vs. 1s the week leading into Marshall than they normally do.
Jim Tal from Valley Center, Calif.: Greetings, Eric. Wishing you the best, as always. Regardless of what is thought of Drew Pyne, I think it would be universally agreed that if ND truly had a dynamic quarterback room, someone with greater talent and clearly more upside would now be taking over for Tyler Buchner. In other words, though a fine young man he may be, a player of Pyne's limited skill set would ideally not have been in a position to ascend to being a starter.at ND. So let's put some blame of responsibility on Kelly, Rees and maybe even Freeman to a degree for not making sure that a more gifted, viable and resourceful option was available in case of a season-ending injury. I find it hard to believe that the Irish somehow couldn't have found a better alternative, though I hope Pyne ends up proving me wrong. I would value your thoughts on this issue. Appreciate all your dedicated work.
Eric Hansen: Hi Jim, and thanks. I think you have to remove Marcus Freeman from the blame game here. The recruiting cycle was over when he became the head coach. And I think he was justified in trusting Tommy Rees about whether to take a portal option at QB. Remember, if you’re taking a grad transfer QB — and there would have been some that would have been interested — they would want some assurance that there was a clear path to earning the starting job. If they were looking for a backup type, would he really be better than Drew Pyne, who you might have chased with such a transfer?
If you took a potential starter, then you would be telling Tyler Buchner he’s not good enough. So take Marcus out of this. As far as BK and Rees, yeah, they could have recruited better, and losing a player of Phil Jurkovec’s caliber via transfer was a big blow (though he is struggling this season on an 0-2 team of his own). A case in point was the 2022 recruiting cycle. Steve Angeli may turn out to be much better than his three-star recruiting status, but Rees and the staff were too slow to move on Drew Aller, and then he began to ascend and ended up at Penn State. He has already taken some meaningul and impressive snaps for the Nittany Lions.
Domer Homer from Stafford, Va.: Eric, if Freeman goes 3-9 in his first year, is it his last year? If so, who gets the job?
Eric Hansen: Oh man, did I make a mistake rescinding the "no drinking" rule this week.
Adam from Dayton, Ohio: Eric, you are the man. Goodness. I'm just going to rapid-fire, I guess. 1.) How did we overestimate the offensive line so badly? Why did we think they would be elite? 2.) What has Al Golden brought to the table? The defense is far from the biggest culprit, but there doesn't seem to be any exotic blitzes/coverage schemes. He likes to substitute. Is he doing that too much? From my understanding backups have been on the field in back-breaking moments. 3.) What's wrong with Tommy Rees and the offense? We know he is supposed to be smart, but how can he not be finding easier ways to get the ball into Tyree's and Styles' hands? The offensive scheme seems to be: 1.) Run up the middle into an overloaded box. 2.) Over-rely on Michael Mayer. 3.) Take an unsuccessful deep shot. I am probably coming off as scathing, and I don't mean to be, but it is frustrating that these guys that are well-respected in the coaching community don't seem to have an idea of what their guys can actually do. How is that possible?
Eric Hansen: Adam, you are the man, but please take a deep breath. Here is something to temper your frustration. Notre Dame in 2018 played as poorly or worse against Ball State and Vanderbilt — after winning an epic opener against a really good Michigan team. That 2018 team, which also narrowly got past Pitt later on, made the playoff. And last week's Marshall team would mop the floor with the 2018 Ball State and Vandy teams. The difference is the Irish found a way to pull out the wins in 2018, where this team did not last week. The best answer that I can give you, that I haven't already earlier in the chat, is stay patient. Let's revisit this in two weeks. Your questions are NOT unreasonable, but I think we're extrapolating too much beyond this week.
Chris in Albuquerque: Hey Eric, Monday Night Live was great this week. I believe this year will be rough, but I also think we need to have faith in what coach Freeman is building. I would like to see Tyree, Lenzy, Mayer and Styles in more packages just to get speed on the field and see what Merriweather could add to our offense. I complained last week about the passing. This week they threw down field. However, Buchner threw open wide receivers to be covered. Hopefully, Pyne can be better. Otherwise, we may be rooting for 2024, when Carr is our quarterback.
Eric Hansen: Chris, I don't spot a question there, but I did see the compliment, and that's good enough for me. Thanks for watching!
Tom from Toronto: Hi Eric, I hope that you are doing well. Big changes coming. The most significant improvement last Saturday was in special teams – three good runbacks, a blocked punt and a really good opportunity to recover the on-sides kick. My questions are: Do you think that Coach Freeman may be asking too much of the team in practice, one’s against one’s, two’s against two’s, etc.? Are they leaving too much on the practice field and as a result, winding up running on fumes in the last quarter? Do you think that Coach Freemen needs to get more involved with the offense, and in particular, to start calling the plays? It would be a good way for him to learn that side of the ball, and give him something to do during the game. I would appreciate your thoughts. Thank you.
Eric Hansen: Tom, Marcus Freeman's own credo is: Question everything. ... So that’s fair to wonder about the 1s vs. 1s in practice. I don’t get the sense this team is worn down from the practices. And I don’t think the problems and the solutions are the same from one side of the ball to the other. My strongest suggestion on defense is to simplify, to cut down on the mistakes and to have the defense play faster. Then add back in the bells and whistles. On offense, I think it’s about growing as the offensive line grows and more Chris Tyree, more creativity with getting the ball to players in space. I would not get Marcus more involved in the offense. Not on gameday … during the week, perhaps. Marcus Freeman’s acumen on offense can’t be microwaved, so let it play out in its natural timeline. That’s part of the price of hiring a first-time head coach.
Mike, Los Angeles: Good morning Eric, was reading this morning that Rees said “ I’ll take the fricking blame for the offense”. Well yeah!!!! That’s a pretty generic and obvious statement but what are you going to do about it. I had to re-watch the game to make sure my facts were right but running the ball right up the middle for no gain on four consecutive second and long calls is not deceiving anyone. Your playcalling is so predictable. Please throw the ball to set up the run and open up the offense, this is not 1980 Big ten football. Thanks Eric, have a great day
Eric Hansen: Mike, thanks for the analysis and have a great day.
Jim, Oakwood, OH: Hi Eric, Such optimism in the Spring, summer and fall camp! I was flummoxed - not sure what my predominant emotion was - after Saturday's game...but since then it's evolved into massive disappointment for Tyler B, Coach Freeman and the entire team. But I BELIEVE...in the coaches, the team and the process of teaching and player development that Coach Freeman has initiated over the last 10 months. As an average fan, I have nothing to contribute to the "fixes" category other than what you reported. A tough, tough job...so starting with core values and team and staff leadership as you reported makes great sense. Your great column mentioning Kirk H's belief that TB needs reps, reps and more game reps to evolve, and the implications for 2023, was something that I had not considered. My question: It seems like a transfer portal search & selection next year is a must now, would you agree...and is there any possibility that MF and TR might disagree - again? Thanks for you for your excellent reporting. Be well.
Eric Hansen: Jim, thanks for the kind words and your candor about your reaction to Saturday's game. When you mention the portal, I understand your reference to be regarding a quarterback, but I think the most obvious need, even with signing up to four receivers, will be an experienced receiver or two from the portal. As far as the QB, yes commit to looking and be ready to go get someone, but let the season play out to determine whether that's actually necessary when the time comes ... or even after the spring … make that determination. And yes, I think Marcus Freeman will be in a better position to disagree and move on that notion than he was this offseason. Look, it happens all the time in staff with regard to players. Brian Kelly once told me he had to pound the table for DeShone Kizer in recruiting and overrule those who didn't think he'd amount to much in college. Drue Tranquill was a similar situation as a defensive player.
Aaron from Washington D.C.: Eric, greatly appreciate you taking the time for these chats as well as the outstanding reporting and insight you provide on all things Fighting Irish. My question revolves around the Irish defense’s performance from 2021 to present. During Clark Lea’s tenure, ND was sure tackling and developed their playmakers at linebacker (Tranquill, Bilal, JOK) which points to Lea’s coaching prowess. Would you agree that there has been a drop-off in linebacker play since Clark Lea departed? Similarly, the defensive line seems less impactful in the first two games with their new position coach (particularly run D). Given the significant returning production and lack of commensurate high performance to date, is it fair to consider the DL coaching change as a factor also? There’s not a large sample size, but the returning production should not have a drop-off. I like coach Freeman and his staff and root for their success, but from a results standpoint, it seems that those two groups are declining. Thank you.
Eric Hansen: Aaron, thanks. Wow, you guys are good. I was supposed to cut this off at 3, but we’re going to keep going. The quality and quantity of the questions warrant it. And this is a good example of that. … Let’s start with Al Washington. His track record with defensive linemen is stronger than his background with linebackers. I do think he’ll prove to be an outstanding recruiter at ND. But I am watching the chemistry and the performance of the defensive line closely, because I have the same questions you do. The sample size is too small, but it’s something worth watching as the season progresses. … As far as the linebackers, I think having Al Golden and James Laurinaitis double-team that position is something that will prove to be a positive. ND has played so much nickel in games 1 and 2, that I’m not sure we’ve gotten to see how good that base defense is with three linebackers. Having said that, Clark Lea is one of the best teachers I’ve been around at any position.
What I’m not sure about is whether he could have pulled off signing guys like Junior Tuihalamaka and Jaylen Sneed and getting commitments from guys like Drayk Bowen and Jaiden Ausberry. I’m willing to reserve judgment on the linebackers for now and just let it play out.
Rog from St. Louis: Eric, a question on a small but important part of the game: The running backs protecting the QB in passing situations. Last year ND had an excellent one (in Kyren Williams). This year not so much. How much time is spent teaching this to the young guys? Do they not know that if they have desires to play at the next level they have to be able to pick up defensive guys running free or they will not last long in the pros?
Eric Hansen: Good eye on the pass-pro shortcomings of this group so far. Running backs coach Deland McCullough has coached in the pros and at a high level, so he certainly knows the importance of it. In the practices we saw, I can't say those periods were taking place while we were around. So, I can't say for sure how much time it gets or how Deland prioritizes it in terms of who's playing and who's not. So far, Chris Tyree has graded out the best among the RBs in pass blocking. But as a group, yes, there's a lot of room for improvement.
Fred from Chicago: Hi Eric. I was surprised to hear that the Irish are practicing on Sunday. Isn’t this unusual? It seems like the players would need a day to recover physically and clear their minds from a victory or defeat. Would the schedule stay the same even after a night game away? Thanks for all your great reporting on Notre Dame.
Eric Hansen: Hi Fred, and thank you. I think we were all surprised. Now, if they practice Sunday night, they get Monday off. They don't do both. It's not unprecedented at ND, and Marcus indicated that's been a staple at a lot of places he's been. I'll ask someone about altering the schedule in case of road night games. They won't have a lot of those left, though. BYU in Vegas, yes. North Carolina and Navy, no. Syracuse maybe. USC probably.
Sean from Schaumburg, Ill.: Eric, the Irish are in trouble. I'm disappointed with Al Golden. That third-and -11 call in The Horseshoe was atrocious. Another 90+-yard drive to seal a defeat. To Marshall. Lame. I've been to the big games. 2011 Michigan game, every home USC game since 2015. I was in Athens, I was in The Horseshoe. I sat next to one of Brady Quinn's uncles, who had a lot to share. Mainly, the high-skill, five-star guys don't wanna go to ND, because of the academic rigors. My inside sources tell me that Keon Keeley and Dante Moore were chasing the upfront money. ND said no, so they said "See ya". I'm getting sick of tired of losing these marquee games. The 2011 Michigan was a complete debacle. With Buchner out, the team will be lucky to win eight games. I'm willing to take a little pain now — Freeman/Coaching Staff growing into a solid coaching unit, for a decade of winning/winning another National Title. But, I'm deflated. Any words of encouragement? Golden has been a major disappointment. And, I'm hearing Rees might be the problem as OC. TY.
Eric Hansen: Sean, the best thing I can tell you is I've seen situations like this that seemed more hopeless turn themselves around. And if it makes you feel any better, Mike Golic Jr. admitted he lost his mind during the Marshall game ... but he still feels Marcus is the right guy and that eventually he will lead this program to a place that will limit your need to vent like this. Again on the Dave Aranda example ... probably the best comp out there: 2-7 in year one. 12-2 in year two. And no, I am not predicting a two-win season at ND this year. Hang in there.
Mike from Rochester N.Y.: Hi, Eric and Tyler! Marshall was a shock, to say the least. They, and OSU, took the run away and dared ND to beat them with the pass. Tyler B rarely found open receivers other than Styles and Mayer. Was it that the other receivers weren’t creating separation or Tyler B just not going through his reads quickly enough?
Eric Hansen: Mike, there was plenty of separation on some of the deep routes. There may have been some miscommunication on some, but Tyler Buchner just flat out missed the target on plays like the one where he overthrew a wide-open Braden Lenzy before halftime.
Skip from Houston: Why were Cam Hart and Jarrett Patterson not disciplined for their disrespectful conduct after Saturday's game? What are your thoughts about the poor performance of the offensive line and Harry Hiestand's coaching? Thank you.
Eric Hansen: What would have been appropriate discipline for two guys who gave it their all and let the frustration boil over a little but who are otherwise exemplary leaders? And as far as the O-line play, I expect to see a steady progression moving forward.
Jack from Strongsville, Ohio: Hi Eric. I enjoy watching you and Tyler on Monday Night Live. The last two weeks I have watched it on Tuesday morning. Where do I go to watch live? The defensive front seven was perceived going into the season as the strength of this team. Thus far, that has not been the case. In your opinion, what has caused the breakdown, especially in the fourth quarter in the first two games.
Eric Hansen: Hi Jack, thanks for watching and for the feedback. You can subscribe to our channel and sign up for notifications and it will lead you to the live link. We'll also have a link on our homepage (insidendsports.com) moving forward. To me the biggest breakdown in the front seven has been guys misdiagnosing plays at critical junctures, and that leads me to looking at simplifying as a solution, just as ND did last season when they got off to a similarly bad defensive start.
CHUCK FROM CLEVELAND "THE LAND": Hi Eric. Is your job easier or more difficult when the Irish lose? If they win, you have an electric audience with great future expectations. If they lose, you get overreactions and "fire everybody". Quickly: 1) Does coach Freeman have the appetitive to hold Tommy Rees and Harry Hiestand accountable? It seems that he wants to build cohesion among the staff versus accountability. If no changes are made this week on the offense or O-Line, it will be very telling. 2) Rees wants to make the QB in his image and likeness, i.e., change plays at the line of scrimmage often. Rees had a subpar arm and no running ability. His core competency was reading the D and making calls at the L.O.S. We play hurry-up, but then take 25 seconds to snap — counterproductive. Is Rees capable of changing this "mirroring" mindset relative to our QBs? He had nine months to study our opponents' defensive tendencies — did he not study film? Why must he change the plays so often at the L.O.S.? Let the guys ball! Nice job again on Monday YOU TUBE.
Eric Hansen: Chuck, thanks for watching and for the feedback on the Monday Night Live show. 1) Is my job easier or harder when the team is 0-2? Let me put it to you this way. is a waiter's job easier or harder (to get a big tip) if the food gets sent back to the kitchen? 2) Marcus Freeman's job is to hold everyone accountable, including himself. I trust that's what he is doing. 3) If Tommy Rees pursued QBs who were only able to do the line-of-scrimmage stuff and at the expense of being athletic, then that's an indictment of him. But that LOS stuff is pretty important. If you look at the top targets in 2023 (Dante Moore before that soured) and 2024 (CJ Carr), you're looking at QBs who can provide the best of both worlds. 4) To not slide protections and change bad plays to good and just ball out will get you an 0-12 season. You know better than that. It's your frustration talking.
Tom from Grand Rapids via Dowagiac: Happy Humpday, Eric. Couple things, if I may. From section 101 I was able to see Marshall bring undisciplined backside pursuit on the opening drives. Please explain, if you can, why it took the offensive coaches so long to adjust to it? Also is strength/conditioning Matt Balis feeling some heat for a pair of fourth-quarter collapses? Both o$u and Marshall didn’t do anything but pound the rock against this supposed strength of this team. Go IRISH ☘️
Eric Hansen: Hi Tom. In general, I thought the offensive adjustments were too slow to come. I can't tell you why. As far as Matt Balis, I don't think the ineptitude on the two long drives had to do with conditioning. Matt Balis' track record is impeccable, and ND is lucky to have him. BUT I was as taken aback as you were about how both teams pounded the ball at ND and there was no answer. Let's take the Marshall drive on the initial third-and-9. That should have been a three-and-out drive. But because of missed tackles and missed assignments, it turns into an 11-yard gain on a pass to the tight end. The fourth play of that 11-play, 94-yard drive should have been a punt.
Stanley in Chester, Va.: Good High Noon, Eric! Based on this season's historical outcomes, I feel it is safe to say that the Irish would stand a pretty good chance against Norfolk State, don't you think? (BTW-the natives' pronunciation of "Norfolk" emphatically stresses the first syllable and quickly utters the latter, as in "NAR-fek", with the "A" being pronounced as it is in "are", and the "e" would be a short sound as in "ethic". Most folks outside the area really struggle with the pronunciation for obvious reasons, necessarily omitted in order to maintain your "G" rating. Phonetics done ... on to the question: Do you think the coaches misled us with the team's assessment, or were they really convinced the Irish were that good? And, if i may, is it possible that coach Freeman's insistence that the teams "scrimmage hard" philosophy may be too much and is causing the obvious fatigue in the fourth quarter OR is Al Golden's scheme too complex to allow instant reactions? Sorry for the two-parter, but I am curious.
Eric Hansen: Hi Stanley, and thanks for the phonetics lesson. ... I lean to being too complex over too intense for the shortfalls on defense.
Clemdog from Phoenix: Do you think Brian Kelly called most of the offensive plays when he was here and kept Tommy Rees in check? It seems obvious TR is completely not our guy,
Eric Hansen: That did not happen. It's mythology that won't die.
Len from the Jersey Shore: I listened to the podcast but after I sent in my question. Thanks for answering
Eric Hansen: Thank you.
Mike from Stillwater, Okla.: I am just curious why coach Freeman kept Tommy and didn’t bring his guy. I can understand keeping a few high-quality guys from the previous staff. I am with many on here when it comes to hiring a new coach at a university with no head coaching experience, it doesn’t always work out so well. I thought Luke Fickell should have been hired and Freeman kept as D coach. I hope I am wrong. What happens if he goes 0-4 ?
Eric Hansen: Athletic director Jack Swarbrick wanted Tommy Rees to be retained, and when Tommy had another option (Miami), Freeman was absolutely committed to keeping Rees. If ND goes 0-4, I'll answer your fickle Fickell question.
Doug from Sunny Florida: Eric, I watched the postgame press conference with HCMF and I saw something I haven't seen in a long time. He was feeling the pain of the loss and was visually upset and speaking from the heart regarding the loss. No coachspeak, no dodging hard questions, no short-tempered answers. Then, yesterday he makes the two coordinators available during the press conference for the remainder of the season. I'm enjoying seeing his passion for the team and the university and feel that it rubs off onto the other coaches and players. How have you (media) viewed this and how much does it affect the way you can accurately cover the team?
Eric Hansen: Having the coordinators gives us additional insight into helping answer the questions we all have and gaining insights into the team. 2-0 or 0-2, sign me up. It's great for everyone.
Eric Hansen: OK, sadly my brain and fingers moved at too slow of a speed to clean out the queue. OUTSTANDING questions and rants today. We'll be back to do it all over again next Wednesday at noon ET.
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