Chat Transcript: ND's QB development history and hurdles; young TEs rising
Eric Hansen: Welcome to Notre Dame Football Live Chat, Bye Week Edition. A reminder, please include your NAME and HOMETOWN with your question.
Eric Hansen: A couple of programming notes ... If you're looking for our podcast this week, we are doing one. But instead of Tuesday, we're recording on Thursday. We'll be back to our regular podcast schedule next week.
Also recommended, our Monday Night Live YouTube show, which keeps its shelf life going through the entire week leading up to the next game.
OK, enough blather from me. Let's get to what's on your minds.
Dave from Washington D.C.: I was pleasantly surprised with Drew Pyne's performance Saturday. And as a fan, I am grateful to have a backup quarterback who can effectively run an offense. However, he is a 5-foot-10 player with average arm strength and athleticism. ND's passing game has seemingly had a built-in ceiling for years. Why is it that lower-profile schools such as Oklahoma State, Baylor, UNC, Indiana, BYU, NC State, Pitt and others have had more success than Notre Dame at recruiting and developing top-tier quarterbacks?
Eric Hansen: Dave, Notre Dame actually has attracted some decent talent, from a recruiting rankings standpoint. Gunner Kiel was a five-star. Brandon Wimbush and Phil Jurkovec were Rivals top 100 prospects. Tyler Buchner, Malik Zaire and Drew Pyne were all top 150 guys. But you are spot on with the development question. The answer has several layers. Let's start with Brian Kelly. He was a good developer of QBs at Grand Valley State, Central Michigan and Cincinnati. Two things happened that didn't make that transferrable to Notre Dame. 1) He was pulled in a lot more directions than ever, so his interactions with the QBs was spottier. He wasn't able to develop the rapport and trust he did at the other places. So his QB interactions came off as more meddling than helpful.
Second, he was not adept at factoring in how different the dynamic was being a Notre Dame QB, with all the pressures and white noise they had to deal with vs. the smaller doses at the other places. That's a big reason why he hired Tommy Rees in 2017. So why didn't that solve the problem immediately? His coordinator for 2017-19 was Chip Long. Good offensive mind, strong recruiter ... and the tight ends coach. Didn't have the connection with the QBs and he was a degrader in practice. He didn't have the balance of coaching hard without being demeaning. So now we have three years of no Long and we're in a first with no Kelly.
I'm open to the possibility that we'll start to see more consistent QB development moving forward. But I'm also of the opinion Rees needs to prove it. I'm not going to just naturally assume it. Your question is very relevant, because Notre Dame needs elite QB play to not just get to the playoff, but to win games at that level. Even national champ Georgia's Stetson Bennett, while not an elite recruit, played like one last season -- ranking No. 4 nationally in passing efficiency.
Jim from Oakwood, Ohio Hi Eric. Boy, what a difference a week makes for the team — a terrific performance! I reviewed the "Snap Counts" article and your "Analysis: the 7 Players ..." column and had a few questions. It looks like (from the bold) that Holden Staes started, but Eli Raridon ended the game with three times the snaps. Can you explain that as well as the differences between the players and the likelihood of them being targeted as pass receivers? Or might they be destined to be primarily blockers in the shadow of Mike Mayer? BTW, can anyone stop or limit MM? Secondly, the snap counts reflected that Tosh Baker had 15% of the RT snaps - was that due to an injury to BF or perhaps just a tryout with TB and a motivator for BF? Many thanks for your excellent reporting. Enjoy your bye weekend and be well.
Eric Hansen: Jim, thanks for the kind words and for your questions. Let's start with the Blake Fisher/Tosh Baker question. Blake Fisher got poked in the eye late in the North Carolina game and had to leave the game. Baker came in for him. Marcus Freeman said after the game that Fisher is/will be fine. ... So the biggest difference between freshmen Eli Raridon and Holden Staes right now is size. Raridon is 6-7, 245. Staes is 6-4 (and this looks like a typo) 226. Obviously, you want to get the ball to Michael Mayer as much as you can. But you can also use him as a decoy if the coverage dictates that, and both of those freshman tight ends can do that job. I think we'll see that start to emerge in the offense sometime after the bye. The surprise to me is how well Raridon has blocked in an admittedly small sample size. Both players, as they grow physically and from a strength standpoint, have the potential to be outstanding COMPLETE tight ends.
Dave from Ponte Vedra, Fla.: Hello from soon-to-be-very-wet Florida. I was encouraged by the emergence of our wide receiver corps last week. My question is, where is Merriweather?
Eric Hansen: Dave, thoughts and prayers to you and all in the line of that storm in Florida. ... I did a story Sunday on the seven players who need to have a productive bye week, and I included freshman WR Tobias Merriweather on that list. He's a hard worker, studies the playbook, and offers some skills no one else on the roster has ... a 6-5 kid with track speed (he was the 200-meter dash champ in the state of Washington this past spring). For Merriweather, it's about being assignment-correct. Maybe it's just getting past the yips and jitters, because he's very intelligent and would seem ready for that challenge. I'll ask about him Monday the next time Marcus Freeman is in front of us.
Bob from Chicago: Is this the start of the Drew Pyne era? The offense looks much more on track this past weekend. His passing is more accurate, and he seems to have a knack for what the defense is doing. He looks more accurate and reads defenses better than the other QB this year. Your thoughts?
Eric Hansen: What Drew Pyne did in the North Carolina game was indeed encouraging and deserves to be recognized as such. Now, here is the challenge for him, moving forward. 1) He will not face a defense that bad for the balance of the season. 2) Now that there's film on him, opposing D-coordinators will game-plan against his strengths and try to force him to play to his weaknesses. ... The good news is that if the offensive line improvement is real, it's going to be easier for Pyne and OC Tommy Rees to counter those challenges.
Bill from Idaho Falls, Idaho: Eric: I love the content you and the boys are producing for us. I love your Monday Night Live, even if your sons don't ! I feel Tommy Rees would be jealous of how well you guys have "opened the play book up"! I've noted that the defense, at least until they played North Carolina, appeared to be a stronger unit than did the offense. The defense appears to have more players who are third-, fourth- and fifth-year players than does the offense. The offense appears to have considerably more younger players, given that the two tackles are both second-year players, the best wide out is a sophomore and two out of three running backs are sophomores. Do you think this dynamic has any influence on how well the two units have played this year? As always, appreciate your expertise and keep up the great work.
Eric Hansen: Bill, I really appreciate the compliments. My oldest son has a built-in excuse. He has six kids. The younger son? He has six dogs, so he should be able to find the time. The defense is a more experienced group and doesn't have the depth issues as any of its positions that the offense has at wide receiver and quarterback. And one of those young tackles, sophomore Joe Alt, is the highest-graded player on the team per Pro Football Focus through four games. There's room for improvement on both sides of the ball. Keep an eye on these give metrics: rush offense, rush defense, pass efficiency, total defense and turnover margin. ND made significant leaps in three of the five last week. If that becomes a trend and they can create turnovers with their defense, the Irish have a chance to be much improved in November.
Tom from Kennesaw, Ga.: Hi Eric, thanks again for these wonderful chats that give us a venue to talk us off the ledge, vent our frustrations through comments we make and then every once in a while ask a meaningful question. I have two question/comments: 1) The current WR room has no one who can win a 50/50 ball. Maybe Colzie, at 6-4, will help when he returns. So why not be using Merriweather to run go routes and use his size much the same way we used Claypool to get him some early playing time? Even if it were 3-5 plays he has a skill not present in the other WR's. He wouldn't need to know the entire playbook — just a couple of plays/patterns. 2) With Buchner and Pyne we have two QBs in the 6-foot range that need to get out of the pocket regularly, which we did against UNC thankfully. I'm not sure that either QB is going to be much better than above average. Your thoughts on a portal QB for next year to give us a better passing game? Thanks and Go Irish!!!!
Eric Hansen: Tom, much appreciated. Thanks for the venting and the questions. I think Tobias Merriweather, Deion Colzie and Joe Wilkins all have the potential on the 50-50 balls. Not sure you want to make a living on that, but it's nice to have in your arsenal. Unfortunately, none of those guys have been on the field much yet for various reasons. The post-bye week playing time for those three could offer another dynamic to the offense. Let's see where that goes. I'm in the "let's see more of Tobias" camp. He's healthy. He needs at least a few reps each game moving forward. ... As far as a portal QB, ND needs to be ready to pursue that if circumstances dictate. Ideally, you'd want someone who could come in for the spring if you were going in that direction (rather than in June). There are a lot of variables in play that could push that decision in either direction, but the key is being prepared in case adding thru the portal is a must option.
Sean from Portland, Ore.: Hi Eric. My wife got me tickets to the BYU game for my birthday. After the Marshall game I began to feel guilty that I was no longer excited for the game ... but now some of that excitement is coming back. Fortunately, I was busy the Saturday of the Marshall game, but I have the recording on my DVR. Should I watch it, or just delete it and pretend it never happened? The team played very well against UNC! I would love to see them clean up the details to reach their potential (~about 3 or 4 plays were the difference between the 45-32 final score and a 30+ point win).
Eric Hansen: Hi Sean. I feel like Dr. Laura. I would do neither of the options you posed. I wouldn't watch it before BYU, but I wouldn't delete it either. If ND ends up being a much improved team in October and November, then it would be fun to watch that Marshall game in December to see how far the Irish came. And I hope you're getting your wife something great for her birthday. That was a pretty cool gift she got you.
Vernon from Freedom, Calif.: Hi Eric, big fan of the weekly chats..With Xavier Watts emerging more and more defensively as he gains experience, do you think the experiment to use him offensively will be shelved or are there indications that he may still be utilized on both sides of the ball? Big fan of the X-man and would personally love to see him on the field as much as possible on either side of the ball. Go Irish!
Eric Hansen: Hi Vernon. Thank you. Especially with injuries to the safety position group, the Irish need Xavier Watts to focus on safety now. Nickel/corner TaRiq Bracy had to fill in some there Saturday, and it weakened the Irish at two positions -- nickel and safety. I think the biggest reason for Watts' double duty was the lingering recoveries of Joe Wilkins and Deion Colzie. Colzie appears to be back on track. If Wilkins joins him after the bye, it really negates the need to cross-train Watts. He is a sure tackler, who needs to develop his coverage skills better. He's a likely starter in 2023.
Bill from Houston: Assuming CJ Carr reclassifies and comes in as a 2022 early enrollee, it will make for a very interesting spring quarterback competition between Buchner, a rejuvenated Pyne, a promising, intensely coached (for a freshman) Angeli, and star-in-waiting Carr. Who do you see winning that competition, and who is the backup?
Eric Hansen: Hi Bill. I used a text-a-friend lifeline to Kyle Kelly for this question. If CJ Carr comes in during his 2024 cycle, he would come as an early enrollee. But if he reclassifies to the 2023 cycle, it is my understanding he wouldn't be able to enroll until June because of junior year course requirements. So no spring ball. So, I've got to answer your question a little differently. There are a lot of unknowns here that would play into that equation. 1) How Tyler Buchner recovers. 2) How Drew Pyne plays over the balance of the season. 3) Whether Steve Angeli sees significant game action. 4) Whether ND brings in a 2023 QB who can enroll early. 5) Whether they add a QB from the transfer portal.
If there's no portal addition, then I'd assume Marcus Freeman will treat it like BK did in the spring of 2016, with an open competition between Pyne and Buchner (DeShone Kiser and Malik Zaire back then). Something dramatic would have to happen for Angeli to get into that mix. A 2023 QB would not be a factor (not with the caliber of QB ND is likely to get at this point). If there's a portal addition, then you're bringing him in with the idea he could win the starting job. That would mean a physical setback to Buchner, or that Pyne doesn't show enough this season to warrant another chance to win the job.
Marie from Atlanta: Hi Eric, I hope you are having a great week. Now that Buchner is out for the year, are you at all concerned about his ability to reach his potential? The loss of this year developmentally is huge. And he seems to be somewhat injury-prone. Although he seems super talented, given the circumstances, are you concerned he won’t meet his potential? Switching gears, North Carolina is average every year, oftentimes overrated at the start of the season. How is it that they are able to recruit such talented skill-position players when Notre Dame struggles in this area? Finally, coach Freeman mentioned he would be working the players fairly hard during the bye week. Are you at all concerned that this could backfire later in the season or that we could end up with a flat game like the Michigan game of 2019? As always, thanks for hosting the chat and for giving us your great insights.
Eric Hansen: Hi Marie. I am enjoying the bye week. Thanks for asking. I think your concerns re Buchner's development are justified. For the third time in the last five years, he'll miss either the entire season or the vast majority of it. And of the two years he did play, he was the starter in only one of those. The best way for him to get better is in actual games. So yes, spring of 2023 will be huge for Tyler Buchner. ... Why North Carolina? A lot of it has to do with offensive coordinator/QB coach Phil Longo's reputation. In six seasons as an FBS OC, his offenses have been ranked in the top 20 all six years (2019-22 at UNC, 2017-18 at Ole Miss). And in the two years before he landed at Ole Miss, his Sam Houston State teams led the FCS in total offense in both 2015 and 2016.
The last time ND was in the top 20 in total offense was 2009 (8th), Jimmy Clausen's and Charlie Weis' final season. The Irish are 94th and moving up at the moment. ... I can see Marcus Freeman's rationale for wanting to work hard now, because it's an unusually early bye week. ND will get a break of some sorts in the week leading up to the Oct. 22 UNLV game. That's fall break, so there will be no academic demands that week for the Irish players. Brian Kelly was pretty good at handling bye weeks. He was 14-2 in the games that followed. But after the 2019 Michigan debacle, he admitted to giving the team TOO MUCH time off. Not too little.
Johngipp from Lititz, Pa.: Hey Eric. After the last two games, I'm wondering if there was any hint of a division in the ND locker room over the starting QB. It seems to me there is a different vibe on the field and sideline since Pyne took over. This includes the early part of the Cal game, when he played like me. I have not seen it mentioned, but the difference in my opinion has been positive and evident. Have you noticed the vibe or had any inkling of a division?
Eric Hansen: Hi John. Zero. Zip. Nada. Tyler Buchner was clearly the best QB in practice and won the job fairly. And Drew Pyne might have been Buchner's biggest supporter. Now the team is rallying behind Pyne.
Scott from Los Angeles: Eric, pleasantly surprised by the O-line, RBs, Pyne, and D-line. Mayer is a beast, even when everyone knows you're throwing to him. What are your thoughts on DB coach Mickens? ND’s DBs are below average at best. Bracy is a nice surprise this year, but nothing before. Lewis and Hart, are horrible. Freshmen Morrison/ Mickey have more talent and cover skills. Henderson can’t tackle. Griffith has made about 10 career tackles, and the DBs that transferred out were not going to see any time — that’s saying something. Riley was supposed to be a stud. Same with Barnes, zero time. If it wasn’t for transfers at safety, Gilman and the Northwestern kid, we would be in more trouble. Mickens' job is to recruit DBs and coach them. I would say grade “D”. NC receiver runs right by Lewis, safety late deep. Fourth-and-21, Hart is sitting on the 10-yard out, has no clue. Rreceiver runs right by as Bracy is rotating to the middle. No clue why defense is in a two-deep safety on fourth-and-21. Hoping for improvement. BYU, Clemson, and USC are salivating. Thank you.
Eric Hansen: Hi Scott. ND had some injury issues at safety Saturday that affected the entire defensive backfield, but indeed the play could have been better. In Mike Mickens' defense, his top three corners were all three-star prospects and he's certainly helped Bracy improve. With Cam Hart, I'm not convinced he's 100 percent physically. Missed a lot of time in spring and even during training camp. Doesn't look the same. Clarence Lewis played only 10 snaps vs. UNC but had the lowest defensive grade among Irish players in the game. That is concerning. Mike Mickens had a strong track record at Cincinnati of recruiting and developing CBs. The fact that four-stars Benjamin Morrison and Jaden Mickey are already playing so much is encouraging. Christian Gray and Micah Bell are coming in the next class. Another talent upgrade. I'm going to give Mickens the benefit of the doubt and let this play out a litlte more.
Darren from South Bend: Do you think Notre Dame looked that good on offense, or was the North Carolina defense just that bad?
Eric Hansen: I think it's a combination, but I give ND's offense more credit, because the Irish had also been struggling and executed very well.
Bob Boldt from Oxnard, Calif." Is Mayer heading with a full head of steam on a reverse more of a nightmare to a corner than an unblocked Estime greeting a safety?
Eric Hansen: Yikes. I don't envy either defender. Given the greater weight differential, I'd say the cornerback is the more likely player to be sore the next day and crying "Mommy" in the moment.
Matt from Kansas City: I am back to rapid fire this week. Feel free to answer yes/no, true/false, expound however you want, but here are my five questions for the week. 1. Was Dante Moore and Keon Keeley moving on from ND purely about NIL? 2. CJ Carr could start over Buchner or Pyne next year if he reclassified, meaning honest competition? 3. Trouble running ball is scheme, bad blocking, or loaded boxes because no one fears our receivers? 4. Pyne seems like Ian Book light (fair description?) 5. Is this a top 10 team by the end of the year?
Eric Hansen: Hi Matt. 1) NIL was a significant factor with Dante Moore, less so but still a factor with Keon Keeley, IMO. 2) Not until he proves he is the best of that bunch, and that may be during the 2023 season not at the outset. 3) Offensive line growing pains, which are quickly dissipating; D-cordinators picking their poison and betting against the Irish passing game. The more balanced ND can be, the better play calls Tommy Rees can concoct. 4) Shorter, not as good of a runner. Those two are very close in terms of communicating with each other, by the way. 5) I think Top 25 is more realistic.
Michael from Atlanta: Hi Eric. What is your feeling on if we get Jeremiyah Love, after the aTm visit? Thanks, and great work.
Eric Hansen: Our recruiting guy, Kyle Kelly, thinks ND wins out, but no slam dunk.
Jim from Harrisburg, Pa.: Hi Eric, hope all is well. I am concerned about recruiting. We lost a five-star defensive lineman and a four-star offensive lineman. Is there any chance these guys will change their minds and sign with ND? Does losing games influence many recruits? We need to recruit talent, and the goal should be to have the best recruiting class in the country.
Eric Hansen: Hi Jim. This first full cycle of the NIL influence makes predicting the recruiting landscape more difficult. I do not think DE Keon Keeley or OL Elijah Paige will change their minds. Keeley actually jumped off the ship before ND lost a game. I'm not sure if Paige was affected by the two losses. If Marcus Freeman was a long-time head coach with a proven track record, the losses would be less concerning. Even then, an established Brian Kelly lost six commitments during the 4-8 season in 2016. So it matters to some recruits.
Teddy Fleishacker from Bonita Springs, Fla.: Hey Eric, happy Wednesday to ya! My question is with regard to Lenzy and whether you anticipate him to finally come into his own offensively or just continue to slink into the shadows and be unheard from, game in and game out? I don't necessarily get the sense that he is an outstanding competitor and at times he strikes me as a track guy whose physical talents don't necessarily translate to the field. Maybe i'm wrong (hopefully), but would love to get your take.
Eric Hansen: Happy Wednesday back at you, Teddy. So far Braden Lenzy has 7 receptions for 69 yards in four games. He's certainly been given the opportunity to be productive. Of all the non-offensive linemen, only TE Michael Mayer (261) has played more snaps on offense than Lenzy (234). He's more mentally tough, self-aware and mature than one might think. I really like that part of his game. Because of that, I hold out hope that it can still come together for him, but the window is closing soon and quickly for that to happen.
Frank Leehung from Timberland, N.H.: Hi Eric, I hope all is well and appreciate your work as always. Just curious to get your thoughts on Colzie and what the word is within the program as far as his injury recovery and where he stands in the WR room. Also any word on Wilkins and if/when he will be present/productive for the offense anytime soon? Is it more likely that one of those two aforementioned players emerges for the Irish this season, or it is more probable that one of the young talented tight ends earn a larger role in the offense in lieu of WR talent/production?
Eric Hansen: Thanks Frank. I appreciate you. Deion Colzie, after getting his feet wet on special teams, finally got four snaps at WR against North Carolina, his first of the season. Joe Wilkins has gotten 13, but didn't play against UNC. Those two and Tobias Merriweather will get my full attention to ask about once the coaches are available again Monday (Freeman) and Tuesday (Rees/Golden). Yes, the young tight ends might gobble up more opportunities, but it's important to have the capacity to do both -- for balance and unpredictability in your offense and to take advantage of defenses that struggle against bigger wide receivers. Wilkins, Colzie and Tobias all have size. Wilkins is an outstanding blocker as well. It would be nice to have all those options on the table.
Joey G. from Philadelphia, Pa.: Hi Eric. I know we’ve only had a small amount of games to judge certain players. But I’ve been watching Blake Fisher closely, and I don’t see him as a tackle. He looks more suited for the guard spot. I’ve heard Hiestand was considering this during fall camp. Looking ahead to next year, if Fisher is moved to guard say next to L-R Alt, Fisher, Correll, Kristofic, who do you see as the front-runner for the right tackle spot? And would you like to see this move?
Eric Hansen: Joey. I think Blake Fisher is TALENTED enough to play guard or tackle. I don't agree guard is default his best position because of deficiencies as a tackle. I love his length and athleticism. Once he gets his technique down, he's going to be a handful. He still intermittently is. Remember with O-line coach Harry Hiestand, it's about who are the best five and then coaching them to a position. Not about who's the next best tackle. Losing Josh Lugg and Jarrett Patterson after the season would leave you Joe Alt, Fisher and Zeke Correll in 2023, with Rocco Spindler, Andrew Kristofic, Billy Schrauth, Tosh Baker and Michael Carmody battling to be Nos. 4-5 (Perhaps Aamil Wagner or Ty Chan make a quantum leap and get involved). I'm not sure there's a scenario there that would push Fisher to guard. So no. I am not a fan of that move. Sorry.
James from waiting out the hurricane in Florida: What can be done to improve the cornerback and safety performance?
Eric Hansen: Health and lots of practice and continuing to invest in Benjamin Morrison and Jaden Mickey. ... best wishes with the weather.
Jerry from Dallas: Eric, what personnel changes, if any, would you suggest to the lineups before the BYU game? Also, are there any changes that you would suggest going forward to the offensive or defensive game plans? Many thanks.
Eric Hansen: Not sure I'd swap out any starters. But assuming everyone is healthy, I'd like to see more of Tobias Merriweather/Joe Wilkins, Eli Raridon and Holden Staes, Prince Kollie and Jack Kiser, Chris Smith, Benjamin Morrison and Jaden Mickey.
Tom from Grand Rapids, MIch., via Dowagiac: Eric, thanks as always for doing these! My turn at the multiple part questions. 1. With the appeal process on targeting, have you heard if ND plans to forward JD Bertrand’s second offense to NCAA? 2. Do you have a link to the AP voters' ballots? I want to know who the F&%£ still voted for UNC in the Top 25, as they are damn lucky ND didn’t drop 50+ on them and run them out of their own stadium. 3. I’ll preface this by saying I DID NOT read your article on the starting center. I have noticed he is still struggling with getting any push after initial contact. And with double teams, they aren’t even trying to work the block to get one lineman up to the next level, to stop the linebackers free run to the ball carrier. Also in watching Mayer’s TD, he completely whiffed on his block and Pyne just got his throw off. Plus. he didn’t even turn around to see his QB flat on his back, nor did he help him up!! I wonder if, like many others, is it time for Jarrett Patterson to move back to center? Go IRISH ☘️
Eric Hansen: Thanks, Tom. 1) You are correct. That's new this year, the ability to overturn a disqualification for the next game through an appeals process. I don' t think ND has any plans to appeal JD Bertrand's targeting call. The link to the AP Top 25 is here. From there, there's a dropdown menu where you can check out each ballot. Or if you have great vision, you can just look at this graphic:
Eric Hansen: As far as Zeke Correll, he was making steady progress, with his best game coming against Cal, then kind of took a step backward vs. North Carolina. If you were going to move Patterson back to center, the bye week would be the week to do it. But given how good the left side looks now and how well the overall line play is improving, I'd keep building with the lineup you already have.
Frank from Royse City, Texas: What players from BYU should ND key on?
Eric Hansen: Chris Brooks is the leading rusher. Jaren Hall is a really good passer who's got some mobility. Keanu Hill is their best big-play threat in the passing game. LB Ben Bywater is their leading tackler.
Joe H from Williams Bay, Wis.: Hi Eric. Thanks again for another chat during a bye week I’ve been a ND fan since the days of Paul Hornung, and I’ve always been proud of the way the university has balanced managing the football program and maintaining academic integrity. I’m am concerned, however, how NIL is going to affect the university going forward. Already we have seen two of our top recruits decommit to programs (Oregon and Alabama) that are heavily pursuing the NIL model. I don’t want the university to sell its soul in pursuit of top players, but I’m hoping you can convince me that my fears are a little overblown and all will be well in the end
Eric Hansen: Hi Joe. I don't think your fears are unfounded, but they may be out of proportion. Every school has NIL opportunities. Some are illegally willing to offer guarantees that cross the line of what NIL is supposed to be. Until Congress gets involved, we may have to live with the fact that there may not be self-correction coming in this area for at least a couple of years. It is such an unknown, we really won't have a handle on it until after this current recruiting cycle ends. Even then it may be different in the 2024 cycle.
Ken from Pensacola, Fla.: Guys, do you think ND can have a 10-2 season following the way they played against NC? Thanks, and Go Irish!!!!!!
Eric Hansen: Since Tyler isn't hear to defend himself or make fun of me, I'll answer only for me. Certainly it's mathematically possible. I do not think it is likely ND runs the table, but I do think we'll see the best version of this team in November, barring a key injury.
Dave from Valpo: I did not know spinning the ball in the end zone is a penalty. When did that start?
Eric Hansen: Dave, I can't find the exact year, but that rule has been in the books for a while. I do know in 2021, the NCAA made it a point of emphasis to crack down on the taunting and celebration penalties, so perhaps that's why you may not have seen it before.
Patrick from Los Angeles: Thank you for the work you do. What weaknesses did BYU’s close game against Baylor and lopsided loss to Oregon uncover that could be exploited by the Irish on both sides of the ball?
Eric Hansen: Thank you, Patrick. BYU's overall weaknesses through four games is an inconsistent running game, poor red-zone offense, a supbar team in rushing defense and not a very strong puss-rushing team.
Len from the Jersey Shore: Hello Eric. I really enjoyed Tyler, Kyle's and your insights on the team. It been so good that I had to dig deeper for different but possibly insightful questions. First, last week NC had 5 TDs. On each TD drive there was a explosive play. They were for 80, 64, 43, 28 and 23 yards. What can be done by ND to eliminate or minimize those? Second, PFF also lists besides grades and plays stats, info such as contested targets (CTT) and contested catches (CTC). Other than Mayer (9 CTT/6 CTC) no one has more than one contested catch this season, and only two players — Lenzy (6 CTT/1 CTC) and Thomas (4 CTT/1 CTC) — have more than one target. So is the game plan/QB designed to have minimal 50/50 balls except for MM? And who else is capable of bringing down a 50/50 ball. Styles is 1 CTT with 1 CTC. Lastly, PFF lists Jack Kiser with 10 stops, the most on the team. A stop means that play you caused the drive to end. And that is playing only ~half ND's def. snaps. He is second in tackles. Isn't that a good season so far?
Eric Hansen: Thanks Len. I think the health of the safety unit played into some of those big plays, as I referenced earlier. But certainly getting Cam Hart back to form helps. So would a consistent pass rush. And again, it's time to invest in Benjamin Morrison and Jaden Mickey and be patient with their growing pains. The upside will be worth it. ... As far as contested catches, doesn't it make sense for a team to want to minimize those. Why force the ball into coverage and depend on a 50-50 when there are sure throws to be made? Yes, occasionally a 50-50 ball is warranted, but getting the ball to the open receiver seems like how you'd want to make a living. ... As I mentioned earlier, the three best 50-50 WRs haven't played a combined 20 snaps yet. ... Jack Kiser was one of ND's highest-graded defenders last season and is doing a very good job this year. I'd have him on the field ahead of JD Bertrand.
Mike from Phoenix, Md.: Hi Eric, seems we have not heard much on the QB recruiting front as of late. Any idea where things stand with their top targets, or new names we haven't heard.
Eric Hansen: Mike, that's more of Kyle Kelly's territory, and from my conversations with him, ND is playing it much closer to the vest, because the QBs they're interested in are committed elsewhere. I know they've cast a pretty wide net in terms of evaluations. I'll talk to Kyle and see if we can't get a story up on some of the more realistic options soon.
Curt from Warsaw, Ind.: Eric, always enjoy the chats. Have the coaches talked about the big pass plays that were given up against Carolina?
Eric Hansen: We haven't talked to the coaches since Marcus Freeman's press conference after the game. We won't get them again until Monday. But of course they want to get that fixed.
Tim from St Louis: Hey Eric, you do such an outstanding job and have great access to ND football for many years. Can you compare HC Freeman's practice and preseason camps to other ND head coaches? Have read and seen interviews from Freeman and players talking about physical practices. Then there's the Sunday practices. Many assume this takes a toll on gameday freshness and tackling (go figure that comparison). Are practices more intense leading to injury and fatigue? Oh ya, GO CARDS!!
Eric Hansen: Thanks, Tim. I'm not sure I can give you as accurate of a comparison as I'd like to, because of Davie's/Willingham's/Weis'/Kelly's/ Freeman's practices, the ones I've gotten by far the most full access to were Kelly's. So there may be things happening after the first 45 minutes of Marcus' that are revolutionary, that I'm just not seeing. Marcus' practices early in camp were very intense and then they backed off. There were times during the Weis Era, the practices were too non-phyiscal and thus the timing was off on game days, There's a delicate balance. This probably would work better in story form. I have a feeling you'll want a refund on this answer.
Tom from Kennesaw, Ga.: Eric, you've mentioned injuries to the safeties a couple of times today. Who is injured? How bad? And will they play vs. BYU?
Eric Hansen: Ramon Henderson missed the UNC game completely. Right foot was in a protective boot. DJ Brown pulled a hamstring during the UNC game and was out. Marcus Freeman was optimistic after the game, but he's not necessarily a good indicator (yet) of injury severity. He tends to be optimistic in the moment, or just doesn't yet know. Brown played 21 snaps Saturday. We will have your answer Monday about BYU availability.
Bill from St Joe, Mich.: Eric, a comment, not a question … count me as someone who believes our corners have more than enough talent to be successful. I don’t expect the corner who took the bait to let the wide receiver blow by him and go after the shorter route to make that mistake again … and it is always nice to see our corners turn to look at the ball.
Eric Hansen: Your comment is duly noted.
Todd from Niagara Falls, Canada: Hi Eric, is it possible yet to get the UNLV game in Canada? Fighting Irish TV app?
Eric Hansen: Todd, I'm assuming you don't get Peacock there? Email me and I'll try to get an answer for you by the week of the game (ehansen@insidendsports.com)
KJ from near the Channel Islands: Hi Eric! Congrats on your new (sorta) gig. Your loyal fans will follow you wherever you go. Your thoughts on coach Marcus Freeman's development so far? I would imagine that, just like for players, being a HC allows the game to "slow down" as one gains experience. Seems to me he is starting to show more confidence and control on the sideline. What say you?
Eric Hansen: Hi KJ and thanks. I do think he learns from every game experience. His ego doesn't get in the way. Each week seems a little smoother.
Tom from Sister Lakes, MIch.: Hi Eric: I'm completely bumfuzzled by the fact that JD Bertrand got ejected for the same type of targeting penalty two weeks in a row. One time is an outlier, but twice seems to indicate he was coached that way. It appears they are taught to go for the upper body rather than the mid-section. It's not enough for Freeman to simply say "JD needs to learn from this". I think fans would like to know just exactly what tackling techniques are being taught. If Freeman or Golden haven't addressed this question yet, would you please try to get an answer?
Eric Hansen: Tom. JD Bertrand was in the wrong. at least on the first one in the Cal game. It was absolutely uncalled for and had nothing to do with the play. The second one is up for debate. The coaches are teaching the proper techniques. They don't want to throw a good kid and a captain under the bus. Capiche?
Fred from Richmond, Va.: Eric, It was absolutely a joy to watch our offense play at such a high level with run/pass being so equally distributed. It is showing that we do have exceptional backs and young receivers who can flat out play. I know Carolina has a weak defense, but you still have to execute. This reminds me of the days of Ara, where we pounded the rock, and opened up a passing game with good, but not great, quarterbacks, except for maybe Joe Theismann. Do you see this formula being implemented the rest of the way, because our O-line made running the ball their priority and Pyne was able to take advantage with excellent play action. If future opponents try to stack the line of scrimmage to stop our three-headed monster running game, does Pyne have what it takes to make them pay. Love your insights, GO IRISH!!!
Eric Hansen: Fred, thank you. I do think this is what Marcus Freeman would like for ND's core identity to be, HOWEVER, there are teams that are built differntly defensively that will challenge ND's preferences and have differnet weaknesses, and ND has to be ready to pivot and take advantage of those weaknesses. Clemson, for example, has the nation's No. 8 rush defense and No. 92 pass-efficiemcy defense. Wake Forest took advantage of the weakness and almost pulled off the upset last weekend.
Eric Hansen: OK, I've gone an hour into overtime. I've got another commitment to get to. Thanks for all the great questions. We'll be back next Wednesday at noon EDT to do it all over again.
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