Chat Transcript: Realigning the ND LBs? Encore Vegas? Rising talents?
Eric Hansen: Welcome to Notre Dame Football Live Chat, Stanford week edition.
A couple of quick programming notes:
If you haven’t already, check out this week’s Inside ND Sports podcast presented by Dead Soxy with our special guest Malik Zaire. Lots of great insight (and humor) from the former Notre Dame quarterback. Among the topics discussed are the rise of Drew Pyne, what Tyler Buchner’s 2023 might look like after his recovery, ND’s quarterback recruiting, freshman WR Tobias Merriweather’s playing time, former ND head coach Brian Kelly and former Irish defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder.
After observing the bye week, Tyler James and I were back with our YouTube show, Monday Night Live, this week. The show will run every Monday night at 7 ET the rest of the football season. If you can’t catch us live, you can watch anytime during the week, as the show keeps its shelf life going through the entire week leading up to the next game.
As far as the chat, here are the rules:
Also, PLEASE remember to include your NAME and HOMETOWN along wiht your question(s). Telepathy won't work.
Let's get started.
Andrew from South Bend: Love the chats Eric! Quick question. Do you think ND is going to start recruiting more big backs like Estimé? It’s been a breath of fresh air to see us able to pound it like the Bettis days! Also, do you think the staff will be comfortable now with Pyne/ Buchner going forward or will they pursue a transfer? Thanks!
Eric Hansen: Hi Andrew and thanks. The Irish won't recruit a back like that in every cycle for two reasons ... 1) There are not a lot of elite backs that size. 2) And as long as Audric Estimé is on the roster, do you need another one? ... To the initial point, there are three backs ranked in the top 15 RBs nationally in the 2023 class who might enroll at a similar size to Estimé -- who himself was the sixth-ranked back in the 2021 class. The only one of those 2023s who ND kicked the tires on was Texas-bound Cedric Baxter (6-2, 215). ... There's even fewer options in the 2024 class. The two who might grow into that body type — Stacy Gage of Tampa and Davion Gause of Hollywood, Fla. — ND has extended offers to them. The RBs ND has committed in this 2023 class are 181-pound Jayden Limar and 165-pound Dylan Edwards, both elite speed guys. ND needs those kinds of backs too. Jeremiyah Love, who could play some receiver at 6-1, 181, may join them soon. Our recruiting writer, Kyle Kelly, has put in a FutureCast prediction that he'll commit to ND.
To part II of your question, about the transfer portal QBs: I realize I'm going to get this question every week for the rest of the season. My answer will be the same as it has been. Notre Dame will put itself in the position to add one, through due diligence of seeing if there's a match out there, academically and athletically. But the Irish don't have to make a decision about it until December at the very earliest. And they shouldn't commit one way or another to it until then. There are too many variables that could change between now and then.
Tom from Sister Lakes, Mich.: Hi Eric, I couldn’t believe that Al Golden would call another safety blitz with his two freshman cornerbacks on the field. I thought he learned his lesson from the OSU game. There was absolutely no reason to do it in the BYU game, given how the defense had dominated up to that point and we had such a large lead. It was a major turning point that could have led to another bad loss. Marcus Freeman looked like he wanted to puke after that play. If you have access to Golden this week, please ask him why he called it — especially with the two freshmen in the game.
Eric Hansen: Hi Tom. Al Golden said it was a bad call Tuesday night during media interviews. Took full responsibility for it.: Al Golden press conference transcript, looking ahead to Stanford
Tony from Lake Mary, Fla.: Hi Eric. When your article about better run defense and how to handle the LB corps came out, I chuckled, because my friends and I were discussing the very same thing at the end of the game. The solution we came up with was Kiser, Kollie, and Liufau (with Navy being the exception) as the primary linebackers. Bertrand seemed either rusty, having come in the second half and likely getting fewer reps at practice during the two weeks, but even during UNC (albeit pass happy) he was struggling. I just see the other guys as being more complementary to the rest of the defense. My friend called Bertrand the "Joe Schmidt" of this year, but this D does not lack the mental aptitude that the 2014 team seemed to. Nothing against JD as a person or a football player, but I do not know if he fits moving forward. I know you wrote the article, but curious if you have comments on this last point directly.
Eric Hansen: Hi Tony. Tyler James and I were talking about this on our Monday Night Live Show. JD Bertrand is definitely the fans' choice to be excluded from the lineup. His grades from Pro Football Focus have been so-so, but he has graded out well when it comes to the ND coaches' evaluations. Jack Kiser has shown in back-to-back weeks that he can play inside at a high level. Kudos to him for learning all three positions. I would strongly consider him there (MLB). Marist Liufau has been struggling. It's perplexing. I asked DC/LBs coach Al Golden about it last night. It's in the transcript posted on our website, but he thinks Marist is trying to do the spectacular on every play and needs to just focus on doing his job. Prince Kollie had an OUTSTANDING practice Tuesday. That has not been the norm. If he can start stringing those together. look for his playing time to increase.
So. where does that leave JD Bertrand and Bo Bauer? I still think Bertrand can give the Irish quality snaps in that linebacker rotation. Maybe just not play him as much. Bauer already is limited in snaps. So, as to your Kiser-Kollie-Liufau alignment, I give that my vote to try that combination in practices, at the very least. But again, I'm still for Bertrand having a decent-sized role.
Irish Mike from Altoona, Pa.: Hi Eric! As always, thanks for the chats! Has the window closed for Tyler Buchner? It’s been three years, and he hasn’t played a full season of football. Barring injury, Drew Pyne will have a full season under his belt, and his game continues to progress. Will ND seriously consider Buchner next year? A five-star (Carr) is coming in in 2023/24! A transfer seems to be his best option! If that happens, it leaves the quarterback room thin — Pyne, Angeli and Powlus. Going to the portal is unlikely because a transfer isn’t coming to be a backup. It will be interesting.
Eric Hansen: Hi Irish Mike. Thanks for your question. I understand your concern. I don't think the window has closed. There's too much talent there. And if Tyler Buchner emerges at the 2023 starter, you'd have some insurance in Drew Pyne, provided he stays healthy, keeps improving and stays put. Steve Angeli will be that much closer to being able to help. Ron Powlus III will still be around. And ND is still trying to sign a 2023 QB. So you'll have numbers, with or without a portal addition. A setback in recovery for Buchner or a long-term injury to Pyne can change that whole dynamic. But ND will have a pretty strong roster and a challenging schedule in 2023. So, the question has to be asked AFTER the season is over: Is there a QB on the 2022 roster who can get you to the 2023 playoff and win a game there?
Joe H from Williams Bay, Wis.: Hi Eric. Thanks for all your great coverage. Great win on Saturday and a phenomenal night for Michael Meyer, but once again what should have been an easy win turned into a nail-biter. Why does our defense seem to look tired and loose focus late in games? On Saturday, I think they played fewer than 50 snaps. And secondly, why do you think our linebackers have, as a whole, played so poorly? Do you think we should be seeing more of Prince Kollie? And what about Jaylon Sneed?
Eric Hansen: Hi Joe. Thanks for reading us. I don't think it's fatigue as much as it is misreads and bad execution when ND gets into those defensive lulls. You're right, the defense played only 46 snaps. The national average in a game is 69. I addressed the linebacker dilemma in this piece posted Monday morning: Analysis: Addressing the complicated fix of the Notre Dame run defense. So if you want more detail. I'd recommend reading it. My short version is that all the cross-training has worked for some and slowed others down. Other than Jack Kiser, there's not someone who's executing at a high level against both the run and pass among the linebackers. It's either/or. Again, I do think this is fixable. There is talent there. And yet, I think Prince Kollie is earning a larger role. As to Jaylen Sneed, I asked Al Golden about Sneed and fellow freshman linebacker Nolan Ziegler Tuesday night. Here is his response:
“First, both have been getting a lot of reps or additional work here over the last month. Jaylen has really made a lot of progress. You know, we traveled Jaylen last week. It wasn’t because we were traveling a lot of guys. We traveled him, because he’s made progress. So, he’s getting closer. I’m excited about Jaylen. Jaylen is really, really athletic and gifted. He’s starting to settle down and understand the game better and, hopefully, will keep making progress."
Jerry from Dallas, Texas: Eric, in the era of the NIL, can Notre Dame still get a five-star, elite quarterback?
Eric Hansen: I believe CJ Carr will eventually earn five-star status, so my answer is yes.
Joe from KC: Eric, thanks as always for doing these. Always nice to have a break from work. My question … do you think ND will play in Vegas again? That environment was absolutely electric. Far superior to a ND home game. Wwhy do you think that was? Alcohol sales? Vegas? All of it? Where are future sites for Shamrock Series being targeted? Thanks again.
Eric Hansen: Hey Joe. When Notre Dame started the Shamrock Series in 2009, Notre Dame Stadium was an easy place for visiting teams to play, because its signature response to a spectacular play, more often than not, was the golf clap. Brian Kelly deserves credit for pushing for some of the things that changed the environment of home games. It's much better now. I still think there are times at these Shamrock Series games that a good portion of the ND fans there are not regulars at ND home games. And they are pretty fired up to be there. San Antonio in 2009 was like that. The first Yankee Stadium game was another. Vegas set a new standard. I think the BYU fans deserve some credit, too. It was a bowl-game type atmosphere by all accounts.
Will they return to Vegas? They should. As far as future sites, the only one I'm aware that has been announced is the 2026 game with Wisconsin at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. That's a makeup game for the one scheduled for 2020 and wiped out because of the pandemic.
Matt from Virginia: Hey Eric: You and Tyler are everywhere now (YouTube, podcasts, chats, articles). Congrats on your new venture, and I wish you continued success. Everything you guys do is must-see for Irish diehards. I have a simple question: Who ends up with the better record this season, Notre Dame or LSU (and our old friend BK)? How do you see it shaking out? Thanks!
Eric Hansen: Hi Matt. Can we adopt you? Thanks! So let's look at the remaining schedules: LSU (4-2) has at Florida, Ole Miss, Alabama, at Arkansas, UAB, and at Texas A&M. Notre Dame (3-2) has Stanford, UNLV, at Syracuse, Clemson, Navy in Baltimore, BC and at USC. SO, barring a debilitating injury to either team, I think the most likely finish for LSU is 7-5 or 6-6. I think the most likely finish for ND is 8-4 or naybe 9-3.
Tom from Kennesaw, Ga.: Eric, the 2023 class has Dylan Edwards, RB, and Micah Bell, DB. Both are listed at 165 pounds, but with elite, elite speed. Wouldn't it make sense to try one or both as a slot receiver, given our need for WRs??? I think they could be real difference-makers as wide receivers. Speed on the outside has been our problem for many years, and I don't see anyone in the '23 WRs with that kind of speed. What do you think??? Also, do you see us really dominating anyone this year or are we going to continue to keep the other team in the game with these defensive mistakes???
Eric Hansen: So Notre Dame has verbal commitments from wide receivers Braylon James, Jaden Greathouse and Rico Flores Jr. — all three top 150 prospects nationally. They're trying to add a late riser in Taeshaun Lyons from Hayward, Calif. Of those four, James and Lyons — per Inside ND Sports recruiting writer Kyle Kelly — are the guys who can stretch the field. Elite, elite speed? Probably not. I think Micah Bell needs to stay at corrner, though he's able to play offense. ND could use Dylan Edwards some in the slot, and if they sign Jeremiyah Love (which is now expected), I think you'll see him in a hybrid role. I also expect ND to add at least one WR from the transfer portal, and that could also be a slot receiver type.
As for the ability to dominate teams, or the potential of doing so? If ND is going to start trending that way, it shoiuld happen in the next two weeks.
Tom from Toronto: Dear Dr. Eric, Watching the last few ND games it would appear that the defense has gotten infected with “big play itis”. They would be going along well, and then a 50-some-yard pass for a touchdown, or a 60-some-yard pass for a touchdown. The receiver goes left, the cover person goes right. The receiver runs past the cover person, who I expect thought that there would be help behind him, but there was none. In your article earlier this week you commented on the run defense and the need for some change. Would you set out your proposed treatment for this dangerous disease, both for the run defense and the pass defense? Your readers would appreciate the benefit of your wisdom. Thank you.
Eric Hansen: Haha, Tom. Here's the multi-step presecription. Making sure TaRiq Bracy is healthy enough to play is No. 1. Getting Cam Hart back to his old form is No. 2. Investing in the two freshman corners is No. 3. I think you'll see a surge from Jaden Mickey now that he can focus on getting better at just one position. No. 4. Go easy on the safety blitzes. No. 5 Hydrate. ... Keep in mind, ND has faced Nos. 1, 3 and 25 QBs in pass efficiency in its first five games, all future NFL quarterbacks ... BUT the big-play mistakes are at least partially self-inflicted, and should be fixable.
Adam from Dayton, Ohio: Hello Eric. As always, we appreciate you! Two Questions. 1.) I believe you said that you needed to see the BYU game to readjust your season expectations or not. So, how do you see the Irish finishing this year and have you seen any of Clemson or USC to get a feel of whether the Irish can win one or both of those games? 2.) Bigger picture. Irish need to upgrade quarterback and receiver talent, we all know this. Does Marcus Freeman's vision for the offense (heavy sets, ball control) affect this in a negative way? If I'm the best receiver in the country, this offense is not nearly as appealing as an Ohio St./Alabama, etc.
Eric Hansen: Hi Adam. Appreciate you, too. I have recalibrated my expectations of this team. The Irish are trending up in enough key areas that, barring another QB injury, they could get to 9-3, with 8-4 as the floor. Can they get to 10-2? Not unless they significantly get better in their run defense (currently 72nd). To your second question, I think Marcus Freeman's long-term vision of the offense looks different from the short-term one. He'll always want to make elite offensive line play and running the ball a priority. But ultimately, he'd like to pair that with a dynamic passing game. ND can't do that right now and win games. And a losing record would do more harm that a ball-control offense on the recruiting trail. He can share and sell that future vision, and he'd be sincere in doing so.
Dan from Fort Lauderdale, Fla.: Eric — long time reader, first time questioner. Thanks for what you do. My wife and I attended the game Saturday in Las Vegas (shoutout to the in-laws, who watched our four kids under 5!). I noticed on the crucial last series for BYU, that Foskey was on the sideline the entire series. How is our potential first-rounder not in for that series? I get rotations, but c'mon now!
Eric Hansen: Dan, thanks for jumping into question mode. I have not rewatched the game, so I will take your word on Isaiah Foskey being out for the whole series. And you're right. I think the defensive line rotation is a good thing, but there needs to be a mindfulness of adjusting at critical junctures. In the coaching staff's defense, Justin Ademilola had a great game (actually both Ademilolas did), and Justin WAS in there as the end. But I get your point and agree with you.
Jimmy Z from Granger, Ind.: At the seven-minute mark of the second quarter, ND had a fourth-and-a foot at the 3-yard line. A timeout was called to discuss the play call. All of our offensive coaches came up with a play that had our QB in shotgun formation and the running back two yards behind him. That means the ball carrier has to run seven yards to get one foot. Could you please ask the coaches at the next press conference, why we wouldn't run a quarterback sneak in that situation? We have the best O-line in America, yet we don't trust them to get us one foot. Of course, the play netted a two-yard loss and we turned the ball over to BYU. I watched the Eagles on Sunday with the same situation. and their line got them two yards.
Eric Hansen: Hi Jimmy, instead of burning one of the few questions I get to ask in a week (yes, we are rationed) in a press conference almost a week after the game, let me try to answer it myself. 1) Because the Eagles were successful with a play doesn't mean it would work for ND. 2) The price you play with a 198-pound QB who doesn't really have perimeter running skills is that QB sneaks and outside keepers are not something the defense needs to take seriously. So they can kind of narrow their focus on those short-yardage plays. With Jack Coan last year, he didn't have the perimeter game, but he did have the size to make a QB sneak more viable. And Tyler Buchner presented defenses with all kinds of potential problems.
Jorge from Rowlett, Texas: First of all, it was great to see Manti Te'o as a part of the telecast for NBC. He seems so much more at peace and looks like he could still play a few quarters!!! My question for you, Eric, is how do you see this team looking when we head out to California at the end of November? We've seen steady improvements in certain areas: Jayden Thomas (WR) made an impact, running game is looking more consistent, OL play is also trending in a positive way, Pyne looks more comfortable, etc.
Eric Hansen: I agree with you about Manti Te'o, Jorge. ... The Syracuse game will tell us a lot (Oct. 29 on the road). That's when ND starts to face some teams (for the first time since Ohio State) that are strong on both sides of the ball, particularly defensively. USC — against admittedly less-than-stellar competition -- does a lot of things well. The Trojans lead the nation in sacks and turnover margin, for instance. The only areas in which they have struggled are run defense, special teams play and red-zone offense. If they continue to struggle against the run, it gives the Irish an opening to pull an upset. But ND can't afford to have its growth curve flatten out between now and the end of November.
Tim Thompson: from Nantucket, Maas., not Rhode Island, as you added last week: Thanks for last week’s response regarding Ron Powlus lll, who seems to be the modern-day George Plimpton, although still puzzled. My question this week concerns a couple of issues with special teams. Despite a coordinator change, not much to report. Kickoffs are tough, because most don’t invite returns, but I do recall the new guy stating he wants “the best” on ST. So, question 1… given the finite time for practice overall, plus academics, weight-lifting, film study, isn’t a better approach to use second- and third-teamers plus walkons for ST, with maybe a dominant rush end for place-kick defense? Last year I was beyond puzzled to see JD Bertrand doing punt coverage, when he was already doing overtime. Following this, how are special teams practiced in the context of practice limitations and how does this detract from starters doing offensive and defensive preps? Thanks.
Eric Hansen: Tim, my apologies for the geography fumble last week. ... To your questions, it really comes down to how much you want to emphasize special teams and what you're willing to risk. Special teams coordinator Brian Mason put together a heck of a run at Cincinnati on special teams, and a big part of that was playing starters and getting them to buy in to the importance of that phase of the game. Alabama was doing the same thing when the Irish played them for the national title in 2012 and still may be. Some teams limit the presence of starters on special teams. Brian Kelly went back and forth with it in his 12 years at ND. ... I do think the JD Bertrand situation last year wasn't smart, because depth was so thin at his position and he was playing so many snaps already on defense. That's not the case this year. ... As far as how it's practiced, generally those periods happen when players are doing individual drills. It does not take away from team periods. I don't think that's an unreasonable tradeoff.
Teddy Fleishacker from Bonita Springs: Hi Eric, hope all is well with you. Where is Wilkins? He's been dressing for games, but is the injury still lingering?
Eric Hansen: Teddy, I'm fine, but I didn't just have a hurricane blow through my neighborhood. I'm hoping all the best for you and your family. ... I asked Marcus Freeman specifically about Joe Wilkins Jr. on Monday. He said the injury was NOT lingering. Here's the rest of his response:
“Joe’s a guy that has played a lot of ball for us previously. I challenged Joe and I challenged (receivers) coach (Chansi) Stuckey to continue to communicate what he has to do to get into the rotation. There's a lot of guys that want to be in that rotation that have to earn it in practice."
Rog in St. Louis: Why does Braden Lenzy not get targeted much? With his long speed you would think that they would try to run a go route at least once a game to keep the safeties from putting eight in the box. ND has to get more receivers involved in the offense if they are going to beat the top teams.
Eric Hansen: Hi Rog. Here's what OC Tommy Rees had to say about Braden Lenzy at the Tuesday night media access:
"He’s been a stud all year. I told him, he’s in the front of my mind. He’s someone that is doing things at a high level. He’s playing hard. He’s been a great leader, a great teammate, great with Drew (Pyne), doing little things on the field well.
"We’ve had opportunities to get him the ball we’ve missed. Had some play designs that he was open on a dig on third down. We kind of danced around and threw it to (Jayden Thomas). Ball should’ve probably gone there on schedule, and it’s probably a 25-yard gain for him. We have to continue to put him in the right spots. He has to continue to work as it is, and we have to get him the ball."
Tanker Lutz from Dulce, N.M.: Eric!!!!! Long-time reader, first-time writer here, but love the chat. After seeing flashes from more generally inexperienced players like Prince "Prince" Kollie and Jayden "Dat Dude" Thomas, I am encouraged that this team will continue to gain confidence/swagger. And as their internal processes continue to mesh and align, the talent on the roster will continue to take over and pay dividends on Saturdays. My question to you is which young players, either offensively or defensively, do you anticipate really finding their footing and maybe producing in a way that perhaps we haven't yet seen over the remainder of the season?
Eric Hansen: Tanker, thanks for asking your question and love the name. You sound like an All-American at defensive tackle. ... Of the young guys who are playing some already, I expect you to see more production going forward out of CBs Benjamin Morrison and Jaden Mickey, LB Prince Kollie, DL Gabe Rubio, WR Tobias Merriweather, TEs Holden Staes and Eli Raridon. Of the guys who have not played, I could see LB Jaylen Sneed getting a shot to play at some point, and QB Steve Angeli in a back-up role. TE Mitchell Evans should be back from injury this month,
Dan from Granger, Ind.: Did the officiating crew blow it Saturday night in Vegas by not calling a targeting foul on Bertrand? Just wondering!
Eric Hansen: Dan, thanks for the humor.
Michael Henchal: Just a question. In the AP rankings this week, how does it happen that both BYU and NC got more votes than ND, despite the fact that ND beat both of them and, indeed, dominated both games? Who are these voters and why would they come to such an odd conclusion?
Eric Hansen: Michael. This is my first year not voting after decades of being on that panel. I am not defending their position, just explaining. Once a team has a couple of losses, the head-to-head loses some steam. And really, for every team, you need to consider the entire résumé, not just cherry-pick certain parts of it. If Notre Dame deserves to be ahead of UNC and BYU, then why doesn't Marshall deserve to be ahead of Notre Dame? Here's the good news: If the Irish win out over their October schedule, they'll be ranked when they play Clemson on Nov. 5.
By the way, here is the link to the AP Top 25 poll. There's a drop-down menu where you can see who all the voters are and how each one votes each week.
Pat from Buffalo Grove, Ill.: Just saw updates on recruit rankings, and didn’t see Brenan Vernon. Has he completely fallen off the radar of top recruits? What is his story?
Eric Hansen: Sitting at No. 25 nationally. In fact, he's under strong consideration to be upgraded to a five-star prospect in the next rankings update.
Marie from Atlanta: Hi Eric. I hope you had a fantastic time in Vegas. Why do you think the play of the defense has been so inconsistent this year? Sometimes they look like world-beaters. Other times they look like a sieve. Without fail in every game, there are at least one or two busted plays, and they seem to have a hard time handling tempo. Do you think that maybe the schemes are too complicated for the players and that Al Golden should simplify to help avoid the busted plays? Unfortunately, the linebacker play continues to be disappointing. What do you think should be done about that? Is it time to maybe get some of the younger players In more?
Kollie looked really athletic the few plays he played. As always, thanks for hosting the chat and thanks for your great insights.
Eric Hansen: Hi Marie, thanks for being here and welcome to the concern of the week. As I've mentioned in some of the stories I've done in the last week and the earlier questions in this chat, the extensive cross-training and three schemes, three coordinators and three different linebacker coaches were challenges that perhaps were steeper than the coaching staff and the media had anticipated. I do like the concept of more Prince Kollie, but I think getting Marist Liufau right is a big priority.
Skip from Houston: Would you please help me understand when the play clock stops and starts in college football. Thank you.
Eric Hansen: Kind of long and complicated with all the mitigating factors, so I'm providing you a link: https://wmfoa.org/files/40_Second_Play_Clock_and_Ready_for_Play_Cheat_...
John from Palmyra, Pa.: Following up on your response last week: I thought Jordan Botelho should have worked at Mike (linebacker) since spring. I love how they are using Marist now. I felt Kollie would work his way to starter by the Clemson game. The ISOs will come versus the more athletic spread teams. In essence you can’t wait for USC to beat USC. Need Ramon Henderson back, and a legit plan to fill downhill with thumpers, AND SOON! Bauer does this well now, but not the long-term answer. Now the question. Do you A) see Colzie getting any meaningful action this season with how they’ve been nursing Merriweather and B) do we lose him (Colzie) to the portal regardless? That would be a real shame IMO.
Eric Hansen: Hi John. Deion Colzie actually got a few more snaps both Saturday night (10 to 3) and for the season (14 to 7) than did Tobias Merriweather. There's room for both if they both surge. The biggest impediment to playing time for both is if Joe Wilkins were heavily in the mix, which he's not at this point. 2. I don't like to speculate on specific players leaving in midseason. I don't think it's fair to them. A healthy Deion Colzie has ample opportunity to earn playing time.
Tom from Grand Rapids via Dowagiac: Eric, with the emergence of the running game, as Diggs has returned, I still find it troubling that in 13 personnel (short yardage) this team isn’t getting their blockers up to the second level. BYU linebackers had free runs down on the goal line to blow up the third/fourth down runs. Is this a lack of execution or more technical than this line is prepared for? Also imitation is the greatest form of flattery. The first TD scored by BYU was just a nasty route, that was almost impossible to defend. I was thinking if ND put Tyree is a similar situation they could have similar results. Does this coaching staff plagiarize plays like that? Finally, does Drew Pyne have instructions not to run the ball? If he were to keep the ball on read option, there’s a lot of open space for him. Thanks as always, GO IRISH ☘️🏈☘️
Eric Hansen: Hi Tom. This offensive line has improved dramatically in a lot of areas. They are still not a finished product. And dealing with pre-snap movement as well as twists and stunts is the next step in its evolution. ... Sure, I'd add that play to the playbook. Might already be in there. And yes, play-callers watch film in the offseason to get ideas and borrow ideas. ... I don't think Drew Pyne has a red light, but he's going to be smart with the run, and know his limitations. And so far he has.
Jta109 from Greensboro, N.C.: Eric, really appreciate all your great coverage, and I love the podcast. At this point, Notre Dame's rush defense is ranked lower than at any point in the Brian VanGorder Era. The defensive line seemed to have regressed against BYU. There still seems to be too many big-chunk plays on the ground against the defense. How can Al Golden turn this around?
Eric Hansen: Hi JTA. Better play calls. Fixing the linebackers, which we've discussed. And some of that fixing involves the safeties. Just better run fits. It's not an unfixable problem, but it sure is an urgent one.
Mike from Ann Arbor, Mich.: Hi Eric. My impression through five games is that for the first time in over 20 years Notre Dame wants to become a power running team. While run/pass balance and competency in both is always needed, the running game now appears to be more than just to “keep the defense honest” or to slow down the pass rush. Unlike in the three previous regimes, the current staff seems to view a four- or five-yard run as a success, and worth repeating. I am wondering if you agree, and if this is mainly because of the current personnel vs. the mentality of the head coach (I think the latter).
Also, you have frequently mentioned pass efficiency as an important marker where ND needs to improve. I am wondering if you have data on Pyne’s passing efficiency over the last three games. Thanks.
Eric Hansen: Hi Mike. I would call it an evolving offense. They've leaned into the power running game, because they're playing complementary football (limiting the opposition's offensive touches) and they're playing teams that don't match up well against that strength. Eventually, they will face teams that do (Syracuse, Clemson). The goal is to eventually be very good at both the power run game and a dynamic passing game. I think that's more realistic in 2023, but Tommy Rees and Marcus Freeman would like to coax that versatility in the offense yet this season. ... As far as Drew Pyne's numbers, I had that in Monday's notes column. You can read it for more context.
But here are the raw numbers:
Marshall 94.7
Cal 152.4
UNC 171.1
BYU 185.4
Roger from Peoria, Ill.: Eric: Look forward to your chats each week and really enjoy them. I have two questions, both regarding practice. It seems there is a significant relationship between a player's practice performance and game participation, particularly in contrast to the Kelly era. I will anticipate the evaluation of practice performance includes various elements, including (i) practicing hard (perhaps the traditional "hustling"), (ii) performing well (perhaps effective blocking, tackling, passing, pass catching, defending passes, etc,) and (iii) accurately performing the player's responsibility for the specific offensive play or defensive scheme called. Coach Freeman's comments seem to emphasize the accurate performance in practice of a player's responsibility for the specific offensive play or defensive scheme called. Do you sense this an enhanced emphasis in contrast to the Kelly era? Second, other than perhaps a red vest for the QB, are practice plays performed at full game speed?
Eric Hansen: Hi Roger. I look forward to them, too. The questions from the chat-heads provide me with a lot of inspiration for story ideas. ... I think Brian Kelly held a high standard in practice and correlated it to playing time. Where there might be a difference is with a guy like Deion Colzie or Prince Kollie, guys who missed a significant chunk of training camp that Kelly was able to work into the calculus of playing time before that player was actually practicing at a high level. But I think those situations were rare. I think it's pretty similar. ... At least at the beginning of the week, there are practice periods where game speed is simulated. What you don't get that often is taking players all the way to the ground. ... and there are times Marcus Freeman has gone 1s vs. 1s when he felt the team needed it.
Jay from Granger, Ind.: With Estimé and Diggs more than capable of running between the tackles, will they start trying to run/pass Tyree the ball in space? Matter of time before Tyree gets hurt trying to run inside. Already looks a bit dinged up. Why should we be playing any fourth/fifth-year wideout. Time to make full time move to youth. More talent and we need to evaluate who we want to keep with transfer portal options available to our young wideouts.
Eric Hansen: I don't see a question here, unless it's rhetorical. But if you and I were having a beer, mine would have just come out my nose. I disagree that much.
Len from the Jersey Shore: Hello Eric!! Very good inputs this week. The words strides and flaws sums up where I see the team. A few quick comments. I am happy DP has had success. But there is no QB controversy. Just two guys who both can play with different skill sets, both needing reps to get better. The fan base should not forget that Rees had to yell at Pyne, as his performance against Cal in his first start did not begin well. Now consider that start being against Ohio State, a much better team with less support from the rest of the offense as compared to now. And the Blue-Gold Game performance was not inspiring. Reps!!! Eric, ND seems to be getting hit by both sides of the transfer portal. It is difficult to bring in undergraduate transfers, as you have discussed many times. And the staff sells a 40-year decision. Well once that degree is in hand and if a player is not starting, should we expect many more players to go the Lacey route? Most players have that dream of playing in the NFL. Your thoughts are appreciated
Eric Hansen: As you're referring to the Jacob Lacey situation, it's not entirely new. Think Michael Young a few years ago and Lawrence Keys III last year. But a lot of kids will transfer with degree in hand just to play, even without a realistic NFL dream. Most of the time, those transfers actually free some space on the roster. Losing a quality player like Lacey, I think, will still be the exception to the rule.
Dan from Syracuse, N.Y.: Hi Eric. Thanks for all you do! Looking forward to Notre Dame making the trip here in a few weeks to play the Orange. Shaping up to be a great game! My question is about Lorenzo Styles. He is Notre Dame's best wide receiver and one of its best playmakers but does not seem to be a featured part of the offense. I understand the offense has become running back- and tight end-focused, which I can appreciate. However, unless I am missing it, I'm not seeing a deliberate effort to get the ball in Styles' hands to let him make a play. Am I missing it? If not, is this on the play-calling, on Styles, or a matter of there only being so much to go around?
Eric Hansen: Hi Dan, and thank you. I think we'll see more of Lorenzo Styles involved in the back half of the season. And he should be. I agree with you. It's less Styles and more play-calling and the current state of the offense. ... This is what Tommy Rees had to say about him in the Tuesday media access:
"Zo played a really nice game. He made a big catch to start a drive. We have to try to get him a couple touches early. I have to get Braden (Lenzy) going. That’s on me. I have to find ways to continue to get him going. He’s playing at a really high level. It doesn’t show in the box score, but he’s playing at a really high level. We have to continue to find ways to get his ability out there."
Rich Hammer from Chicago, Ill.: Eric, the man, the myth, how the heck are ya? My question relates to Brandon Joseph and what you think of his play thus far. For my money he's been a bit underwhelming and average considering he came in as a heralded All-American transfer. I'm not necessarily seeing explosivity in his play at safety, or punt returner for that matter, and he doesn't necessarily jump off the screen at me like I thought he might. Perhaps I'm being a bit harsh and had set my expectations too high, but I am curious to get your thoughts on what the Irish have seen from Joseph thus far.
Eric Hansen: Rich, the legend. Doin' great here. How you doin'? Brandon Joseph was an All-American in 2020, then dropped off significantly last season. A big reason that he transferred to ND was to recapture the 2020 form he had at Northwestern. He is playing at a higher level than 2021, but not close to the 2020 version. He's been solid, but not spectacular. In his defense, ND doesn't scheme up to feature him like say a Kyle Hamilton or a Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. Having said that, I anticipate his best football this season is still ahead of him.
Jim Tal from Valley Center, Calif.: Hi Eric. Thanks for all the great content that you share with Irish fans. It is very much appreciated. I hesitate to even go down this road, but it is something that must be addressed, because teams must always be prepared for unforeseen developments. If Drew Pyne were to be injured, be it temporarily or for an extended period of time, could the Irish still compete and win with Steve Angeli at quarterback? In other words, how is Angeli coming along and progressing and what kind of confidence do the coaches have in him at this stage? As of now, in your opinion, would Angeli be competent enough to keep ND afloat so that the season wouldn't go down the tubes? As always, wishing you the best.
Eric Hansen: Hi Jim, and wishing you the best. Each week that Steve Angeli distances himself from being the scout-team QB and gets reps running the ND offense is another step forward. And if he were to actually get into a game for reasons other than an injury, it should be in these next two games against Stanford and UNLV. Should. But you asked me two different questions. Short term, against those two teams as well as Navy and BC, I think he could handle his limited part of the playbook well enough to pair with ND's running game to win those games as an emergency replacement within a game. To do that against Syracuse and Clemson, when facing elite run defenses, is a tough ask .. so is the USC game, even in a temporary role. If he had to start multiple games, I think he could play well enough not to make mistakes, but with defenses likely loading up against the run and daring him to win the game ... very tough. I like his demeanor, his intelligence and his size.
And I like that Drew Pyne pulls him into the film room with him and makes Steve a better QB every day.
Shane from White Deer, Texas: Hey Eric. Hope all is well with you this week. Great win, good win, or yeah we won, but could have done better? I can’t decide. Can you help me with what I saw? I think I am kind of like that kid off of Polar Express. I want to hear the bell and believe. If you don’t mind me using an animated Christmas movie reference. Are we good, potentially good, or there’s going to be growing pains for the rest of the year? I love the chats, and value your opinion. Thanks.
Eric Hansen: Shane, all off-the-beaten-path approaches are welcome. Sometimes I'm too dialed into the question to acknowledge them, but I do appreciate the creativity, believe me. ... So a very good win, but could have done better. ... and Potentially good. Lots to clean up. Nothing that isn't fixable.
Eric Hansen: OK, that's going to have to be it for today. Thanks for all the great questions (including some I couldn't get to). Thanks for putting up with me. We'll be back to do it all over again next Wednesday at noon EDT.
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