Chat Transcript: Angst over Angeli; Evans at wildcat for ND? Rees on Styles
Eric Hansen: Welcome to Notre Dame Football Live Chat, Syracuse Week Edition.
Some 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 Tom Lemming. Lots of great insight from the longtime national recruiting analyst and publisher of the Prep Football Report. Among the topics discussed are Notre Dame QBs Drew Pyne, Steve Angeli and Tyler Buchner, their talent and development, ND's QB recruiting efforts, whether 2024 commit CJ Carr has the potential to be special, and more.
► Tyler James and I were back with our YouTube show, Monday Night Live, this week with the week’s headlines, a full review of the UNLV game, viewer questions and a Syracuse preview — all with minimal glitches. 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.
► Finally, recruiting writer Kyle Kelly will host a subscribers-only recruiting chat in the Insider Lounge on Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. EDT.
Eric Hansen: As far as the chat goes ... PLEASE remember to include your NAME and HOMETOWN along with your question.
Here are the rules:
Eric Hansen: Let the chatting begin!
Jim from Oakwood, Ohio: Hi Eric, I read your Monday "Notebook" — and my question concerns why Coach Free did not play Steve Angeli late in the UNLV game. I've seen his explanation (that UNLV scored late, and ND's two-TD lead may not have been safe so he wasn't used), but that seems awfully "conservative" to me — perhaps a fear of losing? And that runs counter to coach's myriad of uses of the phrase "I'm going to be aggressive." As you stated in the notebook, there are perhaps two games remaining where the ND score may allow Angeli's game play, but certainly the downside of not playing him vs. UNLV is that Angeli has no game reps should Drew take a strong hit and cannot play in the next two major games. Your thoughts? No. 2, did you read Pete Sampson's ND article in The Athletic, where he said ND's Saturday game "felt like the fifth stage of the grieving process: Denial (OSU), anger (Marshall), bargaining (Drew vs. UNC & BYU) depression (Stanford) and now acceptance (UNLV)." An interesting analysis, yes? Be well & thanks for your excellence.
Eric Hansen: Hi Jim and thank you. ... Sometimes we box coaches into a particular quote or philosophy and don't give them leeway for the context of the situation. I understand what Marcus Freeman was saying about putting Steve Angeli in after UNLV knocked the lead down to two scores (16 points) in the fourth quarter. What if Angeli comes in and ND goes three-and-out, and UNLV scores again? I think that's being smart, not non-aggressive. Notre Dame was able to put together a scoring drive at that point that chewed 5:06 off the clock, and basically it was game over.
Where the missed opportunity was, in my mind, happened after Drew Pyne got knocked out of the game with a hit to the head (and got the wind knocked out of him as well) in the second quarter. Angeli came in for the final play of that drive (a Mitchell Evans touchdown lunge) and for the first two plays of the next ND drive following a Clarence Lewis fumble recovery. The Irish were up 30-7 when that drive started with 3:32 left in the first half. Angeli handed off the first two plays of that drive, then Pyne came back in. I would have let Angeli finish that drive — to get him the game experience and give Pyne a little bit more time following that hit to the head. Pyne ended up handing off three times, completing a short pass, throwing an incompletion and then getting picked off.
I think there's obvious value in getting Angeli game reps. But the deeper he goes into the season with limited ones, the less the urgency is, especially because his playbook package is so limited. But yes, I would have liked to see him. Why some fans want to see him in the game is because they want to see if he is BETTER than Pyne. ... Pete Sampson is a guy I have a lot of respect for, but, unfortunately, I don't get the chance to read the work of other people on the beat as much as I'd like, because I run out of time. I'm glad you got that opportunity.
Tom from Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eric, a pleasure as always. Is OC Rees the second edition of Chip Long? At times, I believe this entire fan base just shakes their collective heads, saying WTF! Especially after the second blocked punt, with a second-and-5 at the 9-yard line turning into a field goal. Granted No. 87 dropped the pass, but I thought this O-line was a strength of the offense? Or could the offense formation (manipulate) the defense into more favorable running plays as the receiving corps can’t seem to get open on a regular basis. I’d also ask your opinion on getting Estimé back in the game Saturday despite the fumble(s) to get him some positives. I understand if he can’t hold onto the football, he’s not gonna play, but he and Diggs are the power running game of this team. Also, what’s your opinion of a possible wildcat on the goal line using Mitchell Evans as a big body that can move the pile, and possibly pass also?
Eric Hansen: Thanks Tom. Notre Dame has not been good in the red zone this year (84th nationally). In fact, in Tommy Rees' three seasons as OC, the Irish have been 84th, 32nd in 2021 and 102nd in 2020. Ironically, Chip Long has been the best red-zone offensive coordinator since 2010 (10th, 44th and 14th in his three seasons). I think one of the reasons ND was markedly better in 2021 than Rees' other two seasons is you had a QB who could sneak (Jack Coan or Tyler Buchner) it or run it on the perimeter )Buchner), an element Drew Pyne doesn't give you. That's one ot two less things the defense has to worry about and plan for. The issues have varied, but ND is becoming a better short-yardage team.
Syracuse and Clemson will be good gauges as to how much better. ... The Mitchell Evans package intrigues me. He was a high school quarterback, so playing QB is in his comfort zone. I believe ND on Saturday had just the one play for him (go in motion, take snap, sneak), and Rees could expand that. I could see that as an occasional wrinkle with some other options. Occasional, being the operative word. If you're going to have a red zone QB, maybe Steve Angeli is the answer, as Ian Book was in 2018 before he overtook Brandon Wimbush. Angeli at least has some size (5-2, 211) and is a better runner than Pyne (but not elite).
I think leaving Audric Estimé on the sideline was the right move. Three fumbles in four weeks isn't random ... It is a pattern. After the first one, he told the media that was the first lost fumble he could remember ever having. ... Jonas Gray had a similar issue during his career and it became mental. He ended up working with a sports psychologist, and that was a big help. Depending on how Estimé practiced this week, I'd be open to using him again extensively against Syracuse.
Nathan from Lafayette, Ind.: I've heard some of the frustrations on defense can be attributed to the complex scheme implemented by Al Golden. It seems that there are plenty of offensive head coaches around the country that call the offense. Is that something that ever happens with defensive-minded coaches? Does Marcus Freeman call any of the defense and, if not, then why did he so quickly relinquish the role at the potential detriment to the team's execution? Thanks! Really appreciate the chat and the work you do!
Eric Hansen: Hi Nathan and thanks. I don't know that Al Golden's scheme was so complex as much as it was piling on a third different scheme in three years, with a third different linebackers coach and a third different defensive coordinator. There wasn't a lot of continuity in terms of terminology, etc. There are some defensive-minded coaches who call their defenses or did at one point. I talked to one the other day, and he said it was a mistake when he was a first-year head coach doing that. Took too much time away from other head coaching priorities. Marcus Freeman could have done that, but then what does he take off his plate to accomplish that? Less recruiting? Less learning about offense and being fully involved? I think hiring Golden was the right move, especially considering his head coaching experience and being able to be a sounding board in that regard. Marcus can still cherry-pick in practice where he spends his time in practice and work with the defense when he feels it's warranted.
Joe H from Williams Bay, Wis.: Hi Eric. Thanks again for all the insight you provide every week.I have heard almost nothing about our top-rated freshman recruit, Jaylen Sneed. except that he’s on the scout team Why is that so and are we looking at a similar situation to our five-star wide receiver of two years ago who also never got on the field and subsequently transferred?
Eric Hansen: Hi Joe. You just have to know where to look. I do a transcript every Tuesday night posted at insidendsports.com of defensive coordinator Al Golden's meeting with the media. I've asked about Jaylen Sneed each of the past two weeks. Here's what Golden had to say about him this week:
Q: With no Bo Bauer, how do you feel about your linebacker depth? And is there anybody on the horizon that might be able to help?
Golden: “Yeah, we just keep pushing Jalen Sneed. I think that's the guy that needs to come on here down the stretch. He was really close last Saturday. We had a rash of injuries there. Jack (Kiser) goes down. PK (Prince Kollie) is on the ground, and I turned to coach (James) Laurinaitis and said, ‘Make sure you get Jalen ready to go.’ So, we were really close last week. Jalen's got to keep pushing and learning, but he would be the next guy up.”
Sneed was slow to come along, because he wasn't a finished product as a linebacker or anywhere close to it coming out of high school. Played for a great coach, but played all over the field, including the team's starting quarterback. It took Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, in a similar situation, until his junior year at ND to make his first tackle ... but once the light came on, he was electric ... Sneed can be that kind of player. And barring injury, he could get there quicker. ... As far as the five-star WR you referred to — Jordan Johnson — he transferred to UCF and has been a bust there too. He still has zero catches in college, and it's not injury-related. He's played in three games this season in mop-up duty,
Jeff from Phoenix: Good morning Eric! Hey, with only a few weeks until early signing day for the next class, I have a question about the potential impact of the 2023 class on next season. Do you see a “Ben Morrison” type upside surprise for a freshman that could have significant playing time in 2023 and potentially a starter after a few games? Unlike Ben, is it likely to be an early (January) enrollee? Thanks for continuing the chats, despite the added podcasts and responsibilities.
Eric Hansen: Hi Jeff, and thank you. OK, so we're not talking about any potential freshman earning a key role, but someone maybe that's outside the Rivals top 250. Unlike previous years, there aren't a lot of those guys in this class. I'd say Ben Minich at safety is a guy who could surprise and find a spot in that rotation. Not as a starter, but a rotational player, kind of like Xavier Watts is now.
Tom from Kennesaw, Ga.: Hi Eric. I was glad to hear Marcus Freeman clear up the low snap counts for Kiser, Joseph vs. UNLV in his presser. Were you surprised that info did not come out until someone asked about it Monday? With Kiser not available, it seemed like Kollie could have gotten more than 15 snaps?? Also a good time to get Sneed some snaps?? Are you surprised that Colzie only had eight snaps Saturday? Did you think he would be a bigger part of the game plan?? Any thoughts on why Styles has not progressed more this season thus far? He has a lot of talent. Thanks for all of your insight and behind-the-scenes info. Go Irish!!!
Eric Hansen: Hi Tom. Not trying to make excuses here, but we have a huge media contingent. Notre Dame tries to be fair to everyone in limiting questions to one question and a follow. And the postgame press conferences don't last until everyone has had their chance (Monday does). So you have to prioritize your questions. And there's a chance one like the one regarding Jack Kiser doesn't get asked. Not everyone has the same agenda. ND went to nickel, with Kiser out of the game, and Prince Kollie doesn't play rover, so that explains Kollie's snap count. ... We saw so little of Deion Colzie healthy in training camp, it's hard to get a sense of what he can do in a game. But would you rather have Tobias Merriweather or Colzie on the field? At this point, my choice would be Merriweather.
I asked OC Tommy Rees about Lorenzo Styles last night at the coordinator media availability, because I had the same curiosity you did. Here is what he said:
How would you evaluate Lorenzo Styles so far this season? What do you want to see from him down the stretch?
“He’s made some really good plays for us and created some explosives. The Carolina game is probably the best example. I have to do a better job to continue to put him in spots to make those plays. We don’t lose any trust over a drop. That’s not the case. We’re going to continue to target him. I told him that, ‘Hey, we have you in man coverage with a safety, that’s the look we want. We’re going to continue to find ways to do that. We trust you’re going to go make the play.’
“There’s ways to get him in the game probably earlier. Get him going, get him feeling good. When he’s in that mindset, he can be really, really great. I’ve let him down by not getting him going early in games, to get him into that groove. You look at the Oklahoma State game, he had a tremendous game, but he started fast. How can we get Zo to start fast early in the game to get him going? That’s something I’m driven to do and want to do. We have to allow his ability to show up and that’s on me.”
Jackson from Norcross, Ga.: Eric, thanks for the chat. I have many questions as to why we are where we are, but this is a question about the future. Many think the arrival of CJ Carr is going to save the day at the QB position, but realistically I don't think we can expect any impact from him until he has been in the program at least one full year and possibly two. Looking at the top QBs in passing yards, the only one I recognize in the top 50, at a known school that is younger than a junior is Drake Maye, who is a redshirt freshman. Best case scenario if CJ does not reclassify, is him making an impact on the 2025 season. And that is if he gets proper development his freshman year. Is Tyler Buchner able to participate in any throwing, mechanic, footwork or 7-on-7 drills yet? Seems like the perfect job for a GA or analyst is to make sure he is as ready as possible, come spring. The only other option is to bring in a QB grad transfer for the 2023 season.
Eric Hansen: Hi Jackson. It's an excellent question, and thanks for reminding me. I had that rolling around in my head and it got lost. So, I'll be sure to ask about Tyler Buchner Thursday during Marcus Freeman's Zoom availability. ... The injury was to his left (non-throwing shoulder), so you would think he could get some non-contact work in if he hasn't already. ... I think your assessment of the CJ Carr timeline is very realistic. If he is ahead of that, it's icing on the cake, but you can't count on it. ... The deeper we get into this season, the more a grad transfer for 2023 at QB makes sense.
Don in Phoenix: Eric, haven't caught up with this week's Monday Night Live but hope to watch a replay later today. We are midway through the season and it may be too early to ask this ....there are 7 new coaches, ST, LB/DC, DL, OL, RB, TE, WR as well as a first time HC. OL and RB seem to be OK. Hard to tell with TE, as Mayer makes coaches look good. What coaches appear to be under-performing? Which are making a difference for the positive? How much is Elston missed?
Eric Hansen: I think special teams coach Brian Mason has been outstanding. He plucked Jon Sot out of the transfer portal and got him to walk on. He's one of the best punters in the country, and ND wins a lot of field position battles because of Sot and the coverage. Four blocked punts in a season ties the modern school record — with at least five games to go. Plucks a freshman walk-on kicker out ot Ohio State's backyard (Zac Yoakam) who's been outstanding on kickoffs, and he was Plan B. ... Harry Hiestand at O-line has been very good, and the line will continue to get better. RBs coach Deland McCullough gets high marks, as you mentioned.
I think tight ends coach Gerad Parker has done a good job of juggling personnel around some injuries and behind Michael Mayer. His coordinator experience is valuable in the meeting room. There are two coaches I think we'll see maybe more overtly impactful later in the season/next year. That's WR coach Chansi Stuckey and DC/LB coach Al Golden. Big changes in scheme or technique teaching, etc. One step back before the steps forward. You could say that with the O-line too, though they're surging now. ... Then there's Al Washington at D-line. I think I need more time to assess that. Mike Elston was excellent, and there was a very tight bond between him and the players. So AW gets an incomplete for his grade for now.
All in all, it's a great recruiting staff and a very good teaching staff. As they work together more and get to know each other more, I think that will show up on the field.
Ced Walker from Saginaw, Mich.: What recruits will end up at Notre Dame on National Signing Day? What bowl do you see Notre Dame playing in after the season? The golden standard, rally, we are ND. Go Irish. Love thee Notre Dame our Mother, Pray for us.
Eric Hansen: Ced, Notre Dame would like to hold onto the recruits it has and add a QB, a WR, an edge player on defense, an O-lineman, and Brandyn Hillman (a multi-position prospect) as well.
Unless ND won out, the Irish won't play in a New Year's Six game, so they'd fall into the Tier One pool of bowls associated with the ACC. That group comprises:
• Wasabi Fenway Bowl: ACC vs. AAC; Dec. 17, 2022, 11 a.m., ESPN
• Military Bowl Presented by Peraton: ACC vs. AAC; Dec. 28, 2022, 2 p.m, ESPN
• San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl: ACC vs. Pac-12; Dec. 28, 2022, 8 p.m., FOX
• Pinstripe Bowl: ACC vs. Big Ten; Dec. 29, 2022, 2 p.m., ESPN
• Cheez-It Bowl: ACC vs. Big 12; Dec. 29, 2022, 5:30 p.m., ESPN
• Duke’s Mayo Bowl: ACC vs. Big Ten; Dec. 30, 2022, Noon, ESPN
• Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl: ACC vs. Pac-12; Dec. 30, 2022, 2 p.m., CBS
• TaxSlayer Gator Bowl: ACC vs. SEC; Dec. 30, 2022, 3:30 p.m., ESPN
• ReliaQuest Bowl: ACC/Big Ten vs. SEC; Jan. 2, 2023, Noon, ESPN2
It really depends on ND's final record, which one of those is most likely.
Aaron from Washington, D.C.: Hi Eric, hope you're doing well this week. Beggars can't be choosers, but it's hard to walk away from UNLV with a positive feeling. Despite them playing a number of backups, UNLV had decent success moving the ball (largely second half). What's plaguing the defense from elevating their play to being dominant? Lots of good players. Is transitioning to a new system still the issue? It's surprising that we're halfway through the season and continue to see such effectiveness from opponents ,like UNLV, running the ball. Offensively, I appreciate coach Freeman not being critical of players and taking responsibility as coaches. That said, should we conclude that the quarterback position has limited ability right now and it probably won't improve much without a change in personnel? Any concerns that Lorenzo Styles will transfer because of this? You mentioned that you thought there could be better options in the transfer portal than Cade McNamara. Any hypothetical thoughts on who could be available?
Eric Hansen: Hi Aaron. I am doing well. Until today, we've had a run of weather in the 70s. I've hit on general themes regarding the defense's lapses, both in this chat and in previous ones, but in the UNLV game specifically, there were some attrition issues due to injury and ND kind of being forced into playing nickel when it didn't want to be in that defense that often. Isaiah Foskey surging, though, is a good sign. ... I don't like to get into transfer speculation on specific players for a few reasons: 1) Lots of players consider it when life gets hard. Most push through those feelings. 2) Unless something's in the works, it's unfair to that player. 3) Circumstances can change quickly. ... So far it hasn't affected recruiting, and that's why I asked Marcus Freeman on Monday about how he handled that issue on the trail.
Not every portal QB transfers because he's not playing. Sometimes they want to play on a bigger stage ... or for other reasons. So once the portal starts to fill up in December, that would be a good time to talk about potential matches ... if indeed ND is going to pursue one.
Sean from Schaumburg, Ill.: Eric, Oh no! ND was on Peacock. I didn't miss watching the game. Another drab performance with several opportunities to put up 50+ on a bad UNLV team (I read myriad postgame reports). This is on Rees. I'd like to see 13 personnel used more. Mayer out wide as a receiver. Meriweather as the lone WR. I think Freeman is using this season to evaluate Rees. Is Freeman's career on the D-side of the ball causing him to be reluctant on challenging Rees to adjust in-game? Challenge him throughout the week in game prep. Your insight is great. Your professionalism is great. Thank you for your time. Go Irish!!
Eric Hansen: Sean, Peacock will be chasing you for your $4.99, I'm sure. Thanks for the compliments. ... To your question, I think Tommy Rees has a lot of autonomy, more than a lot of offensive coordinators. That can be a good thing and a bad thing for anyone in that position. Sometimes it's great to have more ideas, more people to bounce concepts off of. Sometimes the other people kind of get in the way. In this instance, I think Marcus Freeman does a good job of communicating the big-picture principles he wants for the season and within each game. He doesn't overextend himself and meddle unnecessarily. He tries to be a complementary piece. Sean, I guess my question to you is what does challenging Tommy Rees throughout the week look like? How does that make Notre Dame better? I'm not against that concept, I just need to know what it looks like and what it's supposed to accomplish.
Matt from Kansas City: Do you think this team performs better if Jarrett Patterson were at center, but we agreed to showcase him at guard if he came back? 2. Is it possible we underestimated just how important Avery Davis was to our offensive make-up and is there any chance he could get a waiver for another season? 3. Why haven't we landed a QB in this cycle (especially a top of the line guy), is it all NIL? Yes I say NIL with disgust in my eyes. I am surprised kids even have to go to class anymore (cough cough). 4. Who is the leader of this team on the field? I am not sure I know, and that would seem to be a problem? 5. Tell me something small you have seen on the field you are really encouraged by, I need good news.
Eric Hansen: Hi Rapid-fire Matt. 1) The part about showcasing Jarrett Patterson at guard is fiction. He was asked to move there and did so willingly. 2. Not sure anyone underestimated Avery Davis and his potential impact. Well-respected player. I think coming back for a seventh season is not realistic. 3. I've got the QB question many times. Misread/misplayed the Dante Moore situation with no Plan B. NIL was definitely a factor. 4, Captains are Isaiah Foskey, Josh Lugg, Patterson, JD Bertrand and two players out for the year — Davis and Bo Bauer. 5. Ascending players Mitchell Evans, Prince Kollie and Benjamin Morrison.
Marie from Atlanta: Hi Eric. I hope you’re having a great week. What an unsatisfying win this past weekend, but a win nonetheless. Overall, I think the play of the defense has been decent this year, but the red-zone defense has been atrocious. What do you think the defense needs to do to improve in the red zone? Changing gears entirely to offense, Pyne seems like a great kid, but clearly he’s limited. It seems he has a lot on his plate with the scan offense and then looking to the sideline to change the play. Maybe it’s too much to think about and that is why he is not playing well. Do you think they should simplify and do something like run a lot more RPO‘s? Those seem to be successful for just about anybody, and I’m sure he’s been running them since he was in junior high. Maybe if he didn’t have to think so much, his level of play would go up. As always, thanks for hosting the chats and all the great insights.
Eric Hansen: Hi Marie and thank you. We asked Al Golden about the red zone defense last night. It's not like they've been a sieve in the red zone, but as he's pointed out, they've not been effective on the money downs (third and fourth). They also need to force more turnovers in the red zone (and everywhere else). ... I think it's fair to question the scan offense and whether more RPOs is the answer, but I actually think the scan offense helps him with clarity and the RPO game is not as potent as it would be with someone like Tyler Buchner. However, I mentioned this when Drew Pyne took over. It was going to get more difficult when teams started scouting him, making him part of their game plan and plotting how to make him play to his weaknesses. Now he's facing by far the best two defenses he's been matched up with this season.
To me, it's about maximizing what Pyne can do well and acknowledging his limitations. Last year, the coaching staff stumbled upon in the Virginia Tech game that Jack Coan was way better playing uptempo than not, so there was a push to put him in those situations, and he became a much better QB because of it. Had they not, it's possible Buchner would have overtaken him. Marie, I don't think there's too much on his plate, but constantly asking the question — is there a better way to get the most out of him? — is reasonable.
Jerry from Dallas, Texas: Eric, what are chances that ND will find a Jack Coan for the 2023 class? Coan may not have been a scrambler, but his passing accuracy would have ND 6-1 right now. Also, hopefully, ND will try to get other QBs for 2023 and even 2024. Until he shows up and puts on ND uniform, we can't afford to, once again, put all of our eggs in one basket.
Eric Hansen: If ND wants a QB of Jack Coan’s caliber or better, I think the Irish will have a chance to make that pitch. But remember, some of those guys will want a guarantee to start. You can still get a very good one who is willing to compete.
Noelle from New Oxford Pa.: Long-time reader, first-time questioner. I enjoy your work. I've been reading a lot about ND's scan offense and was wondering how this works. Seems to me that when ND goes to the line of scrimmage, no one ever seems to know what is going on until they look to the sideline, which takes a lot of time, which, in turn, slows down up-tempo. If the play takes that long to get in, it has to take time for the players to understand their assignments. Why not just call the play and depend on your QB to change if needed? I don't see a lot of other top teams doing this. Correct me if I am wrong. Also,what is the percentage of top college teams running the scan offense? Thanks for taking my question.
Eric Hansen: Noelle, this is an excellent question, but probably better answered in story form to give you the answer you deserve (including researching other teams). Thanks for asking and for the idea I plan to pursue.
Dave from Ponte Vedra, Fla.: This is a recruiting question, hope you don’t mind. After watching Clemson’s five-star freshman QB take over last week, I have to wonder why Vizzina would continue to commit. I understand he was interested in ND until the Irish put all its eggs in the Moore basket. What are the chances ND can steal him (or anyone else) away?
Eric Hansen: I don't think Notre Dame has a shot at Christpher Vizzina. The best option — and in no way is it a slam dunk — would be flipping Kansas State commit Avery Johnson. ... Outside of that, head coaching changes could contribute to a few more options closer to signing day. But time is running out.
Len from the Jersey Shore: Hi Eric. The season seems to be moving along quickly. I know you have written about ND amd analysts. Have you seen the picture of Nick Saban's meeting with the infield (coaches and grad assistants) and the outfield (analysts)? Pretty crazy to have two dozen analysts as part of the outfield. As for ND, I seem to remember after the Navy fiasco at the Meadowlands (in 2010) where Diaco stated he had no other adjustments that he had practiced that could be made, coach Kelly using coach Elliott as an analyst to design a defense against the option and protocols on how to practice leading up to that game. Do you recall that? it worked. Do you think coach Freeman will add some analysts? He would need to be a good CEO. Maybe someone to replace Amber? And maybe analysts can devise a way to bring along young players faster. I envision backups leaving with degrees more often if they are not playing as much as that want. Your thoughts as always are appreciated.
Eric Hansen: Hi Len, I have not seen the picture you asked about. ..Yes I recall coach Bob Elliott and his contributions vs. the option. Some of those concepts were still with ND as of last season. ... I believe ND thinks it has something as impactful as what performance consultant Amber Selking provided. I hope to chat with Marcus Freeman about that at some point. I'm not sure the role of analyst would bring players along faster, at last not directly. That's not an on-field coaching position. I do think, however, they can indirectly do that by making the coaches better. And when I asked Marcus last week about adding more analysts, he was open to the idea of whatever would help the program.
Mike from Gilbert, Ariz.: Eric, I wanted to ask you about the Stanford game. Most everyone said the ND players were flat with no energy. Hate to make excuses but do you think the fact that it was midterm (exam) week has any direct correlation with coming out flat? I think these players do not play their best during midterms. I’d love to know ND’s record the last 15-20 years during midterms. IMO, it would be a great week to have no game and/or have the coach back off on practice that week. Also, the USC transfers do not seem any better than what ND has currently. Is there any portal QB that ND should have gone after? I know you said that a ton of these kids simply can not be accepted at ND. So do you think ND should ease restrictions with the transfer portal going forward? Thanks for the chats. Go IRISH!
Eric Hansen: Hi Mike. There have been times ND has gotten its bye week to sync up with midterm week. This was not one of those seasons. I've heard both Charlie Weis and Brian Kelly at times talk about the challenge of prepping for a game during midterm week. I'd have to research it (and can't at this moment without stalling the chat) to find a pattern. ... As far as the should-have QBs, if Tyler Buchner does not get injured, are we asking that question? The portal matches are difficult for ND unless they're grad transfers. But there were roughly 90 QBs in the portal last cycle, and ND could have gotten one if the Irish had wanted one. But remember, if ND had wanted to bring one in for the spring semester, December was a pretty chaotic time with finishing the recruiting cycle, prepping for the bowl and hiring assistant coaches.
There are initiatives for the academic side of ND to find some middle ground with portal hopefuls. They're not going to bend on GPA, etc,. but there's some potential wiggle room with the hard line on transferring credits.
Jason from Grand Rapids, Mich: Good afternoon, and thanks for that chat. I'd love to see Buchner make it back to see game action in the bowl game. I feel like Pyne is the guy every team needs, but can't afford to start every game. I'm not sold on a transfer (but then again Hooker has had a Heisman season for a resurgent Tennessee). Just thoughts and no question. Have a great week.
Eric Hansen: Hi Jason, Tyler Buchner's timeline is mid-January for recovery, but I will check on that Thursday to see if there have been any changes.
George from El Segundo: Hi Eric: thank you for continuing to provide the voice of experience and reason in a cacophony of disappointment this season! Now, please talk me off the ledge (again). As a longtime ND fan, coach Freeman and this season remind me painfully of the Gerry Faust years, when all of us rooted very hard for a very nice man to succeed, when it was becoming more and more obvious that he was in over his head. I understand that any team would be hampered by the loss of a starting QB, an experienced linebacker, and the inevitable growing pains of a new coach taking over a classic program. But there have been simply too many time this year when the play calling, the "execution," and the errors are indefensible and inexplicable. Notre Dame should NEVER lose to Marshall and a terrible Stanford team, at home. Are we simply staring down two or three years of progressive mediocrity, or is there truly light at the end of this tunnel? Thank you.
Eric Hansen: George, there are a lot of deep, philosophical questions this week — and darn fascinating ones — like yours that I'm not sure I can do justice in the chat format without such a long pause that people would be wondering if I've fallen and I can't get up. ... I'm going to take a stab at yours. So please forgive the oversimplification due to brevity. I don't think the Gerry Faust comparison is valid. Marcus Freeman, at the very least, is a young, bright defensive mind. Faust not only was over his head, he didn't have the capacity or the potential to really change that or grow out of it. He did recruit well, like Marcus did, but he lacked a lot of necessary qualities that Marcus does have.
So your ultimate question comes down to: Is Notre Dame staring down two to three years of progressive mediocrity. ... My sense is that the answer to your question is no. Now, how quickly does Marcus get up to speed? I think we'll get that answer in January through April, or at least strong hints of it. ... How he goes about improving himself in the offseason. What staff changes will their be if any -- including adding analysts? How does the 2023 recruiting class finish out and does he continue the momentum he has with the No. 1-ranked (so far) 2024 class? Does he make the right decisions regarding the QB position for 2023, including the portal possibilities? Can he evolve as the game changes around him? And is ND's NIL strategy sound? Keep an eye on all that, as I will. So, let's revisit this in May.
Guest: Eric, a comment that may prove helpful to your chatters that indulge in your and Tyler’s Monday Night Live spot. I was frequently frustrated watching Monday Night Live on your ND Rivals website, as I could only watch about five to eight minutes before it would “freeze” and start all over again, repeatedly. However if I watched on YouTube, I didn’t experience that frustration. Now it might have something to do with my particular three-year old IPAD, but I suspect something else is the culprit.
Eric Hansen: I'm all for you watching it on YouTube. That's a great tip. Thanks.
Sean from Portland, Ore.: What are the most common reasons four- and five-star recruits don't pan out? I know it doesn't *just* happen at ND (Texas A&M seems to be the poster child of this right now). Is it a lack of development? Their talent was misjudged? Bad "fit" in terms of coaches and scheme?
Eric Hansen: Hi Sean, when I was at the SB Tribune, I did a story on AgDiago. It's a sports technology company that incorporates behavioral science that 12 FBS schools — including Notre Dame — were using (at the time I did the story) in their recruiting to produce a higher “hit rate” with the prospects they do eventually sign. The five key areas they identified in prospects who made it vs. the busts were:
• Competitiveness
• Mastery (attention to detail, studying film, preparing for your opponent)
• Work Ethic
• Persistence (overcoming adversity, never giving up)
• Team Orientation
Eric Hansen: Persistence was identified as the most important. Obviously, there has to be athletic ability to go along with that. But those are the traits AgDiago measured in helping schools with their recruiting.
Scott from Augusta, Ga.. Eric, always appreciate your willingness to listen to our highly "insightful" input to the weekly chat. You can tell you're a Dad and Grandfather! Your patience is amazing. I have lots of questions and comments, but I'll go easy on you since it's my first time submitting a question. Since the offense has become very predictable, the lack of a vertical passing game, stacking the line to stop the run, Mayer triple-teamed; why not give Angeli a few series and see if it opens up the offense? I was very hopeful that Pyne would answer the bell, but I think he may have reached his ceiling. I'm curious about how high Angeli's may be. Be safe, and thanks much for all the information you bring to the ND faithful.
Eric Hansen: Hi Scott, and thanks for the kind words. We asked Tom Lemming on our podcast about Steve Angeli's ceiling. I do think it's higher than Drew Pyne's, but not in this moment. If Angeli were a junior with three years in the system and the command of the entire playbook, I'm with you. Because he's not even a sophomore, I think the offense would be less open. More handoffs, less creativity because of his EXPERIENCE-related limitations.
Jim Tal from Valley Center, Calif.: Hi Eric. Quite a year to be on the Irish beat, to say the least. Hope the ride hasn't been too bumpy. I would like for you to give Marcus Freeman a letter grade for the job he has done thus far. Frankly, I have been pretty disappointed. Where to start? To begin with, Freeman's sideline demeanor is rather uninspiring and shows little fire. Plus, neither he nor his coordinators have shown much in the way of making in-game adjustments. Moreover, why doesn't Freeman insist on a more aggressive, creative and quicker-tempo offense? He sees what is happening with too much predictability from OC Tommy Rees, yet he allows a lot of mundane play-calling to persist. He should demand a much more assertive approach.
Eric Hansen: Hi Jim. I'm going to skip the letter grade until the end of the season. I think sideline demeanor is overrated. Rarely do fans get to see the complete representative range of it anyway. ... Fans tend to love sideline mannerisms that work. Case in point, Tyrone Willingham was pretty controlled on the sideline. When ND started the 2002 season on fire, people were quick to compliment that style. He was called cerebral, and like Buddah (seriously). But when the Irish started to lose, he was too passive. He was thinking about his next golf game, allegedly. Same guy, same demeanor — but different results meant a different perception.
Tommy Rees was asked about tempo at the media availability Tuesday night. Here was his response:
“With regards to tempo, we’ve always felt like the ability to change tempo is the advantage. If you do one, teams know how to prepare for it. Let’s say we played 70 reps of football Saturday — it was a little bit more, but you take out the kneel and you take out some plays — I think we had 16 (quick) tempo. We huddled 20 times, maybe 18. Calling from the sidelines.
“We had 14 drives there before the kneel down, so that’s 14 more calls. And then the ones where we’re in-between tempos. So that’s about right. You’re probably going to look at it about 18-20 percent of what we do (is quick tempo). It’s week-to-week a little bit on the opponent. And then, to be perfectly transparent, when you’re up 30-7 at half, you’re not going to play with tempo just to play with tempo.
“Some of that is schematic like, ‘Hey, let’s not show some things that are easy to pick, because people pick signals. Tempo’s usually can be picked. So let’s not show them in a game when you don’t need them.’ When you’re up like that you’re certainly not trying to accelerate it that way. Unless there was some short-yardage stuff we did that was good for us. I guess we scored two touchdowns on tempo calls. The one to Chris, the second touchdown, and then Audric’s first one, there was an injury, but that was an on-the-ball call. Maybe it didn’t look like tempo but it was.
“The ability to change it — we’ve gotten some feedback that on film and in-game we probably play faster than people prepare for. Which I don’t know what that means, but it is what it is. I think we have a blend right now of being able to huddle, being able to really play fast, and then somewhere in between.”
Chuck from Cleveland, Ohio: Hi Eric. Another excellent job by you and Tyler on Monday. The word is that MF will improve his coaching ability with time — agree. But, his recruiting ability will compensate — agree to a certain extent. IMHO, this recruiting class will change dramatically by Signing Day. I cannot see current WR commits staying strong as they watch the WR's "die on the vine" at ND. Also, Oregon was electric on Saturday, which had to impact Jayden Limar and Peyton Bowen. Oregon played fast, energetic and creative — vs. ND's boring performances lately. Got to be more fun playing in Oregon vs. South Bend these days. Also, just read that ND might have the fastest recruiting class of 2023. IF....Commits stay true, MF is off and running in his coaching career. How do you see this unfolding up to December? Will a final record of 6-6, or worse, change/alter this current recruiting trajectory? I am "all in" for Marcus, despite his inability to make significant and needed changes thus far! Thanks for listening!
Eric Hansen: Thanks, Chuck. The Irish may lose Jayden Limar and still have two great RBs. Peyton Bowen is really interesting and has been. I think him visiting for the Clemson game is huge, and how he comes out of the weekend will be very telling. As I mentioned earlier, ND wants to and will still add more prospects. ... I think Marcus has handled the Marshall and Stanford losses well with recruits. So I think 6-6 or better won't change their thinking. I am encouraged by some subtle signs of growth I have seen in season from Marcus Freeman as well in the on-field coaching.
John from Palmyra, Pa.: I was 0/2 last week with my questions. ?? How does what Marcus is telling the recruits and what Tommy/Al are doing with the recruits/youth mesh?? Please explain. Bothelo at LB, or is he also a transfer in the offseason? Thanks.
Eric Hansen: John. I'm sorry about last week and you had a really good one. I remember that I didn't see it until it was too late. (And you just made it this week). ... I think all the coaches are on the same page with the messaging to recruits. I don't see that as an issue. Director of recruiting Chad Bowden does a great job in that mix as well. If Jordan Botelho stays, he'll have a chance to compete for the starting vyper position next season, with Isaiah Foskey and Justin Ademilola moving on. He does not fit well in what Al Golden wants to do with the linebackers (unless they suddenly showed some 3-4 looks). So he's definitely a D-lineman. Has been excellent on special teams.
Eric Hansen: OK, that's going to do it for today. I have another work commitment coming up. Thanks for all the great questions and sorry for the ones I couldn't get to. We'll be back to do it all over again next Wednesday at noon ET.
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